In a surprising turn of events, Google Domains announced its decision to wind down its operations — however, customers can rest assured as Squarespace steps in to acquire the business and its assets. This acquisition includes approximately 10 million domains hosted on the Google Domains platform, serving a vast customer base.
Google, which has also announced that will shut down Dropcam software support, has attributed this decision to its ongoing efforts to refine its focus. Since its launch in 2014, Google Domains has emphasized the importance of HTTPS and top-level domains (TLDs), finally exiting beta in 2022.
We’re excited to expand our global domains business through a definitive asset purchase agreement with Google to acquire the assets behind the Google Domains business. Read more here: https://t.co/xfTxOPWLxs pic.twitter.com/rCXOX2OMge
— Squarespace (@squarespace) June 15, 2023
Squarespace’s acquisition of Google Domains aligns with Google’s strategic objective of optimizing resource allocation. This move ensures a more favorable outcome compared to abruptly shutting down the service without a guided migration plan.
A seamless transition for customers
Squarespace has expressed its commitment to facilitating a seamless transition for customers in the upcoming months. They will work closely with the Google Domains team to ensure a smooth transfer of services. By leveraging Squarespace’s integrated domain purchasing and management experience, customers will also gain access to additional tools for building their online presence.
As a domain name registrar, Google Domains offered various features, including no-cost WHOIS privacy and one-click DNSSEC. These features enhanced security against DNS spoofing and cache poison attacks. The service leveraged Google’s reliable cloud infrastructure and boasted a user-friendly interface. The question remains whether Squarespace will be able to uphold the same level of user experience that Google Domains provided.
Squarespace pricing (annual plans)
Squarespace has assured existing Google Domains customers that renewal prices will be honored for at least 12 months after the completion of the transaction — the completion is expected in Q3 2023. Customers need not take immediate action, as Squarespace will manage the transition process following regulatory approvals.
Additionally, Squarespace will become the exclusive domain provider for customers purchasing a domain alongside their Workspace subscription directly from Google. This will require a minimum commitment of three years. Squarespace will also provide billing and support services to Google Workspace customers who initially signed up through Google Domains. This grants them the flexibility to make changes to their domains account whenever necessary.
Google has published a support document with preliminary details, and further information will be provided in due course. The focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for Google Domains customers during this period of change.
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