New gTLD Resources

The creation of new gTLDs has been on ICANN's agenda since the creation of the organization. In 2000, ICANN created 7 new gTLDs to add to the root zone in addition to the original 7 TLDs. ICANN later added another 8 Sponsored Top Level Domains (sTLDs) between 2005 and 2011. In June, 2011, at the ICANN 41 meeting in Singapore, the ICANN Board approved a new gTLD program that would allow any entity to apply for and manage their own name space.

The industry had been preparing for the opening of a new gTLD program for a number of years, and following the approval the program in Singapore, a whole new gTLD services industry was launched. A list detailing a number of entities involved in the new gTLD consultation, management, and other related services follows.

Registries

Most registries are breaking down their services depending on the intended audience of the new extension. This includes services targeted for: Brand gTLDs, Niche or Community gTLDs, GeoTLDs, and more broadly generic extensions. Most of these companies are also offering consultancy services.

Verisign

Verisign is the world's largest domain name registry, it has provided the technical back end for the .com name space since 2000.

Neustar

Neustar makes the unique claim that they have launched more gTLDs than any other registry in the world.

Afilias

Afilias claims to have more registrations from the last round of new gTLDs than all other registries combined. It is the current registry operator of .info and .mobi; the former is often considered the most successfully launched TLD since .com. They also provide the technical back-end for a number of ccTLDs.

AusRegistry

AusRegistry offers both consultancy and registry services. One of the first public gTLD applicants, GJB Partners, announced that they would be contracting with AusRegistry for the back-end of their proposed .jewelers domain.

Central Registry Solutions

Central Registry Solutions is a partnership between Network Solutions and CentralNic, which has been offering uninterrupted global service for 15 years.

Consultants

New gTLD consultants offer services

Minds + Machines

Minds + Machines offers full service assistance with new gTLD applications. They will help with the process of filling out an application, guide you through the application process, and then once the application is approved, will manager the TLD for you if you so choose. They offer Espresso registry services, which are based on CoCCA software, for the management of the registry; your TLD's Espresso installation can either be hosted with Minds + Machines, or can be set up locally so that you may have total control. They charge a flat rate fee of $100k per year for their services, following a $25k contract fee and another $75k fee at the start of the new gTLD application period. They also offer their services at a discounted price, of up to 50% off, for disadvantaged applicants, such as those from developing nations or non-profit organizations.

Melbourne IT

Melbourne IT was one of the first 5 Testbed Registrars enlisted by ICANN to register the initial 7 TLDs that the organization inherited oversight of. Their preferred registry services partner is Verisign.

Top-Level Domain