In an era where the internet is constantly evolving, ensuring long-term stability and digital continuity has become more important than ever. Recognizing this need, WordPress.com has introduced 100-Year Domains, allowing users to secure their domain names for an entire century. This initiative, paired with the relaunch of their 100-Year Plan, is designed to help individuals, businesses, and institutions preserve their digital presence for generations to come.
A New Era of Long-Term Domain Ownership
Traditionally, domain names can only be registered for up to 10 years at a time, requiring constant vigilance to ensure renewals and prevent accidental expirations. WordPress.com’s new 100-Year Domains solve this problem by automatically handling renewals for a full century. This means that once registered, your domain remains active without the risk of administrative errors or lapses.
For those seeking a more comprehensive solution, the 100-Year Plan extends beyond domain registration. This premium offering includes a suite of features that enhance digital preservation, including:
- Trust-Based Continuity: Secure trust accounts ensure seamless management across decades.
- Robust Digital Security: Strong contingency planning protects websites from unexpected challenges.
- LOCKSS Principle Storage: Data is stored in multiple mirrored locations for redundancy and disaster recovery.
- Internet Archive Integration: Automated backups ensure website content remains accessible through the Wayback Machine.
- Physical Commemoration: Customers receive a custom metal and glass placard marking their commitment to long-term digital preservation.
With these features, WordPress.com is redefining how users think about website longevity, ensuring that businesses, thought leaders, families, and cultural institutions can protect their online identity well into the next century.
Not the First, But the Latest to Offer Long-Term Domains
While WordPress.com’s 100-Year Domains are a significant innovation, they are not the first attempt at offering ultra-long-term domain registration. Epik, a domain registrar known for its ambitious services, previously offered “forever domain registrations,” allowing customers to theoretically hold domains indefinitely. However, this service is no longer available, leaving those who purchased such domains uncertain about the future of their registrations.
Similarly, Network Solutions, one of the oldest domain registrars, once provided a 100-year domain registration option. However, this service is no longer offered, making WordPress.com one of the few providers currently supporting century-long domain ownership.
The Importance of Domain Name Protection
Securing a domain name is a crucial aspect of maintaining a stable online presence. While registering a domain for 100 years might seem excessive—especially considering that .COM domains can currently only be registered for up to 10 years at a time—it is wise to register a domain for several years in advance. A good practice is to register your domain name for at least five years and then add an additional year annually. This strategy ensures that your domain is always protected and minimizes the risk of accidental expiration.
By consistently renewing your domain in advance, you safeguard your brand, business, or personal site against lapses that could result in loss of ownership or cyber-squatting. Implementing a structured renewal plan as part of an overall domain name protection strategy is a more practical and cost-effective approach than committing to a century-long registration.
Who Benefits from a 100-Year Domain?
The concept of 100-year domains and hosting isn’t just for large corporations—it caters to a wide range of users, including:
- Cultural Institutions & Nonprofits: Museums, libraries, and research organizations can preserve knowledge and historical records.
- Digital Creators & Thought Leaders: Writers, artists, and influencers can safeguard their work beyond the lifespan of current social media platforms.
- Families & Legacy Holders: Individuals can create digital heirlooms, ensuring that their personal stories and family histories remain online.
- Entrepreneurs & Businesses: Brands can maintain continuity and avoid losing their identity due to forgotten renewals.
- Future Historians: Those looking to document long-term projects can keep their work intact for future generations.
The Cost of Securing Your Digital Future
While the idea of securing a digital presence for a century is appealing, it comes with a price:
- 100-Year Plan: $38,000 (includes hosting, domain, trust-based continuity, and website preservation tools)
- 100-Year Domain: $2,000 (one-time purchase, no annual renewals)
Though these prices may seem steep, they offer long-term peace of mind and ensure that websites and domains remain active without the need for constant renewal monitoring.
In a world where websites frequently disappear, domain ownership lapses, and digital footprints fade, WordPress.com’s 100-Year Domains and 100-Year Plan are groundbreaking solutions for those looking to maintain a lasting online presence. With the ability to secure a domain for a full century and the infrastructure to support long-term website hosting, this initiative ensures that your digital legacy stands the test of time.
For those who value online continuity and want to ensure their presence remains intact for future generations, WordPress.com’s offering is a compelling investment in the longevity of their brand, business, or personal story.