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DynDNS Cuts Back Free DNS Options

Posted by timothy on from the yes-we-have-fewer-bananas-today dept.

First time accepted submitter LazyBoyWrangler writes "Just noticed the 'free' non-commercial service from DynDNS has been deprecated. Not my place to argue with their business model changes, but the home router infrastructure out there has been built around the promise of free dynamic DNS service. Most manufacturers offer DynDNS as their only option. Removing the free service for non-commercial folks seems disingenuous when they are the only option for many users." According to the linked page, the free service is being drastically cut back for new users (one free hostname, rather than five, and from a shorter list of branded domains), but not ended entirely. Existing users, it says, will see no changes "as long as you keep your hostnames active and up-to-date. If you allow your account or hostnames to expire, you will have to select from the new domains instead and will be limited to the one free hostname."

4 of 223 comments (clear)

  1. Yep by bobstreo · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Already lost a domain name I had for I have no idea how many years because google marked the notification as junk so I never saw it.

    I'm partly to blame for not logging in every other day to make sure my account didn't expire.

  2. What's most disturbing is the lack of others... by Above · · Score: 5, Interesting

    While there are services, like DynDNS with proprietary interfaces the reality is that dynamic DNS has a standard interface. RFC 2136 style updates should work with any provider, allowing equipment makers to support everyone. While DynDNS has supported people well, I hope this move makes end users demand RFC standard support in devices so that ANY dynamic DNS provider can be used. There are choices other than DynDNS, they have maintained their lead only via a proprietary interface and a market lead.

    1. Re:What's most disturbing is the lack of others... by girlintraining · · Score: 5, Interesting
      What's really disturbing is the sense of entitlement on the internet; Network resources cost money. Maybe not much, but not zero either. But I digress... end users aren't going to demand anything. Appealing to a sudden outburst of education and intelligence is like praying for rain in the middle of a desert. Sure, once in a great, great while you might get lucky and have your wish granted... But I'd humbly suggest a more life-preserving option.

      I mean, look at IPv6; IP address space is now gone. There were economic and technical incentives years ago to convert but nobody did. Now IP addresses, a completely artificial and invented thing, has become equivalent to real property... and people are reluctant to switch now because they've made an investment in this intangible.

      No, if there's anything the internet has taught me it's this; The answer to "They couldn't POSSIBLY be that stupid..." is always "Oh yes they could."

      --
      #fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
  3. Who is being disingenuous? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It seems like the router manufacturers, who have essentially been free-riding on dyndns' service as a selling point for their routers.