Product Naming Strategy
This document outlines AI Wallet's approach to product naming and branding across different audiences and development phases, with strategic use of codenames for market positioning. Objective: Define clear naming conventions that minimize competitive exposure while maintaining marketability and audience alignment.
Naming Philosophy
Core Principles
- Clarity: Name should clearly communicate the product's value proposition
- Differentiation: Stand out in a crowded AI tools marketplace
- Scalability: Name should work for both technical users and end consumers
- Protection: Use codenames to minimize competitive exposure during early stages
Strategic Approach
AI Wallet operates as a multi-layered product with different names serving different purposes: - Internal Product Name: "AI Wallet" (full vision, investor/accelerator communications) - Beta/Codename: Softened name for closed beta and developer partnerships - SDK Namespace: Technical naming for developer integrations - Consumer Facing: Simplified name for end-user communications
Codename Strategy for Closed Beta
Rationale for Codename Use
- Exposure Mitigation: "Wallet" language signals marketplace ambitions that may trigger competitive responses
- Scope Clarification: Softer names help position as infrastructure/service rather than platform
- Audience Alignment: Different names for different audience segments reduce threat perception
- Market Testing: Ability to test multiple positioning strategies without brand commitment
Recommended Codename Options
Top Choice: ArcPass - Meaning: "Arc" (curve/connection) + "Pass" (authentication/key) - Positioning: Login + consent for AI apps - Benefits: - Clearly technical/infrastructure focused - Easy to pronounce and remember - SDK-friendly namespace (@arcpass/sdk) - Not threatening to existing platform players
Alternative Options: - Keystone ID: The identity stone for AI - RelayID: Route auth + budgets, not keys - Conduit: Connect users ↔ apps safely - Port: One secure port into AI tools - PassportX: Bring-your-own AI identity - Tessera: One tile that unlocks the mosaic
Usage Guidelines
Internal Communications: Always use "AI Wallet" to maintain strategic clarity Developer Relations: Use codename (ArcPass) for technical discussions Closed Beta Partners: Introduce as "ArcPass (formerly AI Wallet)" to show evolution Investor/Accelerator Communications: Lead with "AI Wallet" vision, mention codename for implementation
Audience-Specific Naming
For Developers/LOI Partners
Primary Name: ArcPass (or chosen codename) Tagline: "Drop-in authentication and billing for AI applications" Technical Namespace: @arcpass/sdk, ArcPassProvider, useArcPass()
Messaging Example: "We're building ArcPass, a developer SDK that handles user authentication, usage tracking, and budget enforcement for AI applications. Think of it as 'Auth0 for AI usage' - you get the plumbing, we handle the complexity."
For End Users
Primary Name: AI Wallet Tagline: "One account for all your AI tools" Positioning: Consumer-friendly, not technical
Messaging Example: "AI Wallet is your personal account for AI tools. Top up once, use across multiple apps, and control your spending with clear limits and receipts."
For Investors/Accelerators
Primary Name: AI Wallet (full vision) Secondary: ArcPass (implementation detail) Positioning: Ecosystem play with distribution network potential
Messaging Example: "AI Wallet starts as ArcPass - a developer SDK for AI billing and identity. Long-term, it becomes the neutral identity and distribution layer for the AI ecosystem, similar to how Stripe became the default payment layer for the internet."
For Enterprises
Primary Name: AI Wallet Enterprise Alternative: AI Governance Platform Positioning: Compliance and control focus
Messaging Example: "AI Wallet Enterprise provides centralized identity, spend governance, and compliance tracking across your AI tool ecosystem. Built for enterprises who need audit-ready usage receipts and policy enforcement."
Technical Implementation
SDK Naming Conventions
Package Names:
- @arcpass/sdk - Core SDK
- @arcpass/react - React components
- @arcpass/server - Server-side utilities
- @arcpass/types - TypeScript definitions
Component Names:
import { ArcPassProvider, ArcPassLogin, ArcPassGate } from '@arcpass/react';
API Endpoints:
POST /api/arcpass/auth
POST /api/arcpass/budget/check
GET /api/arcpass/usage
Domain and Branding
Primary Domains: - aiwallet.com (long-term brand) - arcpass.dev (beta/developer focus) - arcpass.io (alternative beta domain)
Social Media: - @aiwallet (main brand) - @arcpassdev (developer community) - Handle transitions carefully to preserve SEO
Migration Strategy
Phase 1: Closed Beta (ArcPass)
- Launch as ArcPass for developer integrations
- Use "Works with ArcPass" branding
- Technical documentation uses ArcPass naming
- Public messaging focuses on developer pain points
Phase 2: Market Validation
- Begin introducing "AI Wallet" in user-facing contexts
- Maintain ArcPass for technical discussions
- Start SEO optimization for both names
- Prepare for brand transition
Phase 3: Public Launch (AI Wallet)
- Transition to AI Wallet as primary brand
- ArcPass becomes technical namespace
- Migrate developer community gradually
- Update all public-facing materials
Phase 4: Enterprise Expansion
- AI Wallet Enterprise for B2B sales
- Maintain consumer AI Wallet brand
- Technical integrations still use ArcPass internally
Competitive Considerations
Threat Level Assessment
Low Threat Positioning (ArcPass): - Positioned as developer infrastructure - Similar to existing auth providers (Auth0, Clerk) - Not immediately threatening to major platforms - Easier to get partnerships and integrations
High Vision Communications (AI Wallet): - Save for investor/accelerator contexts - Use when discussing market opportunity - Include in strategic planning documents - Reserve for post-MVP public communications
Competitor Responses
If asked about marketplace ambitions: "For now, ArcPass is focused on solving developer pain points around AI billing and identity. The long-term vision is to create a more connected AI ecosystem, but that's secondary to building great developer tools."
If pressed on platform strategy: "We're building infrastructure that happens to create network effects. The priority is making developers' lives easier, not becoming a platform. If that leads to ecosystem growth, that's a natural progression."
Implementation Checklist
Technical Setup
- [ ] Secure arcpass.dev and arcpass.io domains
- [ ] Set up npm organization and package repositories
- [ ] Create technical documentation with ArcPass branding
- [ ] Implement SDK with ArcPass namespace
Marketing Materials
- [ ] Create ArcPass landing page focused on developers
- [ ] Develop technical content and case studies
- [ ] Prepare investor deck with AI Wallet vision
- [ ] Create transition plan for brand migration
Community Management
- [ ] Set up developer community around ArcPass
- [ ] Create Discord/Slack for technical discussions
- [ ] Plan gradual introduction of AI Wallet to end users
- [ ] Prepare FAQ for naming questions
Success Metrics
Technical Adoption
- SDK downloads and npm package usage
- Developer integration time and success rates
- Community engagement around ArcPass
- Technical documentation usage and feedback
Business Metrics
- Conversion from ArcPass to AI Wallet brand
- Investor/accelerator response to naming strategy
- Competitive response to different positioning
- Customer confusion or clarity around product scope
Long-term Brand Health
- SEO performance for both naming strategies
- Brand recognition and recall
- Community sentiment around transitions
- Partnership acceptance across different naming approaches
Source Attribution
Primary source: Competition-Narratives-MVPSpecs-04Nov25-ChatGPTPlus.pdf