Domain names
It is important to have a domain naming strategy that can be followed while assigning new domains (internally/externally) or naming new domains.
Thus, we need to standardise the naming structure so that every new domain, follows the same strategy.
TLD (Top Level Domain) Represents the highest level in the hierarchical DNS (Domain Name System), the last part of an URL (e.g. www.airbus.com)
Most TLDs are managed by the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
Root Domain Structure examples :
There can be multiple ways for structuring the name of a domain:
Domains | Sub-domains | Sub-folders |
Airbus.com | xyz.airbus.com | airbus.com/xyz.html |
xyz.airbus | x-y-z.airbus.com | airbus.com/x-y-z.html |
Sub-domain is a child domain under a larger parent domain name, using dot (.) as a separator, e.g. www.xyz.airbus.com
Sub-folder is a folder behind a domain address, e.g. www.airbus.com/xyz.html
Sub-folders should always be preferred, unless there is a valid reason why the subject merits a separate website. In this case, it should always be a sub-domain of airbus.com
Even if, technically, .airbus is like any other TLD (like .com) it can only be used in specific cases, where security and full ownership are highly needed. Airbus employes only can request a .airbus domain name.
When can you use it:
Examples of use:
emirates.airbus : entry point for all digital services offered to a dedicated customer
skywise.airbus : portal solution for all partners and customers
Main advantages to use this extension are :
When can you NOT use it:
In some cases we have to use an hyphen (-) instead of a dot (.) - email addresses for example:
questions@customeraccess-airbus.com : here customeraccess is not a subdomain of airbus.com
If you use questions@customeraccess.airbus.com it is considered as a subdomain, there can be an issue to connect to the account
A new domain is also needed if a website is hosted on one network and the email on another one.
You have 3 options for your online presence:
.airbus | Sub domain | Sub folder |
www.yourname.airbus | www.yourname.airbus.com | www.airbus/com/yourname |
- For BtoB context only - To access with login - For non-public facing |
- Separated from airbus.com - To invest in SEO |
- To benefit from airbus.com's natural SEO - To be easily recognized as an Airbus entity |