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DNS, CNAME and proper due diligence


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So here is the scenario:
ACT 1
Place: Data Center with smiling sales rep and customer
Customer has a server for some time and adds a domain for web and mail as they merge with another company.  Following easy DNS we make a new DNS zone and create MX and A records for the new domain.  Wow, the world of the web and email is great

ACT 2
Place: Data Center and Customer Site (flip back and forth) with smiling people
Customer goes for years with awesome performance and no issues

ACT 3
Place: Customer site and Data Center with people running around and banging on keyboards
Customer fails to renew one of their original domains.  This domain was used in the reference for the CNAME and MX records for the merger.  Suddenly mail and the website cannot be found and no apparent reason.  After much troubleshooting we tracked it backwards and made the appropriate changes to get it back in line.

ACT 4
Place: Cubical with people with missing hair in patches
Closing scene with customer.   Phone conference explaining to them that they let one of their original domains expire.  This in turn broke the other domains that referred to it through CNAME and MX.

Writer summary: For gosh sakes check your DNS tables and make sure you are current on domain registrations