Network Computingwww.networkcomputing.com

To support the high demand for these addresses and provide reliable security, Network Solutions has to maintain its own robust network. "Our network encompasses the Internet," Holtzman explains. "Every time a person types in an uncached a ddress, [the request] goes directly to a Network Solutions server."

Network Solutions uses an intruder detection system to record attempts to break into its 24x7 operation, as well as Internet commerce security software for additional safety. "More than 100 attempts to break in occur per day," Holtzman reports. "We want to not only prevent these attempts, but find out how these attempts take place."

And Network Solutions has developed its custom Messaging Tracking System software to record more than 250,000 customer messages for name changes, complaint letters and license renewals into specific databases. Depending on the topic, the system channels the information to the proper employees, according to Holtzman.

Web servers from Netscape and Sun Microsystems enable prospective customers to log onto Network Solutions' WorldNIC site (www.worldnic.com), line up domain names, then purchase them with credit cards. For those who don't have a specific name in mind, WorldNIC asks for a few key words to descr ibe the company and suggests appropriate addresses, all followed by such familiar top-level domain names as .net and .com.

Oracle Corp. databases handle DNS-based functions and Ingres databases store the master list of all assigned domain name addresses on Sun SPARC Whois data servers. The system searches the list for the requested domain name. If that address does not appear, Network Solutions assigns that name to the client and processes the transaction. The servers update and transfer the data daily to Root servers. Only then can people access a Web site. The entire process takes 14 hours. "We want to give our customers their addresses quickly, so they can get on the Web and go do their thing," he says.

Holtzman plans to continue building a massive custom monitoring system. "We just need to flip a switch and watch our machines nationwide," he says. Network Solutions is placing servers in multiple locations worldwide to create a more fault-tolerant network.

For more information on Network Solution s and to register for a domain name address, please visit its Web site.