Summary
The ownership of MX Toolbox is a complex issue with some conflicting information. Several sources, including DomainTools WHOIS, Crunchbase, and ICANN WHOIS, point to MXToolbox, Inc. as the current owner and operator. However, there are suggestions that Ziff Davis may have had a past association with MX Toolbox, potentially spinning it off between 2015-2021. Other sources, such as deliverability-focused websites and a Reddit thread, either do not address ownership directly or offer speculative information. MXToolbox's own documentation implies responsibility for the site and services, further supporting the notion that MXToolbox, Inc. is the entity in control.
Key findings
- MXToolbox, Inc.: Multiple sources (DomainTools WHOIS, Crunchbase, ICANN WHOIS) identify MXToolbox, Inc. as the current owner/operator.
- Ziff Davis Association: There's evidence suggesting a past association between MX Toolbox and Ziff Davis, potentially spun off between 2015-2021.
- Lack of Confirmation: Deliverability-focused websites (Word to the Wise, Spam Resource) do not explicitly address or confirm MXToolbox's ownership.
- Limited Disclosure: MXToolbox's documentation implies responsibility but does not directly state ownership.
Key considerations
- Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence to verify current ownership via official corporate records, financial statements, or direct inquiry with MXToolbox, Inc.
- Historical Context: Investigate the historical relationship between MX Toolbox and Ziff Davis to understand potential ownership changes and any lingering ties.
- Source Reliability: Consider the source's focus and reliability when evaluating ownership information. Domain registrars and corporate databases are generally more reliable than community discussions.
- Domain vs. Corporation: Be aware that domain ownership doesn't necessarily guarantee full corporate ownership but provides a strong indicator.
What email marketers say
6 marketer opinions
The ownership of MX Toolbox is somewhat unclear based on the provided information. Some sources suggest Ziff Davis may have owned MX Toolbox in the past, while others indicate that MXToolbox, Inc. is the current owner and operator. The WHOIS lookup and Crunchbase both support the claim that MXToolbox, Inc. is the current owner. However, community discussions indicate speculation about independent ownership.
Key opinions
- Current Owner: MXToolbox, Inc. is identified as the current owner and operator by multiple sources including Crunchbase and DomainTools' WHOIS lookup.
- Past Ownership: Ziff Davis may have had ownership or association with MX Toolbox in the past.
- Service Focus: MXToolbox provides tools for diagnosing and resolving network and email delivery issues.
Key considerations
- Verification: Verify ownership through official corporate records or direct contact with MXToolbox, Inc.
- Historical Context: Consider the possibility of past ownership by Ziff Davis when researching the company's history.
- Independent Source: Be wary of relying solely on community speculation, which may not be accurate.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackShare describes MXToolbox as a solution for identifying and resolving issues with email delivery, network infrastructure, and servers.
22 Apr 2022 - StackShare
Marketer view
Email marketer from G2 describes MXToolbox as offering a suite of network diagnostic and monitoring tools, which helps in diagnosing and resolving a wide range of technical issues. It doesn't specify ownership.
25 Dec 2024 - G2
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
The question of who currently owns MX Toolbox remains somewhat unresolved based on these answers. One expert notes a past association of MX Toolbox with Ziff Davis, suggesting that Ziff Davis may have spun out MX Toolbox sometime between 2015-2021. Other sources, focused on email deliverability and spam prevention, do not directly address the ownership of MX Toolbox.
Key opinions
- Past Association: MX Toolbox was potentially associated with Ziff Davis in the past.
- Unconfirmed Current Owner: None of the sources definitively confirm the current owner of MX Toolbox.
- Focus on Deliverability: Websites focused on deliverability and spam prevention do not explicitly mention MX Toolbox's ownership.
Key considerations
- Ownership Research: Further research is needed to determine the current ownership of MX Toolbox, potentially through official corporate records or direct inquiry.
- Historical Context: Investigate the history of MX Toolbox's relationship with Ziff Davis to understand potential ownership transitions.
- Source Focus: Consider the scope and focus of the source when evaluating information about MX Toolbox's ownership. Deliverability sites might not be the best resource for ownership details.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise doesn't provide a direct answer to the ownership of MXToolbox. The website primarily focuses on email deliverability, compliance, and best practices, without specific details about MXToolbox's ownership structure.
10 Jan 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource doesn't provide a direct answer to the ownership of MXToolbox. The website focuses on providing tools, articles, and discussions related to spam prevention and email deliverability, but it does not explicitly mention the ownership of MXToolbox.
21 Feb 2024 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Based on the provided information, MXToolbox, Inc. is indicated as the owner of the domain MXTOOLBOX.COM according to the ICANN WHOIS lookup. While MXToolbox's own documentation doesn't explicitly state ownership, it implies responsibility for the site and services, suggesting that MXToolbox, Inc. is the operating entity.
Key findings
- Domain Ownership: ICANN WHOIS lookup indicates that MXToolbox, Inc. owns the domain MXTOOLBOX.COM.
- Implied Responsibility: MXToolbox documentation implies responsibility for the site's operation and maintenance.
- No Explicit Statement: MXToolbox documentation does not directly state ownership structure.
Key considerations
- Entity Confirmation: Verify MXToolbox, Inc. as the operating entity through corporate filings or official statements.
- Domain vs. Company: Recognize that domain ownership doesn't necessarily equate to full corporate ownership but provides an indication.
- Further Research: Conduct further research to confirm any parent companies or investors associated with MXToolbox, Inc.
Technical article
Documentation from MXToolbox clarifies that MXToolbox provides various tools and services related to DNS, email delivery, and network monitoring but doesn't directly address ownership structure.
2 Sep 2023 - MXToolbox
Technical article
Email marketer from ICANN WHOIS lookup indicates that the owner of the domain MXTOOLBOX.COM is MXToolbox, Inc.
12 Aug 2022 - ICANN
Does having an MX record on the from domain improve email deliverability?
How can I bulk check and clean MX records for a list of domains?
How can I check if a domain uses Entrust or Digicert for BIMI, and should I avoid Entrust?
How can I determine the ISP or mailbox provider of an email address?
What does SMTP Bounce Reason 4.1.8 (bad sender's system address) Domain of sender address does not resolve mean?
