Gateway

"Internet penetration levels are growing quickly in our Eastern and Central European markets and the web is becoming an increasingly important marketing tool for our International division. Domain names are at the heart of our online growth strategy and are fundamental to our business. We have had great success using campaign-specific domain names to capture public interest for our Provident brand. We're confident that our online brands are in safe hands with NetNames and that we're always ready to take advantage of any new opportunities or respond to potential threats."

Alison Shield, Digital Media Manager at Provident Financial

Gateway appoints NetNames for online brand protection

15 March 2007

NetNames, the leading domain name management specialist, has been appointed to help protect leading PC manufacturer Gateway’s critical online business. Gateway is the third largest PC manufacturer in the US and among the top ten worldwide.

NetNames’ Platinum Service, which manages the domain name portfolios for a third of the FTSE 100 companies, will protect vital website addresses used for marketing Gateway’s computer systems and also the website addresses that are critical to the company’s online business and customer service operations.

Prior to appointing NetNames, Gateway’s domain name portfolio had been distributed among a number of different providers making it difficult to manage and monitor for potential threats. NetNames’ Platinum Service will centralise the management of all Gateway’s domain names and will give better visibility of any potential threats from cybersquatters. It will also ensure that domain names vital to Gateway’s online business are always renewed.

Jonathan Robinson, Chief Operating Officer for NetNames, commented: “Domain names are not only valuable branding tools for marketers, but they are the cornerstone on which all of a company’s online business and email depends. Failing to renew or allowing important domain names to fall into the wrong hands can not only do a brand major damage, but also threaten to bring entire sales operations to a halt. NetNames Platinum Service will ensure Gateway’s key domain names are well protected and will monitor for any threats.?

A dedicated NetNames senior account manager has been assigned to proactively manage the portfolio and will assist Gateway with the implementation of a comprehensive domain name strategy to support its online marketing goals.

Molly Quong, Domain Administrator at Gateway, commented, "Our domain names are key elements of our online business and it is important they remain secure and available. After evaluating a number of proposals NetNames’ overall package was the most complete and the strong customer service level means we are always on top of any new domain name developments ensuring we can take advantage and stay ahead of the latest online brand threats.?

About NetNames

NetNames is part of London listed Group NBT plc (LSE: NBT). Through its industry leading domain name management service, NetNames Platinum Service, the company is responsible for managing and protecting online brands for international corporates, including in excess of 30% of the FTSE 100. The company provides domain names, website hosting and email services for a range of customers – from the home user up to enterprise level. NetNames is an ICANN Accredited Registrar with the ability to register domain names in all available suffixes worldwide. The company is headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Nice, Frankfurt and Madrid. For further information, visit www.netnames.com.

For further information please contact:
Ivan Ristic, Hotwire, tel: 020 7608 4647
Email: ivan.ristic@hotwirepr.com