There must a name for these businesses in the existing database. Can you require that new signups use the same name as in the existing system (then allow the businesses to change the "display" name)?
This is what I would like to do. But... in concrete terms, how does one do this without allowing those who are registering to search (and see) companies already signed up? I think that is my biggest concern. Folks signing up for my client's application will be competitors - and my client is very protective of the data.
Or sign existing businesses up automatically and tell them the (temporary) credentials?
This option isn't really an option at all. The application is a way for my client to get new customers, and they are hoping the service will bring in new businesses (as well as their existing clients). Some businesses in their current database (close to 70%) are not current clients, they are prospects. So, although my client will market this service - they won't sign businesses up in advance and send them temporary credentials.
One of the things moving about in my head is using my client's existing email list to assign core URL's to the business. The problem I have with that is many of the businesses and organizations are small and their email accounts are simply with email providers, rather than through their own sites. So... it's not a perfect solution by any stretch. But... it is a major step towards building clean data. But... if I'm going to go this route, I need a good list of email service providers and their email extensions....
If you know of a way to allow users to search for their business, without viewing the names of other businesses in the database, I'm all ears, as that solution is probably my best bet for clean data.
Thanks Much - Pavilion