Namespace:

Namespace is a system or alternative technology for web browsers which allows a user to type in a name in their browser instead of a domain or use of a search engine to find websites or companies associated with that name or term or keyword.

What this means is that if you want to find a company which sells adult content, all you have to do is type adult content in your browser and you will be taken, like it or not, to the company which has purchased the keyword. There are two parties involved in the setup of this service:
1. The company which provides the browser - i.e. Microsoft IE, Netscape Explorer, etc.
2. The company which sells these keywords to websites and other companies - like Realnames ( now defunct )

So, the 2nd party affiliates with the 1st party and sells keywords. Example:Realnames affiliates with Microsoft for a browser plugin and when anyone types adult content into the browser, rather than google.com, the browser is automatically redirected to the website of the company which has purchased the keyword adult content from Realnames. Sort of like a search engine built into the browser, only difference is, there's no choice. If you type adult content, there's only one website you are going to end up on everytime.

Scenarios: Let's say there are two or more name providers. Let's say that Microsoft has it's own and netscape has tied up with XYZ. The Microsoft IE user types adult content, he goes straight to AEBN. The Netscape user types adult content and he goes straight to Webmastercentral. Other and smaller content providers stand no chance. Even more dangerous, let's say that AEBN purchased names from both Microsoft and Netscape, every user would go straight to AEBN. This is Microsoft's strategy for dealing with Google. They tested the system with Realnames and now they're developing their own system which they have patented - " Flexible Keyword Searching ", so likely they'll end up as the only name providers for browsers. One more nail in the coffin for Netscape and Google.

Which one would you prefer:-

1. Just type adult content in your browser Or
2. Type google.com, wait for Google's page to come up, then type adult content in the search bar and wait for the results. Then go through the results, click a few listings, end up somewhere you don't want to be, suffer a few popups and then maybe find the right website.

Most people I know would prefer option 1. Only people who want to do a lot research before buying something will use option 2.Specially if option 1 is certified and guaranteed by Microsoft to be the right website for that particular product or keyword. This fits the pattern of Microsoft killing competition and free choice. Any one with Microsoft gains and anyone on the other side can close shop and find a new job.

The Problem:

There are a lot of possible and real problems with this implementation. Most important is the lack of choice to the user. Inside such a vast internet, you cannot have all users going to the same website for a particular keyword. Also, there is a problem about generic keywords. What happens if namespace operators start handing out keywords like sex? As an example, if sex.com buys the keyword, then the rest of us can pack up and go home. It's logical to consider that anybody with a brand name is going to buy up all the keywords associated with his brand. The block-a-domain game is nothing compared to what would happen if namespace were to be implemented.

What's Actually Happening:

Microsoft is working on this concept and will likely implement it to a degree. Meaning that they won't allow users to be sent directly to websites who have purchased keywords. Instead, they will send users to relevant listings in MSN Search. That way they can't be accused of killing consumer choice, while they still make money by sending people to MSN Search. Google is probably working feverishly to find a way out of this mess. I mean, if a user can find the same listings without all the typing and searching, why would he bother with Google? If Microsoft implements this startegy, consider the chain:
Windows - MS Internet Explorer - Keyword sale to advertisers - MSN Search revenue. They leave no space for a competitor to squeeze in. Even though I hate their monopolistic ass, I have to admire their strategy. Related link: Microsoft may be illegally entering search market, says US

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