Batching
Batching is a term that began buzzing during ICANN 42 in Dakar.[1] At that time, the new gTLD program had already been approved and ICANN was focusing on how it would implement the application process. Given that they expected to receive over 1,000 applications, and that they knew their staff could not process over 500 applications at a time, it would be necessary to create separate batches to process all applications. This immediately worried potential applicants, and it was unclear whether a lottery or a system that rewarded early application would be implemented. In December, 2011, just weeks before the window opened, the board held a special meeting and further discussed the batching process. It was made clear that a lottery would not be used, nor would an application submitted earlier than another have an advantage. Still, the system was not defined, and it was clear that they would continue to formulate this process as they received applications and progressed towards the April, 2012 deadline. They had decided that all global regions would be fairly represented in each batch, and that there would be an opt-out mechanism for non-priority applications.[2]