.pro
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| Status: | Active |
| country: | International |
| Manager: | Afilias |
| Registry Provider: | Afilias |
| Date Implemented: | June, 2004 |
| Type: | gTLD |
More information: 
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.pro is a generic top level domain (gTLD) in the Domain Names System (DNS) root zone. In January, 2012, Afilias became the registry manager for the domain,[1] after having acquired the previous manager, RegistryPro, formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hostway Corporation.
The .pro TLD is meant for use by professionals.[2]
History[edit | edit source]
In June 2004, .pro TLD became the seventh new TLD approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to be included in the DNS root zone, in addition to .biz, .info, .name, .museum, .coop, and .aero. Registry.pro was the main proponent in creating .pro, an unsponsored TLD restricted to registration by credible individuals and entities providing professional services, such as accountants, doctors, engineers and lawyers.[3]
On May 2002, ICANN approved RegistryPro's application and designated the organization to manage and operate .pro.[4] The TLD was officially launched in June 2004.
Expansion[edit | edit source]
In August 2004, ICANN approved the proposal for Registry.pro to offer second level .pro domains. Subsequently, .pro expanded its operations and began offering registration to professionals in Canada on September 27, in the United Kingdom on October 4, and in Germany on October 11 of that year.
In September 2004, RegistryPro announced a proposed expansion for .pro that would allow registration to the following types of professionals: Architects (arc.pro), Certified Financial Analysts (cfa.pro), Certified Financial Planners (cfp.pro), Dentists (dds.pro), Engineers (eng.pro), Nutritionists (ntr.pro), Optometrists (opt.pro), Pharmacists (pha.pro), Physician Assistants (pa.pro), Podiatrists (pod.pro), Psychologists (psy.pro), Educators (ed.pro), Veterinarians (vet.pro), Physical Therapists (pt.pro), and Public Relations professionals (pr.pro).[5]
On September 2008, ICANN unanimously approved the above .pro expansion. Based on the new terms set by ICANN, .pro will be available to any professional or entity with credentials from a certifying governmental authority anywhere in the world. The expansion widens the market for the .pro domain while maintaining the exclusive nature of the TLD to professionals.[6]
.pro TLD Requirements[edit | edit source]
Any individual or entity who wishes to register a .pro domain name must meet the following requirements:[7]
- Provider of professional services
- Admitted to or licensed by a government certification body or jurisdictional licensing entity recognized by a governmental body that regularly verifies the accuracy of its data.
- In good standing with the licensing authority
- Able to provide information regarding their professional eligibility such as: identification, contact information, license number, or any information relevant to the specific profession.