NeuStar, Inc. has announced that Overstock.com, a popular online closeout retailer, has chosen NeuStar’s UltraDNS Managed DNS Service to provide Overstock.com with a global DNS infrastructure that significantly enhances end-user experience and operational security—and protects revenue in the highly competitive online retail market.

Overstock.com has traditionally hosted its public DNS infrastructure in-house. As a growing number of companies are discovering, however, this approach is inconsistent with what is rightly recognized as a “mission-critical” infrastructure. With DNS increasingly at the core of critical business processes and communication services, companies can no longer rely on traditional, in-house approaches to their DNS infrastructure. Today, a DNS infrastructure needs to deliver carrier-class performance with “five nines” availability, comprehensive security, massive scalability, and 24/7 monitoring and support. Yet, the development, maintenance, and support of such an infrastructure is often impractical for companies that need to focus resources on their core businesses.

“Online retailing is extremely competitive. Customers have very demanding expectations of their online experience, and online retailers are constantly looking to establish a competitive advantage,” said Dr. Patrick M. Byrne, chairman and CEO at Overstock.com. “Consequently, every component of our service delivery must ensure the highest levels of security and operational excellence. We’re satisfied the UltraDNS Managed DNS Service meets our standard.”

With the UltraDNS Managed DNS Service, Overstock.com also will benefit from the DNS Shield(TM), a revolutionary extension of the UltraDNS infrastructure. The DNS Shield involves the deployment of authoritative DNS servers within the heart of the networks of leading ISPs, creating a hardened and secure DNS infrastructure that provides unprecedented levels of Internet performance and advanced protection against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) and pharming attacks for over 100 million Internet users.

“Overstock.com’s decision to migrate to NeuStar’s UltraDNS platform is further evidence of the critical role of DNS within the online retail market,” said Jeffrey Samuels, general manager and vice president of marketing at NeuStar’s Internet and Registry Managed Services group. “When every dollar of revenue a company earns is dependent on its online presence, fortifying the DNS infrastructure—the first network touch point—is even more essential in ensuring the security and reliability of the web experience.”