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New gTLD Resources

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Revision as of 20:57, 30 September 2011 by Andrew (talk | contribs) (Registries)

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[1] 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Verisign is the world's largest domain name registry,[2] it has provided the technical back end for the .com name space since 2000.[3]

Neustar[edit | edit source]

Neustar makes the unique claim that they have launched more gTLDs than any other registry in the world.[4]

Afilias[edit | edit source]

Afilias claims to have more registrations from the last round of new gTLDs than all other registries combined.[5] It is the current registry operator of .info and .mobi; the former is often considered the most successfully launched TLD since .com.[6] They also provide the technical back-end for a number of ccTLDs.[7]

AusRegistry[edit | edit source]

AusRegistry offers both consultancy and registry services.[8] 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.[9]

UrbanBrain[edit | edit source]

UrbanBrain is a Japanese registry services and consultancy; they stress that they are able to help an organization with singular parts of the gTLD application and management process, or oversee the entire process.[10]

GMO Registry[edit | edit source]

GMO Registry has experience in varied aspects of the domain services industry, as it also owns Japan's most popular registrar.[11]

Central Registry Solutions[edit | edit source]

Central Registry Solutions is a partnership between Network Solutions and CentralNic,[12] which has been offering uninterrupted global service for 15 years.[13]

Consultants[edit | edit source]

The services offered by new gTLD consultants include assisting with the process of filling out a new gTLD application, guidance through the application process, and in some circumstances, once a gTLD is approved, the consultant will manage the TLD for you.

Minds + Machines[edit | edit source]

Minds + Machines offers full service assistance with new gTLD applications. 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. Espresso is used by many major registrars and 30 ccTLD registrars.[14] 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.[15] They 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.[16] A step ladder pricing was recently announced for those wanting to apply for Brand gTLDs, allowing applicants to secure their brand at a lower price, with the price of management increasing as usage of the TLD increases.[17]

Right of the Dot[edit | edit source]

Melbourne IT[edit | edit source]

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.[18] Their preferred registry services partner is Verisign.[19]

References[edit | edit source]