Uniforum Hell

[andres101]

Your points are valid if you manage a many domains. It is not worth writing your own frontend if you only manage a few. Also, if I need to write my own frontend, at least give a proper API (not email).

Even a simple form like za.net would go a long way.

I do not propose that government take control of the registrar, just that they should either improve their interface or allow someone else to do so (aka competition).

 

[w1z4rd]

If you only manage one domain, this is not a problem, if you manage 1000`s.. it is a big problem.

 

[Freshy-ZN]

I cannot believe people defend the Uniforum system! Would you defend the SABC if it still only broadcast from 6pm till 11pm? Hey you have TV dont you? Would you still be happy if SA still only had black and white TV sets available to purchase? Hey you can still watch TV cant you?

Why do we insist on accepting mediocrity? It is lunacy. In ten years time Uniforum will still have their little email form that requires you to send in plain text format while the rest of the world has moved on to biometric domain management or something.

The point is Uniforum do not want to move with the times of their own accord. Competition would sort that out.

 

[RSkeens]

I'm with Freshly-ZN with this. I find it amusing how you say "it's been like that for years - accept it".

It's called progress and it involves DEVELOPMENT. Unless you can truly say that you believe UniForm's system is as up to date and has the same ease of use as other domain registrar systems, then by all means stay with them.

This is NOT about getting requests handled by means of DNS - anyone can get that right and not get any errors. This would be about a newcomer who wishes to register a domain name but can't simply because he immediately sees it as overcomplicated, he would then have no choice but to go through his host.

 

[ambo]

I think that it is important to point out that while Uniforum has plans and ideas about how they could improve their systems - I don't think we will see them implemented until the structure of the zaDNA is set in stone.

No one wants to spend months on developing a new system just to have it dumped or made worthless in a few months by a change in the way zaDNA wishes to run our ccTLD.

Like mike@ said - there is a process. It is currently a little slow but if you are not involved then you don't really have any justification to moan. Its the same as if you don't vote - you can't complain about the government

 

[Freshy-ZN]

Slow??? you have got to be joking, its pathetic. 24 hours PLUS DNS propogation to update details vs 2-4 hours(sometimes minutes) with the dot com registrars. Why did they do away with the no-delay word system???

 

[ambo]

Slow??? you have got to be joking, its pathetic.

I'm not talking about their domain registration system... I'm talking about the founding of the zaDNA

 

[andres101]

so if we weren't part of the founders, we cannot complain? we have to use their system and have a right to ask for improvements! I do think that we shouldn't just complain, but also try to give some suggestions for improvements (which we have done).

The company must enhance public awareness of the economic and commercial benefits of domain name registration and:

• Administer and manage the .za domain name space;
• Comply with international best practice in the administration of the .za domain name space;
• License and regulate registries;
• License and regulate registrars for the respective registries; and
• Publish guidelines on:
  • the general administration and management of the .za domain name space;
  • the requirements and procedures for domain name registration; and
  • the maintenance of and public access to a repository,

ambo, what exactly is busy happening with zaDNA?

 

[adsl3g]

After my 6th attempt at trying to register a .co.za domain name I relented and let a hosting company do it for me at a R30 premium - worth it imo.

 

[RSkeens]

After my 6th attempt at trying to register a .co.za domain name I relented and let a hosting company do it for me at a R30 premium - worth it imo.

+1

Thank you for proving my theory that their system often forces clients to no choice but to work through their hosting company. I honestly do not care that they *supposedly* are not making money, if you are in charge of something as large as .co.za then you have the responsibility to keep up with technology.

It is currently a little slow but if you are not involved then you don't really have any justification to moan.

I don't quite get this argument - so going with this I won't see you complaining about Telkom because you are not part of its process?

 

[Freshy-ZN]

Wouldnt mind being able to log into a control panel and check what due for renewal. All these Uniforum emails hiding in my inboxes...

 

[ambo]

ambo, what exactly is busy happening with zaDNA?

They have a website, they have an open mailing list and they have public general meetings... Its not really a big secret if you spend a little time looking

 

[jamieb]

It seems to me that SA ISP's are following mostly manual processes to register their domain names... is there a web services API they can use?

 

[w1z4rd]

It seems to me that SA ISP's are following mostly manual processes to register their domain names... is there a web services API they can use?

No.. Uniforum are too lazy to make one... or if they have being making one theyve paying some 14yr old to work part time.. because promises were made yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeears ago.

 

[stoke]

What on earth is wrong with the existing system?

It's sooo simple:
1 - Create an email address (gmail account is excellent for this) specifically for all your uniforum communique.
2 - Get your domain listed on a domain name server somewhere.
3 - From that email address, you send the register form with the details in step 2 and your details, and in less than 10 minutes you have your reply.
4 - You pay the account number that uniforum specifies must be paid using the domain name as your reference.
5 - You monitor that email address once a month for news.

Steps 1 to 4 have taken me less than 5 minutes, most times.

P.S. The form clearly states the CNAME is no longer used.

The problem with the mail servers being down has very little to do with anything whatsoever. If it's not the mail servers, it will be the web server or problems with the ssl certificate or problems with the line.

You have to account for potential downtime of at least 7 days on these kind of systems, irrespective of what the technology used is.

I would MUCH rather keep the system simple and dirt cheap instead of ending up with a complicated system that does not have the required funding to pay for the correct skill level to look after it.

Pfffft!

 

[orange]

What on earth is wrong with the existing system?
<SNIP>
Pfffft!

What is wrong is that people are unable to use procmail!

or automate sending an email!

They forget that the only difference that interacting with whois.coza.net.za on port 43 vs a 'Web API' is simply changing the port number ;-)

 

[Anthro]

I am having this same damn issue - any way I can get the ball rolling ? (I did not see any suggestions)

 

[House]

Maybe you guys could take a look at www.cozareg.com

Not the perfect website, but we are trying to get it there in automating the majority of functions in registering and managing co.za domains in your own control panel.

The service is totally free to use.

I myself cannot stand the way in which Uniforum works with domain management.

 

[Anthro]

Thanks for the effort House, in the end I had to forward the ticketman request to my gmail and forward / reply from there
Even after all that some of the delivery addresses still failed
I am glad I got everything transferred though

 

[webslave]

.co.za regs

Thanks for the effort House, in the end I had to forward the ticketman request to my gmail and forward / reply from there
Even after all that some of the delivery addresses still failed
I am glad I got everything transferred though

It is confusing at first and with no instructions it can be frustrating. However when I ignored the lack of advice and frustration and just used my knowledge of the bind /dns system it makes far more sense. They are actually complying with the ICANN regs and in the same vein making sure that your domain will work.

I use godaddy's domain panel and host with another company. This has various benefits as well.