Reserving Domain Names

Does it do any good to reserve a domain name?

This is my situation.

There is a domain I wanted several years ago. It has been used by a well established company. I don't want it for that reason. I just wanted the particular acronym. Something similar to ats.com that stood for "A Tech Site". I see now that the company has shifted it's website to the expanded name. Similar to techsite.com.

The registration for the acronym domain name is set to expire in a few months. I have a feeling that company is not going to renew and I would like the opportunity to pick it up.

At www.netsol.com, I can try to reserve the name. And I've seen a lot of other places that do the same. With the wave of cybersquatters out there, is there a real chance that I could get the name if I reserve it? Or will I just be waving a flag at everyone else that I want it. Causing me to not get it without paying the squatters fees?

My paranoia abounds. I don't feel I'll get a fair shot at it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've considered going straight to the owner and asking them if I could assume ownership with me paying the renewal fees. It might be the best way. However, it might just make them aware of the deadline. And dealing with corporate politics is never a good idea.

I'm not really interested in the domain name if I can't get it at the normal cost.

Experiences and suggestions are needed.

You know, with how inexpensive it is to register a domain name, I'd be surprised if the company doesn't renew. They might have some literature out there with that domain on it.

I don't have any experience but I don't trust the reservation systems, because how do you know if someone hasn't reserved it ahead of you?

If I were you I'd probably wait to see if it expires, if it does then I'd snatch it. But I'd start thinking of alternative domains now. But that's just my two cents, I don't have any experience except that all the domain names I wanted in the past were taken and I had to compromise.

Squatters suck.