In today’s worldwide technology marketplace, businesses are frequently finding themselves in a global setting – having partnerships with customers and suppliers who are located all over the world.
To help companies verify their business presence, many organizations rely upon one standardized identification system – the D-U-N-S®️ Number. For software development companies, start-ups, SaaS businesses, and IT services companies, obtaining a DUNS number can greatly enhance credibility and open doors to new opportunities with customers, vendors, and partners around the world.
But what exactly is a D-U-N-S®️ number? Why do IT companies need them? What are the advantages of having one?
This guide will provide you with an overview of DUNS numbers, how they can be useful for IT and software companies, and provide answers to those questions that will help Indian companies obtain their DUNS numbers quickly.
What is a D-U-N-S®️ Number?
The D-U-N-S®️ Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a unique 9-digit identification number that is assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to businesses.
The D-U-N-S®️ number serves as the global business identity of the company because it can be used by any company around the world to confirm whether or not your business exists. The following are examples of some of the largest/global platforms that currently use the DUNS system:
- Apple
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Global enterprise vendors
When your business registers as a D-U-N-S® number, it is added to Dun & Bradstreet’s Global Database of Sapient Companies.
Having a D-U-N-S® number becomes increasingly important for technology and software businesses that operate globally.
Why IT & Software Companies Need a D-U-N-S®️ Number
IT and technology businesses often interact with global platforms and partner with large businesses around the world. Many of those businesses will only provide access to their services or the ability to put the vendors’ products on their platforms after verifying that the vendor’s business is legitimate and has been registered with Dun & Bradstreet.
The following are the primary reasons why IT companies require a D-U-N-S® number:
1. Apple Developer Organization Account
If IT and software companies wish to put their products on the Apple App Store under a Company Name, Apple will require the vendor to have a D-U-N-S® number on record.
This will allow Apple to validate the vendor’s business to determine that the vendor is legitimate and their business is registered.
If the vendor does not provide a D-U-N-S® number, there is a strong possibility that Apple will deny the vendor from creating an Apple Developer account.
2. Google Play Console Business Verification
Google conducts business verifications for all company developers’ accounts.
For IT companies that build Apps and publish those Apps in the Google Play Store, Google will use the D-U-N-S® number to verify that the developing company is a legitimate, registered business.
3. International Client Verification
Many international clients and corporations verify vendors using the DUNS database.
For IT service companies that provide:
- Software development
- SaaS platforms
- Mobile app development
- Cloud services
- IT consulting
Having a DUNS Number increases trust with global clients.
4. Vendor Registration with Global Companies
Most major global companies need their suppliers to have a registered DUNS Number before they can start doing business with them. This is done in order for the company to verify the legal status and validity of the supplier’s business.
The verification of a reputable and legally incorporated company is especially important for IT companies that want to pursue international contracts.
5. Global Business Identity
The DUNS Number serves as the international identity of your company, allowing anyone to confirm the validity of your business quickly, giving potential clients confidence. For example, if software companies are working on projects for clients based in other countries, such as the USA or Europe, they can provide assurance that their businesses are legitimate, which increases trust amongst their client base.
Which IT Businesses Can Apply for a D-U-N-S®️ Number?
All types of technology companies can register for a DUNS Number, such as:
- Software development companies
- Mobile app development companies
- SaaS startups
- IT consulting firms
- Web development agencies
- Technology startups
- Cloud service providers
- AI and data analytics companies
Any legally registered business can apply for a DUNS Number.
Documents Required for D-U-N-S®️ Registration
A company will need certain pieces of information and documentation in order to complete the DUNS registration process. Some of the common documents that may be required for the registration process include:
- Company Incorporation Certificate
- PAN Card (Business)
- GST Registration (if applicable)
- Proof of Business Address
- Authorized Signatory
- Company Email Address & Phone Number
Acquiring a D-U-N-S®️ number in India can be achieved in two different ways by IT companies.
How IT Companies Can Get a D-U-N-S®️ Number in India
DUNS Number(Numbers to Identify Businesses) in India can be obtained by companies in two ways.
1. Free Registration (Official Method)
A company can apply for a DUN S Number through the official application process available at Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).
This method is free and not expedited, but could take longer to complete.
Time frame to expect for your application to be completed:
15 to 30 business days
During this process:
- The application allows a company to provide it�s information required to verify the business.
- D&B will contact the company via telephone/e-mail to verify the information it provided.
- Once the information has been verified, the DUNS Number (9 digits) will be issued.
While the free method of obtaining a DUNS Number is appealing, the processing time may slow down the launch of the application and the start of your business.
2. Fast-Track Registration (Paid Service)
Many information technology companies have elected to submit applications for DUN S Numbers using the fast-track method through Duns India Company.
This service provides businesses with their required DUN S Number within 24 hours.
The cost of this paid service is Rs. 5999.
For companies that require confirmation of a DUNS Number for use with the Apple Developer account or the Google Play Console, the fast-track application process saves businesses a lot of time.
Common Mistakes IT Companies Make During DUNS Registration
Delays in processing requests are most often caused by typographical errors made by applicants.
Some common errors are:
- Incorrect formatting of the business name
- Address mismatch between the information submitted and the company’s documentation
- Using personal information over information for the company
- Incorrect address and/or phone number
Even minor differences may create delays in verification, so it is important that companies verify data they have on record so there present records match what is recorded.
Benefits of a D-U-N-S®️ Number for IT & Software Companies
A DUNS® Number provides technology companies with several advantages.
- Increased Credibility: Clients and partners can check your business through Dun & Bradstreet’s global database—creating more confidence in you among your business partner(s)
- Speedier Developer Account Approvals from Apple/Google: Less time is needed by Apple and Google, as you will have a Duns number, so verification of you as an organisation is quicker.
- Foreign Business Opportunities: Many companies abroad will not work with a new company until they have verified that the business is credible through a DUNS® number, thus providing businesses with more opportunities in the global market.
- Less Hassle Getting Registered as a Vendor: Many large companies use a D-U-N-S Number for vendor registration purposes and, therefore, can be registered as a DUNS (registered vendor).
Being a Member of a Global Verification System: You become part of the recognised global verification system of companies.
Is a D-U-N-S®️ Number Worth It for IT Companies?
If your business is in IT and wants to publish apps, obtain clients from foreign countries, or expand into other countries, a DUNS number is very beneficial.
It increases:
- Business Credibility
- Global Recognition
- Developers Account Approval
- Verification of Vendors
Companies can get their DUNS number for free if they have the time to fill out the free registration form. Many IT businesses do not want to wait, and therefore, they use Duns India Company to obtain their DUNS Number, which costs ₹5,999 and takes 24 hours or less, thus saving time for businesses.
FAQs
While most IT companies may not require a DUNS Number, there are certain situations that will require them to have one, like when establishing Apple Developer Organization Accounts and registering with vendors, as well as establishing international partnerships.
Yes, software startups can apply to obtain a DUNS Number, provided they are a legally registered company.
Generally speaking, the normal registration process is free and takes approximately (15) to (30) days to complete; however, there are some acceleration options whereby you can get a DUNS NUMBER processed within (24) hours.
Yes, you can utilize one D-U-N-S®️ Number for business verification purposes across Apple, Google and other worldwide platforms.
No, D-U-N-S®️ Numbers never expire. Once a D-U-N-S®️ is assigned to your organization, it will always remain with your organization.