The Domains.co.za EPP control panel is hosted locally, in the N+1 Teraco secure, redundant data centre in Johannesburg.

Why Choose Domains.co.za EPP Control Panel

First and foremost, domains.co.za is an ICANN accredited Registrar, which means we have to adhere to very strict standards, policies and compliances.

The Domains.co.za platform features multiple load balanced API servers. Galera clustered database servers, redundant EPP worker servers, IPv4 & IPv6 connectivity and complete “warm” standby in a different geographical location is thus making it extremely redundant. Our platform is located in a N+1 centre with connectivity to multiple network providers. Added to this, we run multiple backup policies; high priority data is backed up every hour, lower priority data backed up every 12 hours and in accordance with ICANN policies, weekly backups of domain data are backed up to Iron Mountain.

Please refer here for our additional accreditation credentials.

1. ICANN Accredited Registrar

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and is responsible for coordinating the internet’s unique identifiers. Its functions include managing Internet Protocol address spaces (IPv4 and IPv6) as well as overseeing the Domain Name System (DNS) root zone and top-level domain namespace.

The ICANN accreditation is a very lengthy process involving specific accreditations and proficiencies relative to both technical and administrative process, to name a couple of aspects. For further ICANN information, please refer to their comprehensive website.

Domains.co.za became the second South African (6th African) company to be fully ICANN Accredited in August 2012, and as such have to adhere to their extremely very strict compliances, policies and standards. We are also the 2nd largest domain registration company in Africa.

2. Required Registrar Redundancies

Data Escrow and Backup Redundancy

• Backups to ensure that all customer registration data is protected against loss and is accessible in the event of a system failure or business closure.
• Data Escrow through regularly deposited an electronic copies of our registration database (containing WHOIS data, registration records, and account information) with an ICANN-approved escrow agent 

Technical Infrastructure Redundancy

• DNS Services require a strong, secure infrastructure to ensure domain names remain resolved.
• System security procedures are in place to prevent malicious or accidental disruption of services.
• Reseller Management infrastructure needs to ensure that any privacy and/or proxy services offered by our Resellers are also properly escrowed.

Operational & Business Continuity

• Registrars must maintain commercial general liability insurance with policy limits of at least US$500,000.
• Registrars must demonstrate financial stability.
• Registrars must maintain accurate, up-to-date contact information with ICANN and on their websites.

Data Accuracy & Compliance Redundancy

• Registrars must take “reasonable steps” to investigate and correct any inaccuracies in registration data.
• Registrars are required to send annual WHOIS data verification reminders to Registrants to provide up to date correct information.