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.

UrbanBrain

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.

GMO Registry

GMO Registry has experience in varied aspects of the domain services industry, as it is a part of the larger GMO Internet, which also owns Asia's first ICANN accredited registrar. The company was launched in 2009 by GMO Internet to specifically work as a new gTLD registry and consultancy services provider. It was the first such business to be launched in Japan. They launched the registry after the ICANN Board approved a policy process for new gTLDs in June, 2008.

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

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

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. 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 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. 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.

Right of the Dot

Right of the Dot is a consulting firm for new and existing gTLDs. They are focused on the management of premium domains, the sales and marketing of TLDs, and board advisement. They assisted with the launch of .co, and are actively involved in the sales and marketing of their most premium single letter domain, i.co. Right of the Dot is currently in a cooperative agreement with Architelos, in which Architelos refers clients seeking premium domain name consulting services to Right of the Dot, and Right of the Dot refers Architelos clients looking for new TLD feasibility, financial modeling and TLD application services, as well as a managed solution for running the front office functions of a TLD registry, to Architelos.

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.