CcNSO
 | |
| Industry: | ccTLDs |
| Founded: | 2003 |
| Website: | CCNSO.ICANN.org |
| Key People | |
| Lesley Cowley, Chairwoman Staff Bart Boswinkel, Support and Adviser Kristina Nordström, Secretariat Gabriella Schittek, Contact and Coordination | |
ccNSO is the acronym for Country Code Names Supporting Organization, which is an advisory body within ICANN created by and for ccTLD managers. The ccNSO is a consortium of working groups and the ccNSO Council, and it works in conjunction with other supporting organizations and bodies within ICANN.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The ccNSO was founded in 2003 and since then this organization has been a highly effective forum for ccTLD managers from all over the world. The ccNSO is the forum for global discussions and debates regarding issues related to ccTLDs.
In order to nurture consensus, the ccNSO also offers a platform for technical cooperation and development of practical skills for ccTLD managers. The best practices among ccTLD managers are shared within Working Group forums for improved development and cooperation. They also then share their recommendations with the ICANN Board.[1]
During the last few years of activity, the ccNSO has mainly focused and worked on the development of fast track ccTLD introduction in conjunction with IDNs, as well as the implementation of ccTLD changes according to ICANN's bylaws.[2]
ccNSO Membership[edit | edit source]
In order to become a ccNSO member an application must be filled out; however, there are no fees or costs incurred by becoming a ccNSO member. Joining ccNSO is easy, but is limited to to ccTLD Managers (this is according to the ICANN Bylaws Article IX).[3]
The following rules apply:
- Membership of the ccNSO is open for all ccTLD managers responsible for managing an ISO 3166 country-code top-level domain;[4]
- Any organization managing an IDN ccTLD is eligible for ccNSO membership;
- In the case where one entity manages more than one ccTLD only one membership to the ccNSO is accepted;
- Multiple memberships are not given to entities that work with synchronized ccTLDS.[5]
ccNSO Responsibilities[edit | edit source]
Besides supplying and providing a platform for technical cooperation and a forum for ccTLD related problems and issues, the ccNSO has other responsibilities, such as:
- Advising the ICANN Board on global policies related to ccTLD issues.
- Policy development through the ccNSO Council.
- Cooperate with ccTLD managers and stakeholders of ICANN;
- Organize effective working groups.