Scripting Domain Registration (was Re: Web Hosting Provider)

[Bill McGonigle]

On Jan 20, 2006, at 09:38, Christopher Schmidt wrote:

> Sadly, this means
> changing dozens of DNS records that are not in my control, belonging to
> other users pointing at that server. What a PITA.

This got me thinking - I've got a client with a dozen domain names 
which we need to update DNS server information for (not as bad as  Mr. 
Schmidt's problem).  Last time I tried this with Network Solutions it 
involved setting a domain to parking and then resetting the DNS server 
data, logging in and out each time - a few hours work driving a web 
browser (all due to bugs in their web app).

So, usually when there's predictable mind-numbing work we script 
things.  I have to imagine somebody who does this kind of thing for a 
living has a WWW:Mechanize or similar system with plugins for each 
registrar.  No luck with the usual keywords - does such a thing exist?

Second best would be an API for managing domain names, though that 
would require a registrar transfer first.  I find several on Google, 
mainly aimed at resellers, but picking a registrar from a Google search 
is playing with fire - does anyone here have any positive experience 
doing this?

Come to think of it - my ideal solution would be a registrar who slaves 
my zones, looks for any NS record changes and merges them into the 
WHOIS database.  No dice on Google.  Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Thanks,
-Bill
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