I'm currently writing a dropping domain snagger and would like some opinions on the fastest method to check availability of a domain. I'm currently using eNom for checking availability and for auto ordering.

Also, which company has the fastest API? DirectI, eNom or OpenSRS (TuCOWS)?

Directi is the slowest. I would say it's between eNom and OpenSRS.

Take a look at this -> http://www.mrscripts.co.uk it may answer some of your questions.

Does anybody know of something similar to the GoogleBar but instead of a search field for Google, there's a whois lookup?

Not an API interface, but you can put lists through the Freewho checker at: http://freewho.com/checker/index.php

Hmmm... after reading your post, i don't think this is what you were looking for.

I'm currently writing a dropping domain snagger


I think you would get banned for flooding if your going to use the normal whois for "snagging".... Dont the drop services all use special subscriptions to whois data?

enom's api can do the job, but don't use the PURCHASE command they will ban your server IP use the CHECK command

Originally posted by James K
Does anybody know of something similar to the GoogleBar but instead of a search field for Google, there's a whois lookup?

http://domainstate.com/toolbar/

Use http://www.whois.sc

~hostguy2004

i just use godaddy :) it comes with detailed info too

api chasing is pretty useless if anyone else wants the name. Enom limits your capacity to chase during the drop making it even slower (1 query per second or two I believe). The problem with API is it is slow:

your server sends check command to registrar server
registrar server checks with vgrs (verisign)
vgrs sends back either available or unavailable to registrar
registrar forwards response to your server
your server sends purchase command to registrar
registrar sends purchase command to vgrs

and your up against RRP access of the registrars themselves:

registrar sends repeated purchase requests to vgrs



who is going to win everytime? i think it is clear. Also, not to mention there are over a hundred registrars chasing.

I wouldn't waste time chasing drops with such a script, ultimately, I dont think it's worth it.

Originally posted by Bashar
http://domainstate.com/toolbar/

Excellent. This is perfect.

Thanks. :)

Whois is not the correct way to check domain availability as it is always 24 hours behind the real registry database.
You need a direct connection to the registry , and for picking up dropped domains you would normally be connecting to the special pool of connections reserved for that purpose.

Originally posted by James K
Excellent. This is perfect.

Thanks. :)

I downloaded and installed the toolbar - however it says I can't use it until I register - of course I am already registered so go figure

Carl