Bruce Tonkin

Dr. Bruce Tonkin joined Melbourne IT in 1999, and is currently Chief Technology Officer. He oversees Melbourne IT's technical infrastructure and strategy, as well as evaluating new technologies for commercialization. Bruce also manages Melbourne IT's active participation in local and international Internet industry bodies, including ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), where he is currently Chair of the Generic Names Supporting Organisation (GNSO). Bruce previously directed a research venture at Monash University in partnership with Telstra and Siemens in the area of digital video, and coordinated the operations of the Research Data Network Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) from 1994 to 1999. He has wide experience in advanced computing and communications, both in Australia and overseas at AT

2. Type of work performed in 1 above

I work on the technology strategy for the company, and manage the products and services built using this technology.

3. Financial ownership or management leadership of registries, registrars or other firms that are interested parties in Whois.

I have shares in Melbourne IT limited, which is an ICANN accredited registrar.. I have also been elected to seat #13 of the ICANN Board of Directors for a term beginning 8 June 2007.

4. Nature of your interest in Whois

Melbourne IT operates a WHOIS service for several million domains under its management (both gtld and cctld). I am most familiar with the implementation of gtld domain name WHOIS services, as well as the .au domain name implementation of the WHOIS service.

Melbourne IT is a user of WHOIS to assist corporate clients in protecting their brands online.

Melbourne IT uses WHOIS as part of its efforts to protect its own global brand.

Melbourne IT uses WHOIS to assist in domain name transfers, as well as in support of its web hosting operations.

Member of the OPOC Working Group