Changes

* November 2006 - Neustar acquired UK-based instant-messaging service provider Followap for $139 M.<ref>[http://pulse2.com/2006/11/30/neustar-has-acquired-uk-based-mobile-im-service-provider-followap-inc-for-139-mill/ Pulse 2.com ]</ref>. Today, Followap is known as Neustar Next Generation Messaging (NGM).

* November 2006 - Neustar acquired UK-based instant-messaging service provider Followap for $139 M.<ref>[http://pulse2.com/2006/11/30/neustar-has-acquired-uk-based-mobile-im-service-provider-followap-inc-for-139-mill/ Pulse 2.com ]</ref>. Today, Followap is known as Neustar Next Generation Messaging (NGM).

* In September, 2007, Neustar and [[ClearTech]], a telecommunication service provider company, jointly '''won a contract for number portability in Brazil'''.<ref>[http://hosted-voip.tmcnet.com/feature/articles/11458-neustar-cleartech-w-contract-number-portability-brazil.htm TMCnet.com]</ref> Today, this implementation ranks as the second largest of its kind in the world (after the USA), and as Neustar’s second major international number portability initiative (after Taiwan in 2004).

* September 2007 - Neustar and [[ClearTech]], a telecommunications service provider company, jointly '''won a contract for number portability in Brazil'''.<ref>[http://hosted-voip.tmcnet.com/feature/articles/11458-neustar-cleartech-w-contract-number-portability-brazil.htm TMCnet.com]</ref> Today, this implementation ranks as the second largest of its kind in the world (after the USA), and as Neustar's second major international number portability initiative (after Taiwan in 2004).

* In January, 2008, Neustar bought [[WebMetrics]], a San Diego based company which provides [[SaaS]] and website testing and monitoring services, for  $12.5 million.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/81179_neustar_buys_webmetrics/ CircleID]</ref> Today, Webmetrics is a Neustar service that provides collaborative performance management services for complex web ecosystems.

* January 2008 -- Neustar bought [[WebMetrics]], a San Diego-based company which provides [[SaaS]] and website testing and monitoring services, for  $12.5 million.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/81179_neustar_buys_webmetrics/ CircleID]</ref> Today, Webmetrics is a Neustar service that provides collaborative performance management services for complex web ecosystems.

* In September, 2008, Neustar and [[GSM Association]], the global trade organization for mobile operators, signed an agreement to offer Root [[DNS|Domain Name System]] (DNS) services to more than 680 global GSM mobile operators.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=154778 PRNewsWire]</ref> Their collaboration resulted in the '''PathFinder''' number resolution system. PathFinder simplifies the transmission of instant messages, MMS, emails, video and other Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications between mobile phones and between mobile and fixed-line phones. Today, Neustar operates the PathFinder service on behalf of the GSMA.

* September 2008 - Neustar and [[GSM Association]], the global trade organization for mobile operators, signed an agreement to offer Root [[DNS|Domain Name System]] (DNS) services to more than 680 global GSM mobile operators.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=154778 PRNewsWire]</ref> Their collaboration resulted in the '''PathFinder''' number resolution system. PathFinder simplifies the transmission of instant messages, MMS, emails, video and other Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications between mobile phones and between mobile and fixed-line phones. Today, Neustar operates the PathFinder service on behalf of the GSMA.

In addition, 2008 saw Neustar participate in Cyber Storm II, the largest multinational online security exercise ever, which was organized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal was to examine security preparedness and response capabilities across a variety of infrastructure functions including information technology, communications, and transportation systems and assets.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/our-history Our History, Neustar.biz]</ref>

* 2008 - Neustar participated in Cyber Storm II, the largest multinational online security exercise ever, which was organized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal was to examine security preparedness and response capabilities across a variety of infrastructure functions including information technology, communications, and transportation systems and assets.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/our-history Our History, Neustar.biz]</ref>

* January, 2009 Neustar announced an amendment of its telephone number portability contracts.<ref>[http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1630289/neustar_announces_amendment_of_its_telephone_number_portability_contracts/ Red Orbit ]</ref> The amended contract not only provided Neustar with predictable revenues for the next several years, but also promised to spur innovation by encouraging the industry to use additional fields and functions in the NPAC to facilitate tomorrow’s IP-based routing services.

* January 2009 - Neustar announced an amendment of its telephone number portability contracts.<ref>[http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1630289/neustar_announces_amendment_of_its_telephone_number_portability_contracts/ Red Orbit ]</ref> The amended contract not only provided Neustar with predictable revenues for the following several years, but also promised to spur innovation by encouraging the industry to use additional fields and functions in the NPAC to facilitate tomorrow’s IP-based routing services.

Also that year, '''Neustar ranked #17 on Forbes Magazine’s annual “25 Fastest-Growing Tech Companies” list'''.

* 2009 - '''Neustar ranked #17 on Forbes Magazine’s annual “25 Fastest-Growing Tech Companies” list'''.

* 2010, Neustar announced [[Lisa Hook]]’s appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer. The acquisitions of BrowserMob, LLC, a leading provider of load testing and monitoring services, and Quova, Inc., a global leader in IP geolocation services, allowed the company to expand services to help online businesses optimize their web presence and also detect and prevent fraud, ensure regulatory compliance, manage digital content rights distribution and localize ads and web content.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/our-history Our History, Neustar.biz]</ref>

* 2010 - Neustar announced [[Lisa Hook]]’s appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer. The acquisitions of BrowserMob, LLC, a leading provider of load testing and monitoring services, and Quova, Inc., a global leader in IP geolocation services, allowed the company to expand services to help online businesses optimize their web presences and also detect and prevent fraud, ensure regulatory compliance, manage digital content rights distribution and localize ads and web content.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/our-history Our History, Neustar.biz]</ref>

* 2011, Neustar acquired the assets and certain liabilities of the Numbering Solutions business of Evolving Systems, Inc., which furthered the company’s long-term initiative to simplify operators’ OSS architectures. Neustar also completed the acquisition of TARGUSinfo, a leading provider of real-time, on-demand information services, including Caller ID.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/blog/neustar-insights/why-neustar-is-acquiring-targusinfo/ Neustar Press Release: Why is Neustar Acquiring TARGUSinfo?]</ref> Additionally, President Barack Obama appointed Lisa Hook, Neustar’s President & CEO, to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC).<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/our-history Our History, Neustar.biz]</ref>

* 2011 - Neustar acquired the assets and certain liabilities of the Numbering Solutions business of Evolving Systems, Inc., which furthered the company’s long-term initiative to simplify operators’ OSS architectures. Neustar also completed the acquisition of TARGUSinfo, a leading provider of real-time, on-demand information services, including Caller ID.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/blog/neustar-insights/why-neustar-is-acquiring-targusinfo/ Neustar Press Release: Why is Neustar Acquiring TARGUSinfo?]</ref> Additionally, President Barack Obama appointed Lisa Hook, Neustar’s President & CEO, to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC).<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/our-history Our History, Neustar.biz]</ref>

* 2012,  Neustar announced a partnership with the National Small Business Association to promote the [[.biz]] extension to members of the organization. The goal is to see more small businesses create an online presence to compete in a market that largely favors online stores and businesses.<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/02/23/neustar-national-small-business-association-team-up-to-promote-biz/ Neustar National Small Business Association Team Up To Promote Biz, TheDomains.com]</ref>

* February 2012 - Neustar announced a partnership with the National Small Business Association to promote the [[.biz]] extension to members of the organization. The goal is to see more small businesses create an online presence to compete in a market that largely favors online stores and businesses.<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/02/23/neustar-national-small-business-association-team-up-to-promote-biz/ Neustar National Small Business Association Team Up To Promote Biz, TheDomains.com]</ref>

==Products and Services==

==Products and Services==

According to its official website, the services Neustar provides are divided into Carrier Services Enterprise Services and Information Services.  

According to its official website, the services Neustar provides are divided into Carrier Services, Enterprise Services, and Information Services.  

Career Services include: Numbering Services such as local number portability services, international LNP (Taiwan and Brazil), number administration, legal compliance services, order management services and IP Services such as GSMA pathfinder, converged messaging, multimedia interconnect services, and other carrier services.  

Carrier Services include Numbering Services such as local number portability services, international LNP (Taiwan and Brazil), number administration, legal compliance services, order management services and IP Services such as GSMA pathfinder, converged messaging, multimedia interconnect services, and other carrier services.  

Enterprise Services include: Internet infrastructure services such [[UltraDNS]] services, Webmetrics monitoring and load testing, IP Geolocation services etc.; and registry services such as domain name registry services, U.S. Common Short Codes, etc.  

Enterprise Services include Internet infrastructure-related services such [[UltraDNS]], Webmetrics monitoring and load testing, IP Geolocation services, and registry services for registries, U.S. Common Short Codes, etc.  

Information Services provides enterprises with a diverse portfolio of real-time information and analytics services, across multiple touch points.  Neustar provides secure on-demand caller identification, verification and scoring services under the '''TARGUSinfo''' brand name; local business listings under the '''Localeze''' brand name and online audience targeting solutions under the '''AdAdvisor''' brand name.

Information Services provide enterprises with a diverse portfolio of real-time information and analytics services, across multiple touch points.  Neustar provides secure on-demand caller identification, verification and scoring services under the '''TARGUSinfo''' brand name; local business listings under the '''Localeze''' brand name and online audience targeting solutions under the '''AdAdvisor''' brand name.

Throughout 2011 and 2012, Neustar has been showcasing their newest '''Mobile and Intelligent Cloud Services''', these include services for financial institutions and mobile app developers.<ref>[http://www.telecomlead.com/inner-page-details.php?id=7178&block=VAS Inner Page Details, TelecomLead.com]</ref>

Throughout 2011 and 2012, Neustar has been showcasing their newest '''Mobile and Intelligent Cloud Services''', these include services for financial institutions and mobile app developers.<ref>[http://www.telecomlead.com/inner-page-details.php?id=7178&block=VAS Inner Page Details, TelecomLead.com]</ref>

===My Digital Life===

===My Digital Life===

In January 2012, Neustar announced that it was partnering with EverFi, Inc., a leading education technology company, to implement a digital literacy program for students across the state of Kentucky. The latter organization developed the program, which is an interactive, new-media driven course aimed at 8th and 9th graders. The program covers topics from privacy, security, cyberbullying, digital relationships, and digital addiction and the curriculum also focuses on building specific digital skills, such as creating a blog, maintaining a responsible social networking profile, and evaluating online research sources for legitimacy. Neustar emphasized that this is one way in which they are acting on their firm commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math education.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-neustar/press-room/neustar-announcements/2011/neustar-launches-social-media-digital-citizenship-program-for-kentucky-schools Neustar Launches Social Media Digital Citizenship Program for kentucky Schools, Neustar.biz]</ref>

January 2012 - Neustar announced that it was partnering with EverFi, Inc., a leading education technology company, to implement a digital literacy program for students across the state of Kentucky. The latter organization developed the program, which is an interactive, new-media driven course aimed at 8th and 9th graders. The program covers topics from privacy, security, cyberbullying, digital relationships, and digital addiction and the curriculum also focuses on building specific digital skills, such as creating a blog, maintaining a responsible social networking profile, and evaluating online research sources for legitimacy. Neustar emphasized that this is one way in which they are acting on their firm commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math education.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-neustar/press-room/neustar-announcements/2011/neustar-launches-social-media-digital-citizenship-program-for-kentucky-schools Neustar Launches Social Media Digital Citizenship Program for kentucky Schools, Neustar.biz]</ref>

The program expanded to California on October 24th, 2012, beginning in Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle School in San Francisco. It is now available to schools throughout California, with 55 schools signed up at the date of the launch. It is also currently active in Virginia.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/news-room/press-releases/2012/neustar-launches-my-digital-life-digital-literacy-program-in-california Neustar Announces Partnership to Bring Digital Literacy Program to California School]. Published 2012 October 24. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>

The program expanded to California on October 24th, 2012, beginning in Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle School in San Francisco. It is now available to schools throughout California, with 55 schools signed up at the date of the launch. It is also currently active in Virginia.<ref>[http://www.neustar.biz/about-us/news-room/press-releases/2012/neustar-launches-my-digital-life-digital-literacy-program-in-california Neustar Announces Partnership to Bring Digital Literacy Program to California School]. Published 2012 October 24. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>

==Awards==

==Awards==

In 2012, the Washington Business Journal, ranked Neustar in its list of the top 40 healthiest employers of Greater Washington, D.C..<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/event/38641 Event, BizJournals.com]</ref>  

2005 - The IPO research committee at [[Renaissance Capital]] recognized Neustar with its"IPO of the Year" award.<ref>[http://www.renaissancecapital.com/ipoplus/press/cbsmarketwatch_122105.asp Renaissance Capital ]</ref>

In 2009, Neustar ranked number 17 in Forbes  Magazine’s annual "25 Fastest-Growing Tech Companies" list.<ref>[http://dns.tmcnet.com/topics/dns/articles/85833-neustar-makes-forbes-top-25-fastest-growing-tech.htm TMCNet.com ]</ref>

2006 - Neustar won "[[Frost & Sullivan]]: North American Technology Innovation" Award<ref>[http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/press-release.pag?docid=96024650 Frost.com ]</ref>, [[Internet Telephony Magazine]]'s "Top 100 Voices of IP Communications" award  <ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TMC%27s+INTERNET+TELEPHONY+Magazine+Names+%27Top+100+Voices%27+of+IP...-a0154108152 The Free Library ]</ref>, ranked #37 on [[Deloitte]] "Technology Fast 50" Awards (Virginia)<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skybitz-inc-tops-deloittes-virginia-technology-fast-50-ranking-of-fastest-growing-technology-companies-with-40314-percent-growth-over-five-years-58338072.html PRNewsWire ]</ref>, [[Northern Virginia Technology Council]]'s "Hot Ticket" Awards<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2006/07/10/daily76.html Washington Business Journals ]</ref>, [[Northern Virginia Technology Council]]'s 2006 Greater Washington Technology "CFO of the Year" Awards, ranked #28 on BusinessWeek's "Hot Growth Companies 2006" <ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/hot_growth/2006/company/28.htm Washington Business Week.com ]</ref>, and others.

In 2007, Neustar won "Public Company CFO Of The Year" Award in the 11th Annual Greater Washington Technology CFO Awards.<ref>[http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/nvtc/28571/ PRNewsIre.com ]</ref>

2007 - Neustar won "Public Company CFO Of The Year" Award in the 11th Annual Greater Washington Technology CFO Awards.<ref>[http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/nvtc/28571/ PRNewsIre.com ]</ref>

In 2006, Neustar won "[[Frost & Sullivan]]: North American Technology Innovation" Award<ref>[http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/press-release.pag?docid=96024650 Frost.com ]</ref>, [[Internet Telephony Magazine]]'s "Top 100 Voices of IP Communications" award  <ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TMC%27s+INTERNET+TELEPHONY+Magazine+Names+%27Top+100+Voices%27+of+IP...-a0154108152 The Free Library ]</ref>, ranked #37 on [[Deloitte]] "Technology Fast 50" Awards (Virginia)<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skybitz-inc-tops-deloittes-virginia-technology-fast-50-ranking-of-fastest-growing-technology-companies-with-40314-percent-growth-over-five-years-58338072.html PRNewsWire ]</ref>, [[Northern Virginia Technology Council]]'s "Hot Ticket" Awards<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2006/07/10/daily76.html Washington Business Journals ]</ref>, [[Northern Virginia Technology Council]]'s 2006 Greater Washington Technology "CFO of the Year" Awards, ranked #28 on BusinessWeek's "Hot Growth Companies 2006" <ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/hot_growth/2006/company/28.htm Washington Business Week.com ]</ref>, and others.

2009 - Neustar is ranked number 17 in Forbes  Magazine’s annual "25 Fastest-Growing Tech Companies" list.<ref>[http://dns.tmcnet.com/topics/dns/articles/85833-neustar-makes-forbes-top-25-fastest-growing-tech.htm TMCNet.com ]</ref>

In December, 2005, Neustar was recognized by the "IPO of the year" award from the IPO research committee at [[Renaissance Capital]].<ref>[http://www.renaissancecapital.com/ipoplus/press/cbsmarketwatch_122105.asp Renaissance Capital ]</ref>

2012 - The Washington Business Journal ranked Neustar in its list of the top 40 healthiest employers of Greater Washington, D.C..<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/event/38641 Event, BizJournals.com]</ref>  

==New gTLDs==

==New gTLDs==

On June 11, 2012, [[Alex Berry]], Senior Vice President for Enterprise Services, announced that the company secured 358 contracts with gTLD applicants to serve as their back-end registry provider. It was previously reported that the company announced its willingness to accept multiple applications for the same strings, which may have positively influenced its high number of applications. Its largest competitor, [[Verisign]] secured 220 contracts.<ref>

On June 11, 2012, [[Alex Berry]], Senior Vice President for Enterprise Services, announced that the company secured 358 contracts with gTLD applicants to serve as their back-end registry provider. It was previously reported that the company announced its willingness to accept multiple applications for the same strings, which may have positively influenced its high number of applications. Its largest competitor, [[Verisign]], secured 220 contracts.<ref>

[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/06/11/neustar-racks-up-358-applications-including-nyc-how-did-they-beat-verisign-we-know/ Neustar Racks Up 358 Applications Including .NYC; How Did They Beat Verisign? We Know]</ref>

[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/06/11/neustar-racks-up-358-applications-including-nyc-how-did-they-beat-verisign-we-know/ Neustar Racks Up 358 Applications Including .NYC; How Did They Beat Verisign? We Know]</ref>

===.neustar Brand gTLD===

===.neustar Brand gTLD===

Neustar is one of the largest registries involved in New gTLD registry and consultancy services, but in June, 2011 it became the only one that was publicly pursuing its own [[Brand TLD]], that is, [[.neustar]].<ref>[http://domainincite.com/neustar-eats-own-dog-food-plans-neustar-bid/ Neustar Eats own Dog Food, DomainIncite.com]</ref> According to Mark Pilipczuk, VP of Corporate Marketing & Communications, the .neustar TLD will increase consumer awareness of the company as a premier provider of real-time information and analytics. He also said that the company will probably create service-specific domains name such as dns.neustar or siteprotect.neustar.<ref>[http://ht.ly/8sL2S Thoughts on Applying for a Generic Top-Level Domain]</ref>

Neustar is one of the largest registries involved in New gTLD registry and consultancy services, but in June 2011 it became the only one that was publicly pursuing its own [[Brand TLD]], that is, [[.neustar]].<ref>[http://domainincite.com/neustar-eats-own-dog-food-plans-neustar-bid/ Neustar Eats own Dog Food, DomainIncite.com]</ref> According to Mark Pilipczuk, VP of Corporate Marketing & Communications, the .neustar TLD will increase consumer awareness of the company as a premier provider of real-time information and analytics. He also said that the company will probably create service-specific domains name such as dns.neustar or siteprotect.neustar.<ref>[http://ht.ly/8sL2S Thoughts on Applying for a Generic Top-Level Domain]</ref>

===.green gTLD===

===.green gTLD===

==New gTLD Program Input==

==New gTLD Program Input==

===Reaction on Batching Process (Digital Archery)===

===Reaction on Batching Process (Digital Archery)===

In June, 2012, [[Becky Burr]], Neustar's Deputy General Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer wrote to ICANN regarding the company's position on the implementation of the [[Digital Archery]] [[batching]] process for the initial evaluation of new gTLD applications. In her letter, Burr said that Neustar is supporting the position of other companies, requesting for the brief delay of the batching process. Burr pointed out that implementing batching as scheduled prior to publication of the actual list of applications will only create losers and winners, it would complicate the situation that might prevent the development of a better resolution. She also emphasized that a brief delay would enable ICANN to review the facts and the suggested alternatives presented by the affected community. Burr said, "We believe that there is ample time between now and ICANN's meeting in Prague to analyze the facts and to determine a course of action based on informed community input. Accordingly, Neustar urges a brief pause to review the need for "batched" consideration of new gTLD applications and if such [[batching]] is indeed necessary, to fine-tune the program in light of actual applications."<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120607_neustar_urges_caution_to_icann_before_batching/ Neustar Urges Caution to ICANN Before Batching]</ref>

In June 2012, [[Becky Burr]], Neustar's Deputy General Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer, wrote to ICANN regarding the company's position on the implementation of the [[Digital Archery]] [[batching]] process for the initial evaluation of new gTLD applications. In her letter, Burr said that Neustar is supporting the position of other companies, requesting for a brief delay of the batching process. Burr pointed out that implementing batching as scheduled, prior to publication of the actual list of applications, will only create losers and winners and complicate the situation in ways that might prevent the development of a better resolution. She also emphasized that a brief delay would enable ICANN to review the facts and the suggested alternatives presented by the affected community. Burr said, "We believe that there is ample time between now and ICANN's meeting in Prague to analyze the facts and to determine a course of action based on informed community input. Accordingly, Neustar urges a brief pause to review the need for "batched" consideration of new gTLD applications and if such [[batching]] is indeed necessary, to fine-tune the program in light of actual applications."<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120607_neustar_urges_caution_to_icann_before_batching/ Neustar Urges Caution to ICANN Before Batching]</ref>

===Trademark Clearinghouse Model===

===Trademark Clearinghouse Model===

In October, 2012 a coalition of the world's most prominent registries, Neustar, [[ARI Registry Services]], [[Verisign]] and [[Demand Media]] jointly proposed two models for the mandatory new gTLD Sunrise period and Trademark Claims service involved in the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]] that differ from ICANN’s. To excerpt their letter:

In October 2012 a coalition of the world's most prominent registries, Neustar, [[ARI Registry Services]], [[Verisign]] and [[Demand Media]] jointly proposed two models for the mandatory new gTLD Sunrise period and Trademark Claims service involved in the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]] that differ from ICANN’s. To excerpt their letter:

"This proposed model simplifies the ICANN model by decreasing the coupling between the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]] (TMCH) and registries. The model is as follows:

"This proposed model simplifies the ICANN model by decreasing the coupling between the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]] (TMCH) and registries. The model is as follows: