What Is a Single Label Domain Name?

Single-label domains can complicate merging data.

Single-label domain names refer to the use of one word as the name of a website or other directory of computer files, such as "example" instead of "example.com." Single-label domains can simplify some tasks but complicate compatibility in some instances.

Function

When configured properly, a single-label domain name allows users to type only the meat of a Web address, without worrying about prefixes like "www" or suffixes like ".com" or ".info." This mostly works just for local users, such as the employees on an intranet. However, the server and users' software must be configured properly for it to always work.

Considerations

The use of single-label domain names has declined since the Internet's early days. During mergers or acquisitions, or even just software updates, single-labels can lead to incompatibility. Making domain labels fully compatible with the wider DNS system is beneficial and sometimes necessary.

Conversion

Software can help change domain names.

Moving a collection of files in a single-label system to a standard DNS name can be done by "migrating" the files. This is essentially like copying files to a new folder. Otherwise, software like Microsoft Exchange or Open Xchange can help rename the files properly.

References

• ChicagoTech.net: Single-label DNS Names Issue
• WindowsITPro.com: Single-Label Domain DNS Resolution
• Support.Microsoft.com: Information about configuring Active Directory domains by using single-label DNS names