**5 Signs Your Business Needs an Upgrade to Premium DNS Service**

In the digital age, having a reliable DNS service is crucial for a business’s online presence. While most small businesses start with the basic DNS service provided by domain registrars, as they grow, they may find themselves needing more advanced capabilities that these basic services may not offer. IBM’s NS1 Connect team has identified several signs that indicate when it’s time for a business to consider upgrading to a premium DNS service.

1. **Greater Uptime and Resilience**: As businesses scale, the need for constant access to customers becomes paramount. Standard DNS services may offer decent uptime initially, but as the network grows in size and complexity, the need for failover planning and backup infrastructure surpasses what a registrar can provide.

2. **Enhanced DNS Responses**: Meeting high customer expectations at scale requires advanced traffic steering capabilities that basic anycast DNS networks lack. Efficiently routing traffic to nearby infrastructure becomes crucial for successful service expansion.

3. **Advanced Infrastructure Control**: Basic DNS solutions can’t offer the flexibility required to fine-tune the delivery of applications, services, and content across different infrastructure elements effectively. This can hinder a network’s ability to function at its highest potential and lowest cost.

4. **Access to DNS Data**: Premium DNS services offer the ability to analyze DNS data to gain insights into how applications, content, and services are used online. This information is valuable for optimizing performance and identifying and resolving network issues.

5. **Expert Support and Guidance**: Basic DNS services rarely come with professional support or the ability to discuss complex DNS issues with a dedicated customer success manager. As businesses grow and face technical complexities, having expert guidance becomes crucial for managing DNS effectively and securely.

The NS1 Connect team at IBM has witnessed the impact of premium DNS services on network performance, user satisfaction, and revenue growth. Their advanced capabilities equip businesses with the tools they need to manage a high-performing network effectively. Taking preventive measures, such as setting up a network correctly from the start, can save businesses from dealing with the consequences later.

If your business is ready to take the next step or if you’re curious about the business impact of advanced DNS capabilities, consider exploring IBM NS1 Connect.

**FAQ**

1. **What is DNS?**

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites and other online services using human-readable addresses.

2. **What is the difference between standard DNS and premium DNS?**

Premium DNS services typically offer advanced features such as enhanced uptime, traffic steering capabilities, access to DNS data, and expert support, which are not commonly found in standard DNS services.

3. **How does DNS affect business performance?**

DNS plays a critical role in ensuring constant access to customers, optimizing performance, and resolving network issues, all of which directly impact a business’s online presence and revenue growth.

4. **Why is it important for businesses to consider upgrading to premium DNS services?**

As businesses grow, they may outgrow the capabilities of standard DNS services provided by domain registrars. Upgrading to premium DNS services can provide the advanced features and support needed to manage a high-performing network effectively.

5. **How can I explore IBM NS1 Connect?**

Interested businesses can find more information about IBM NS1 Connect and its advanced capabilities on the IBM website.

Source: [IBM NS1 Connect](https://www.ibm.com/services/dns)