Google secures GoogleDrive.com and updates name servers
Google already owns GDrive.com, but it's unlikely that will be the final name of the service. Like Gmail is technically "Google Mail", the real name for GDrive will likely be "Google Drive". So that got me wondering about the domain "GoogleDrive.com".
Today, the name servers associated with this domain changed to NSx.GOOGLE.COM which is an important first step that is usually taken before they launch a service. After noticing the change, I was curious about the history of it and here is what I found.
- December 20, 2004 - the domain was registered to a fellow in New York -- it appears that it was never used, just parked.
- March 6, 2006 - The domain expired and was snapped up by another squatter that claims to be in Venezuela.
- July 10, 2006 - GoogleDrive.com was transferred to Morning Star Holdings in the West Indes.
- July 3, 2007 - MarkMonitor took control of the domain (Google's hired " domain brand management" company)
- Sept 12, 2007 - Google moved it from the MarkMonitor's nameservers to their own -- possibly preparing to launch the service?
With the most recent GDrive developments, Google Drive seems to be getting closer to launch. I am convinced we will see it soon, but I'm not sure if it will be exclusive to Google Apps or we will see a public Google service -- at least at first.