Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

As per @Zuly Gonzalez' answer to this question on "Non .com domain v hyphen domain", when choosing a domain name sometimes it is necessary to add a common suffix to the name. Eg. mydomainAPP.com.

For enterprise software, I dont think app works the best...
So which suffixes would be better / more professional sounding / not-bozo-sounding / specific enough to have a meaning / and yet still flexible enough to not lock me down in the future?

  • Technology
  • Enterprise
  • Solutions
  • Application
  • Software
  • Systems
  • Products
  • Something else....?
share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

I think it depends on what your product does, and who your market is.

For the high-tech market, I like 'Technology' and 'Software'. Both are very generic, and will let you expand into other areas, like software support services.

'Systems' is also good, but to me implies something big, like a system that is made up of parts. For example a piece of hardware that comes with software, or several software components that work together.

The term 'Solutions' makes me think you are offering a service to the customer, such as a consulting firm.

'Enterprise' sounds a bit stuffy to me.

I don't like 'Application' or 'Products'. Plus, they may be too specific (especially 'Application'), and could limit you in the future. These terms may imply that you only provide a product, but you may decide you want to provide support for your software.

If I had to pick one for an enterprise software company, I would go with Software.

share|improve this answer
Thanks, but isnt "software" also non-services? – AviD Nov 23 '10 at 5:57
@AviD: Yes, in a way. When I hear enterprise software, I assume the company develops and sells their own software, along with providing some type of service to support their SW. I think that if you sell very expensive software it is expected that you also provide some kind of maintenance or training service (even if it's at an additional cost). So I assumed you were mainly in the business of developing software, but possibly offer services as a side effect of your main business. Am I way off? Can you tell us a little more about your business, so we can give you better recommendations? – Zuly Gonzalez♦ Nov 25 '10 at 1:03
If my assumption is correct, I think the term Software is a good choice, because the software is your main product, and the service portion of your business is a secondary concern. If you are more like a software reseller who primarily offers large corps a service, then the term Solutions might be a better option. Or even something like 'Software Solutions' might work. For example, AviD Software Solutions. But this is just my opinion based on nothing more than personal preference, and my interpretation of words. My goal is to get you thinking, and help you come up with your own suffix. – Zuly Gonzalez♦ Nov 25 '10 at 1:11
@Zuly, that is spot on, thanks - expensive, complex enterprise software + supporting services as a side effect (at least according to plan, we're not there yet). My only worry is if in the future we decide to change direction, and shift more into services, the "Software" might be a bit restrictive. Also, right now (and in the short term) I do still provide security consulting services until we have more cash flow... – AviD Nov 25 '10 at 5:54
Also, the name you suggested raised another issue for me... I thought it worthy of its own question – AviD Nov 25 '10 at 5:58
show 2 more comments
up vote 1 down vote

From the list above: systems

Enterprise-size businesses deploy systems and operate based on processes. :)

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.