Method and apparatus providing distributed domain management capabilities

A system and method facilitates communication of domain management functions and information between a front-end server, utilized for example by an unaccredited registrar or other type of partner site, and a back-end server. Typically the back-end server has direct access to the shared registry system (SRS) and is of the type such as might be found within an accredited registrar. Communication between the front-end server and the back-end server is through a lightweight protocol. The front-end server generates a graphical user interface on an operator's terminal. An operator enters information to the front-end server through the graphical user interface and generates a message from the operator terminal to the front-end server. The front-end server parses the message, extracts information appropriate to the requested function, and generates a compact command message to send to the back-end server. Preferably, the back-end server receives the command through a command-line or similar interpreter and performs a function or extracts information as requested by the front-end server. A variety of DNS or zone file information can be altered using simple graphical user interfaces into which an operator enters change information. The front-end server parses the change information from the operator and passes data representative of that change information to the back-end domain manager server. The requested information or a completion message is sent from the back-end server using a similar lightweight protocol.