Version: 1.0 | Last updated: May 2026
Author: Pawel Kowalik, Co-Author of Domain Connect specification
Domain Connect is an open-standard protocol that automates DNS configuration when a user connects a domain to a third-party service. It eliminates manual DNS record entry by letting the service provider and DNS provider communicate directly — the user just clicks "Connect" and approves.
- Originally proposed by: GoDaddy, 2016
- Status: Production-deployed; IETF standardization underway (DCONN working group, approved Oct 2025)
- Specification: draft-ietf-dconn-domainconnect-01 (Standards Track)
- Scale: ~20 DNS providers, 720 templates, 408 service providers, ~35% of .com zone covered
This knowledge base is published in two focused editions. Choose the one that matches your role:
For marketing professionals, communications teams, conference speakers, and partner outreach. Covers the business case, key messages, soundbites, storytelling guides, and audience-specific narratives.
Go here if you: write LinkedIn posts or blog articles, prepare conference talks, brief analysts or press, or pitch Domain Connect to partners.
For DNS providers, service providers, and protocol contributors. Covers the technical protocol, template structure, security model, step-by-step implementation guides, and IETF participation.
Go here if you: are building Domain Connect support into a DNS platform or service, reviewing a template, or contributing to the IETF specification.