Foundation for National Scientific Computing
 | |
| Type: | Non-profit |
| Industry: | Academic Research |
| Founded: | 1987 |
| Headquarters: | Lisbon |
| Country: | Portugal |
| Website: | www.fccn.pt |
| Key People | |
| Pedro Veiga, Chairman | |
FCCN (Foundation for National Scientific Computing) is Portuguese non-profit and public benefit organization dedicated in developing the internet of their country. It is responsible in the design and management of RCTS, a high performance network for institutions with larger communication requirements and a platform for advance communication applications and services development and experimentation. FCCN also serves as the registry operator of the .pt ccTLD.[1] Pedro Veiga is the Chairman of the company which is based in Lisbon, Portugal.
Background edit
FCCN was established in Portugal in 1987 with a purpose to strengthen the scientific and technological development in Portugal. Since its establishment, FCCN has been supported by Universities and different R & D institutions thereby contributed to the growth on the internet in the country.
In 1991, the organization began to manage the operation of the .pt ccTLD offering domain names for free. However in 1996, the organization started to charge for domain name registrations at a minimal cost to cover its operational expenses.In 2001, FCCN improved its regulations in managing the .pt ccTLD and created the .com.pt second level domain and offered it for free. In addition, the organization also started its domain name dispute resolution policy.[2]
FCCC has a dual stack network since 2002 and it is IPv4 and IPv6 capable. It's network is completely ready for the implementation of IPv6. In 2004, the organization introduced the Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) for internet users who wish to use the Portuguese language to register their domain names. In 2008, the organization introduced a new initiative, the Portuguese Web Archive to increase the use of Portuguese language on the internet.[3]
In 2009, FCCN formalized its relationship with ICANN as the manager for the .pt CCTLD through an exchange letter between its chairman Pedro Viega with Dr. Paul Twomey, then president of the internet governing body.[4] In 2010, FCCN launched its new registry website, the DNS.pt to provide a quality service to the Portuguese internet community. [5]