Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Domain Name?

A Domain Name is an alphanumeric string that provides your business with a unique identifier on the Internet - similar to your fax number. For example, iLABS Private Limited has a domain name of ilabs.com to help our prospective customers locate us on the Internet. By typing www.ilabs.com in their web browser, our prospects such as yourself can - quite magically - retrieve information on our website. How should I choose my Domain Name? Ideally, a company should have a Domain Name that reflects its identify in the best possible manner. Microsoft's website at www.microsoft.com is easy to remember because the Domain Name has the same spelling as the company name. A business does not have to choose a Domain Name with the same spelling as its company name but doing so will help customers remember its website address.

Why should I rush to get my Domain Name?

Any Domain Name can be granted for use to only one entity - either an individual or a business. In other words, you will not be able to use your preferred Domain Name once an entity has already obtained the use of it. There are millions of companies around the world applying for domain names. No matter how unique you think your company name is in Singapore, the likelihood of another company having the same name in another part of the world is rather high. In fact, an estimated 80% of Singapore companies cannot obtain a .COM domain by now.

Who owns the rights to the Domain Name?

Your company owns the full rights to use the Domain Name. We act as the web-hosting company only. As long as the licence is renewed on a continual basis, a business can literally own the Domain Name forever.

What is the significance of '.sg' in some Domain Names?

There is no technical difference except in the spelling. A website with an address such as www.yourdomain.com is a United States-registered Domain Name, whereas an address like www.yourdomain.com.sg is a Singapore-registered Domain Name. You can choose to apply for either type. A US-registered Domain is generally considered more prestigious than a Singapore-registered one.

Can Singapore users access my website which has a U.S. Domain Name?

Absolutely. In fact, any user in the world who has a connection to the Internet can access your website. On a similar note, any user in the world can also access a website with a Singapore domain (ending with '.com.sg').

Who charges for the Domain Name?

The relevant U.S. Internet authorities charges the fee for a U.S.-based Domain Name (yourdomain.com). The Singapore Internet authorities charges for a Singapore-based Domain Name (yourdomain.com.sg).

How long does it take to apply for the Domain Name?

We apply for the domain name immediately upon receiving your application during office hours. Typical timeframe for getting a U.S. domain name is 1-4 hours, and that for a Singapore domain name is about 1-2 days.

Why do we need to pay monthly charges to iLABS?

The successful application of your Domain Name is only the first step toward setting up your website. To enable users to access information on your website, you need a computer server connected 24 hours a day to the Internet to store information and send them to users visiting your site. We provide this "data storage and access" for you on a 24-hour basis throughout the entire year so that your customers can retrieve the information at any time of the day.

Should I register a U.S. or a Singapore Domain Name?

If you do business on a regional or an international basis, perhaps you may prefer a U.S. domain name, which is generally considered an international Domain. It is also shorter in length (it comes without the ".sg" at the end of the Domain Name). Another advantage is that it is less expensive than a Singapore domain name.

What about my current Pacific Internet, Starhub, Singnet or Swiftech dial-up account?

You will still need your current account as only these network providers are licensed to provide users with the dial-up connection to the Internet.

Is it possible to upload the data myself?

Absolutely. If you have the knowledge in using HTML and FTP, you can maintain your website. Alternatively, you can sign a contract with us to maintain your webpages. There is no extra charges for this feature.

How often can I upload changes to my website?

As often as you like at no extra charges.

How much "traffic" or bandwidth am I allowed?

Unlimited.

Why would we register with your company, and not bigger companies like Singnet?

Technical Support! When is the last time you e-mailed your local ISP for help? How many days did it take them to reply you? Does your ISP even call you back when you leave a voice message on their mailbox? On the other hand, we guarantee we will reply if you send us an e-mail. Pricing. The significantly higher pricing charged by our local ISPs does not mean that you get a better service and product. You are simply subsidising their high overheads. Convince yourself by conducting a simple test: send us an e-mail regarding a sales or technical question. See how long it takes us to send you a reply. Send a similar e-mail to the local ISPs too, and compare our response time and theirs.

Do we have to host our website with your company forever?

No, you are free to move your website to another company whenever you want because you own your domain name. It only requires a few days to complete the move.

Can I have my e-mail address such as sales@mycompany.com.sg?

Yes - we can set up any e-mail address such as userid@yourcompany.com.sg.

What is an Email Virtual Redirector?

An example is sales@yourcompany.com.sg, which we redirect to your existing ISP account at yourcompany@pacific.net.sg

Is web design included in the web-hosting fee?

No, there is an additional one-time fee for web design.

I'm hosting with Pacific Internet/Starhub/Singnet - can I move my domain to your server?

Absolutely - and you will get to save a substantial amount of hosting fees. Not to mention better technical support. It typically takes 2-3 days to switch over to our servers.

How much disk space does a company need for a website?

From our experience, it is 2-3 Mb. That is about 2 diskettes full of data.

Can you help reserve my Domain Name first?

Yes, we can. Please contact us for details