There was a previous discussion here which did not really go anywhere.
The two solutions at hand as I see them:
1.) Port the "Manage Names Tab" from the old client to Namecore.
Note the name management tab and underlying logic is more complicated than one might expect (e.g. name_firstupdate saving the name_update fee).
Moa offered a (so far unspecified) bounty for porting.
Advantages:
- Wallet integration gives best user experience
- Maintenance
Somebody will have to maintain updates. Last time I heard Domob does not want to do this for various good reasons so I suggest a fork off namecore-master.
2.) Use a Python RPC frontend for name operations.
Currently in alpha state: nameGUI
Advantages
- Easy of implementation and maintenance
Being written in Python and being independent from Bitcoin/Namecore makes handling easier. - Synergy
Code can be shared with NMControl and other Namecoin software (API Server, Applications). - Extensibility
Adding new features is easy. For example name lookups or atomic name trading within the GUI (nametrade/ANTPY).
- Separate GUI
Name Operations will have to be done in a separate GUI
NMDF could pitch in a bit for both projects.
Before I put more work into nameGUI I would like to hear some opinions and that there is a chance of it having a future as an official Namecoin software.