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Line 179: − − == Products and Services == − Verisign provides its services through two divisions, its Internet Services division and the Security Service Division. The Internet Services division includes Naming & Directory Services such as domain name registration for .com and .net, and DNS-related and [[RFID]] services. − − Verisign sold its Security Services to [[Symantec]] in May, 2010. − − In January, 2012, Verisign raised the wholesale prices of [[.com]] and [[.net]] registration by 7%, increasing the price from $7.34 to $7.85. [[Registrar]]s generally passed the price increase on to customers, and some used it as an excuse to raise their own prices beyond the 7% increase, with some increasing prices by 10 and 12 percent.<ref>[http://www.elliotsblog.com/registrars-increasing-prices-more-than-the-verisign-price-increase-7188 REgistrars Increasing Prices more than the Verisign Price Increase, ElliotsBlog.com]</ref> − − In its 2012 10-K report, Verisign identified [[ARI Registry Services]], [[Neustar]], [[Afilias]], and [[Nominet]] as its primary competitors.<ref>[https://investor.verisign.com/secfiling.cfm?filingid=1193125-12-77600 10k Filing, Investor.Verisign.com]</ref> − − == Relationship with ICANN == − Verisign existed before ICANN, and thus with the establishment of the Internet's oversight body, Verisign was in a place of sustained recognition as the registry of many of the Internet's most important [[TLD]]s. While it has given up some of its original TLD oversight, it continues to manage the Internet's most well-known extension, [[.com]], and others. − − ===Sponsorship=== − Verisign is consistently one of the largest sponsors of [[ICANN]]'s meetings; they sponsored at the Platinum level or above for all 2011 meetings.<ref>[http://dakar42.icann.org/ Dakar42.ICANN.org]</ref><ref>[http://singapore41.icann.org/ Singapore41.ICANN.org]</ref><ref>[http://svsf40.icann.org/ SVSF40.ICANN.org]</ref> Some commentators attributed the ability of ICANN to secure former U.S. President, [[Bill Clinton]], to speak at [[ICANN 40]] was the especially high level at which Verisign sponsored that meeting.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-drops-150000-on-icann-singapore/ Verisign Drops 150,000 on ICANN Singapore, DomainIncite.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.tldmagazine.com/bill-clinton-to-address-icann-san-francisco-meeting.html Bill Clinto to Address ICANN San Francisco Meeting, TLDmagazing.com]</ref> − − ===Site Finder Service=== − Verisign launched Site Finder September, 2003, which caused a user to be redirected to its Site Finder search engine after the user attempted to access an unregistered address. [[ICANN]] published a report against this policy stating "Verisign violated architectural principles, codes of conduct and good practice," and [[ICANN]] declared Site Finder in violation of Verisign's contracts for running the master address lists for [[.com]]<ref>"[http://www.out-law.com/page-4716 Out-law.com]</ref> [[ICANN]] then asked Verisign to suspend its Site Finder service.<ref>[http://www.out-law.com/page-3921 Out-law.com]</ref> In October, a hearing took place place in Washington, D.C. to review technical issues with the U.S. Department of Commerce, which gives permission to Verisign to operate the [[DNS]] for [[.com]] and [[.net]]; VeriSign subsequently shut down the service. − − In February 2004, Verisign sued [[ICANN]] claiming it had unlawfully been prevented from adding new features to [[.com]] and [[.net]].<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/2100-1038-5165982.html CNet News]</ref>. In August 2004, the claim was moved from federal to California state court. <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/general/litigation-verisign.htm ICANN.org]</ref> Eventually, in late 2005, Verisign and [[ICANN]] announced a proposed settlement introducing terms for new registry services in the [[.com]] registry. The documents of these agreements are publicly available at [[ICANN]]'s official website and can be viewed [http://www.icann.org/tlds/agreements/verisign/settlement-agreements.htm here]. − ===.com Renewals=== − The dropping of the aforemetioned litigation between Verisign and ICANN seems to have cleared the way for the renewal of the [[.com]] registry agreement from 2005 through 2012.<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/25/verisign_icann_deal/ Verisign ICANN deal, TheRegister.co.uk]</ref> The agreement and its appendices can be viewed via the ICANN site, [http://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/registries/com here]. − − In August, 2012, 3 of [[ICANN]]'s Constituencies ([[ALAC]], [[GNSO]] [[Business Constituency]], [[GNSO]] [[Intellectual Property Constituency]]) sent a letter to the organization complaining that the organization held its renewal talks with [[Verisign]] behind closed doors and the result is that there are no [[Whois|Thick Whois]] requirements for the .com TLD.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/08/21/constituencies-blast-icanns-closed-door-verisign-com-contract-renewal/ Constituencies Blast ICANNs Closed Door Verisign Com Contract Renewal, DomainNameWire.com]</ref> − − ===.net Renewals=== − Also, in other domain name negotiations with [[ICANN]], Verisign traded the [[.org]] [[TLD]] in return for continued rights over [[.com]]. In mid 2005, when Verisign's contract for operation with [[.net]] expired, Verisign and 5 other companies bid for it. Verisign was supported by renowned IT companies like Microsoft, [[IBM]], [[Sun Microsystems]], and [[MCI]]. On June 8, 2005, [[ICANN]] announced that Verisign had been approved to operate [[.net]] until 2011.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/dotnet-reassignment/dotnet-general.htm]</ref> These agreements have presumptive right of renewal clauses that encourage the registry operators to invest in critical Internet infrastructure. They were subsequently approved to operate the .net registry through 2017.<ref>[http://www.internetnews.com/infra/icann-renews-verisigns-.net-contract.html ICANN Renews Verisign .net Contract, InternetNews.com]</ref> − − ==New gTLDs== − In December, 2011, weeks before the opening of [[ICANN]]'s new [[gTLD]] program, the Chinese national [[registry]], [[CNNIC]], announced that it was applying for the IDN equivalents of .company, and .network.<ref>[http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2011-12-20/10326538420.shtml Tech.Sina.com]</ref> This move was seen as potentially problematic given Verisign's own plans to seek the IDN equivalents of their [[.com]] and [[.net]] TLDs; Verisign has previously said that they will apply for all transliterated versions of .com and .net.<ref>[http://www.managingip.com/Article/2761204/VeriSign-wants-com-and-net-IDNs.html Verisign Wants Com and Net, ManagingIP.com]</ref> Verisign's [[Pat Kane]] later added, in January, 2012, that the company was planning on applying for "about 12" new gTLDs, and noted that most of these were going to be foreign language transliterations of [[.com]].<ref>[http://seekingalpha.com/article/322517-verisign-management-discusses-q4-2011-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=qanda 2011 Results Earnings Call Transcript, SeekingAlpha.com]</ref> Expected languages include Japanese, Hangul, Chinese, Cyrillic, Arabic, and Hebrew.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/01/26/verisign-plans-to-apply-for-about-12-new-top-level-domain-names/ Verisign Plans to Apply for About 12 New Top Level Domain Names, DomainNameWire.com]</ref> At that time it was also noted that Verisign had already been chosen to provide [[registry]] services for several [[Brand gTLD|.brand]] initiatives.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-to-apply-for-a-dozen-new-gtlds/ Verisign to Apply for a Dozen New gTLDs, DomainIncite.com]</ref> − − During its first quarter earnings report, on April 26, 2012, it was confirmed that Verisign would be applying for 14 new gTLDs, 12 of which are foreign language transliterations of .com and .net. They also announced that they had been contracted by 220 new gTLD applicants to provide technical backend services.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/breaking-verisign-has-220-new-gtld-clients/ Breaking: Verisign has 220 new gTLD clients, domainincite.com]</ref><ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/04/26/verisign-is-backend-for-220-new-tld-applicants-and-applies-for-14-itself/ VeriSign is backend for 220 new TLD applicants and applies for 14 itself, domainnamewire.com]</ref> − − == Security Breach== − As per routine for public companies, Verisign filed a quarterly 10-Q with the SEC in October, 2011. The form includes a section asking about any security issues that could compromise the company, and in this instance Verisign disclosed a 2010 hack into limited parts of their computers and servers. While the disclosure suddenly got a lot of attention months later, one commentator notes that it was not a big deal at all and seemed to be a "minor network breach".<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120202_world_notices_verisign_said_3_months_ago_they_had_security_breach/ World notices Verisign Said 3 months ago They Had Security Breach, CircleID.com]</ref> Verisign has since reaffirmed that its [[DNS]] was not compromised.<ref>[http://verisigninc.com/en_US/news-events/press-room/articles/index.xhtml?artLink=aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmVzcy52ZXJpc2lnbi5jb20vZWFzeWlyL2N1c3RvbXJlbC5kbz9lYXN5aXJpZD1BRkMwRkYwREI1QzU2MEQzJnZlcnNpb249bGl2ZSZwcmlkPTg0Nzg2OSZyZWxlYXNlanNwPWN1c3RvbV85Nw%3D%3D&CMP=TW Press Release, VerisignINC.com]</ref> − − == Selling Authentication Services Business to Symantec == − Verisign's logo, a check mark and the tag "VeriSign Secured" is one of the most trusted trademark of secured website. Even though providing internet security was an initial objective of the company, over time Verisign shifted its priority to website management and its domain registration business. − − Verisign began by selling some of its services piecemeal. Finally, in May 2010, Verisign sold the entire division to Symantec for 1.28 million.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1816653320100518 Reuters]</ref> Because of this deal, Symantec now has the right to VeriSign's authentication logo and the "VeriSign Secured" tag for SSL certification.Verisign's Security Services included managing services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, vulnerability protection, etc. It also provided global security consulting, email security, authentication and digital certificate/SSL validation, and Extended Validation (High Assurance) [[SSL]] Certificates. − − == Domain Slamming == − In May 2002, [[BulkRegister]] sued Verisign for [[domain slamming]].<ref>[http://www.internetnews.com/xSP/article.php/1121321/BulkRegister-Sues-VeriSign-for-Slamming.htm Internet News]</ref> [[BulkRegister]] claimed Verisign "engaged in unfair practices" with a recent marketing campaign that attempted to get domain owners to use Verisign to renew their existing policy. In 2003, Verisign was found not to have broken the law and as a result did not need to pay any fine. However, Verisign was barred from suggesting domain renewal or expiration prospects.<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/09/25/verisign_slammed_for_domain_renewal/ The Register.co.uk]</ref> − − ==Waiting List Service (WLS)== − On December 30, 2001, Verisign proposed the implementation of the Waiting List Service ([[WLS]]) to the [[DNSO]]. Based on its proposal, the WLS will provide registrants the opportunity to reserve their preferred domain names that are currently registered by other subscribers for one year. Registrars will directly reserve and transact with Verisign to reserve the domain name under the WLS. A domain name will only be transferred to an individual who made the reservation if the original owner submitted a request to delete the domain name. Verisign proposed a $35 fee for the service.<ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/meetings/bucharest/vgrs-wls-proposal-30dec01.pdf Domain Name Wait Listing Service]</ref> − − Verisign revised its WLS proposals twice in response to the public comments and discussions with registrars and other organizations on January 28, 2002 and March 20, 2002 respectively.<ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/meetings/bucharest/vgrs-wls-proposal-28jan02.pdf WLS Revision January 28, 2001]</ref> <ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/meetings/bucharest/vgrs-wls-proposal-20mar02.pdf WLS Revision March 20, 2002]</ref> On August 23, 2002, ICANN approved the renegotiation of Verisign's .com and .net registry agreement to incorporate the proper amendments for the implementation of the WLS for 12-months trial period despite objections particularly from Mr. [[Abril i Abril]], [[Karl Auerbach]] and other organizations. The final subscription fee was $24.<ref>[https://community.icann.org/display/tap/2002-08-23+-+VeriSign+WLS+Proposal 2002-08-23 - VeriSign WLS Proposal]</ref> − − On January 26, 2004 ICANN General Counsel and Secretary [[John O. Jeffrey]] sent to Verisign the Conclusion of the Negotiation regarding ICANN's conditions prior to the implementation of the WLS wherein a special provision stated that the amendments made to the [[.com]] and [[.net]] registry needed approval from Department of Commerce ([[DOC]]). <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/correspondence/jeffrey-to-lewis-26jan04.pdf Conclusion of WLS Negotiations]</ref> The implementation of the WLS was delayed due to Verisign refusal to seek approval from the DOC and to make necessary changes to its .net registry agreement.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/legal/verisign-v-icann/icann-net-arbitration-request-12nov04.pdf International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration ICANN vs. Verisign]</ref> − − Verisign filed a legal case against ICANN on February 26, 2004. The company accused ICANN of seriously abusing its technical coordination function by requiring Verisign to stop its Site Finder Service to the .com and .net domain name space. The company also added in the complaint the delay of the implementation of the WLS and the inclusion of new procedures not required by the 2001 .com and .net registry agreements such as the price reduction for the WLS service. According to Verisign, the conditions benefited the different ICANN constituencies but unfavorable to the company.Furthermore, Verisign pointed out ICANN denied the company to earn profit by delaying the WLS while other companies are offering similar services to internet users.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/legal/verisign-v-icann/verisign-v-icann-complaint-26feb04.pdf Verisign Vs. ICANN]</ref> − − United States District Court Judge Howard Matz dismissed the lawsuit on August 26, 2004. According to the judge, Verisign failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove its anti-trust complaint against ICANN.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-federal-district-court-dismisses-verisigns-anti-trust-claim-against-icann-with-prejudice-71761617.html U.S. Federal District Court Dismisses VeriSign's Anti-Trust Claim Against ICANN with Prejudice]</ref> Verisign, elevated the case to the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles.<ref>[http://www.fateback.com/news/domain_names/data/VeriSign_refiles_lawsuit_against_ICANN.html Verisign Re-files lawsuit against ICANN]</ref> Verisign and ICANN settled the lawsuit on February 28, 2006. The settlement permanently killed the WLS.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-28feb06.htm Settlement Agreement]</ref> − − ==Infrastructure Research Grant Program== − The Infrastructure Research Program was launched by Verisign in 2010 as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the [[.com]] TLD. The company awarded a total of $300,000 to four compelling infrastructure research projects. Each project were given $75,000 each and it was concluded last October 2011. On January 2012, the company announced that it will award two $200,000 new infrastructure research grants. The two research projects that will be chosen must be compelling and the topic must concentrate on internet access and infrastructural challenges faced by users worldwide particularly in developing countries. Experts in technology and policy development who have great contributions in the growth of the internet industry will judge research project proposals.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120117_verisign_to_award_new_infrastructure_research_grants/ Verisign to Award New Infrastructure Research Grants]</ref>
no edit summary
In October, 2011, Verisign's registry management for [[.com]] domains passed the 100 million mark.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/com-passed-100-million-mark-in-october/ Com Passed 100 million mark in October]</ref>
In October, 2011, Verisign's registry management for [[.com]] domains passed the 100 million mark.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/com-passed-100-million-mark-in-october/ Com Passed 100 million mark in October]</ref>
== Products and Services ==
Verisign provides its services through two divisions, its Internet Services division and the Security Service Division. The Internet Services division includes Naming & Directory Services such as domain name registration for .com and .net, and DNS-related and [[RFID]] services.
Verisign sold its Security Services to [[Symantec]] in May, 2010.
In January, 2012, Verisign raised the wholesale prices of [[.com]] and [[.net]] registration by 7%, increasing the price from $7.34 to $7.85. [[Registrar]]s generally passed the price increase on to customers, and some used it as an excuse to raise their own prices beyond the 7% increase, with some increasing prices by 10 and 12 percent.<ref>[http://www.elliotsblog.com/registrars-increasing-prices-more-than-the-verisign-price-increase-7188 REgistrars Increasing Prices more than the Verisign Price Increase, ElliotsBlog.com]</ref>
In its 2012 10-K report, Verisign identified [[ARI Registry Services]], [[Neustar]], [[Afilias]], and [[Nominet]] as its primary competitors.<ref>[https://investor.verisign.com/secfiling.cfm?filingid=1193125-12-77600 10k Filing, Investor.Verisign.com]</ref>
== Relationship with ICANN ==
Verisign existed before ICANN, and thus with the establishment of the Internet's oversight body, Verisign was in a place of sustained recognition as the registry of many of the Internet's most important [[TLD]]s. While it has given up some of its original TLD oversight, it continues to manage the Internet's most well-known extension, [[.com]], and others.
===Sponsorship===
Verisign is consistently one of the largest sponsors of [[ICANN]]'s meetings; they sponsored at the Platinum level or above for all 2011 meetings.<ref>[http://dakar42.icann.org/ Dakar42.ICANN.org]</ref><ref>[http://singapore41.icann.org/ Singapore41.ICANN.org]</ref><ref>[http://svsf40.icann.org/ SVSF40.ICANN.org]</ref> Some commentators attributed the ability of ICANN to secure former U.S. President, [[Bill Clinton]], to speak at [[ICANN 40]] was the especially high level at which Verisign sponsored that meeting.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-drops-150000-on-icann-singapore/ Verisign Drops 150,000 on ICANN Singapore, DomainIncite.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.tldmagazine.com/bill-clinton-to-address-icann-san-francisco-meeting.html Bill Clinto to Address ICANN San Francisco Meeting, TLDmagazing.com]</ref>
===Site Finder Service===
Verisign launched Site Finder September, 2003, which caused a user to be redirected to its Site Finder search engine after the user attempted to access an unregistered address. [[ICANN]] published a report against this policy stating "Verisign violated architectural principles, codes of conduct and good practice," and [[ICANN]] declared Site Finder in violation of Verisign's contracts for running the master address lists for [[.com]]<ref>"[http://www.out-law.com/page-4716 Out-law.com]</ref> [[ICANN]] then asked Verisign to suspend its Site Finder service.<ref>[http://www.out-law.com/page-3921 Out-law.com]</ref> In October, a hearing took place place in Washington, D.C. to review technical issues with the U.S. Department of Commerce, which gives permission to Verisign to operate the [[DNS]] for [[.com]] and [[.net]]; VeriSign subsequently shut down the service.
In February 2004, Verisign sued [[ICANN]] claiming it had unlawfully been prevented from adding new features to [[.com]] and [[.net]].<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/2100-1038-5165982.html CNet News]</ref>. In August 2004, the claim was moved from federal to California state court. <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/general/litigation-verisign.htm ICANN.org]</ref> Eventually, in late 2005, Verisign and [[ICANN]] announced a proposed settlement introducing terms for new registry services in the [[.com]] registry. The documents of these agreements are publicly available at [[ICANN]]'s official website and can be viewed [http://www.icann.org/tlds/agreements/verisign/settlement-agreements.htm here].
===.com Renewals===
The dropping of the aforemetioned litigation between Verisign and ICANN seems to have cleared the way for the renewal of the [[.com]] registry agreement from 2005 through 2012.<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/25/verisign_icann_deal/ Verisign ICANN deal, TheRegister.co.uk]</ref> The agreement and its appendices can be viewed via the ICANN site, [http://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/registries/com here].
In August, 2012, 3 of [[ICANN]]'s Constituencies ([[ALAC]], [[GNSO]] [[Business Constituency]], [[GNSO]] [[Intellectual Property Constituency]]) sent a letter to the organization complaining that the organization held its renewal talks with [[Verisign]] behind closed doors and the result is that there are no [[Whois|Thick Whois]] requirements for the .com TLD.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/08/21/constituencies-blast-icanns-closed-door-verisign-com-contract-renewal/ Constituencies Blast ICANNs Closed Door Verisign Com Contract Renewal, DomainNameWire.com]</ref>
===.net Renewals===
Also, in other domain name negotiations with [[ICANN]], Verisign traded the [[.org]] [[TLD]] in return for continued rights over [[.com]]. In mid 2005, when Verisign's contract for operation with [[.net]] expired, Verisign and 5 other companies bid for it. Verisign was supported by renowned IT companies like Microsoft, [[IBM]], [[Sun Microsystems]], and [[MCI]]. On June 8, 2005, [[ICANN]] announced that Verisign had been approved to operate [[.net]] until 2011.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/dotnet-reassignment/dotnet-general.htm]</ref> These agreements have presumptive right of renewal clauses that encourage the registry operators to invest in critical Internet infrastructure. They were subsequently approved to operate the .net registry through 2017.<ref>[http://www.internetnews.com/infra/icann-renews-verisigns-.net-contract.html ICANN Renews Verisign .net Contract, InternetNews.com]</ref>
==New gTLDs==
In December, 2011, weeks before the opening of [[ICANN]]'s new [[gTLD]] program, the Chinese national [[registry]], [[CNNIC]], announced that it was applying for the IDN equivalents of .company, and .network.<ref>[http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2011-12-20/10326538420.shtml Tech.Sina.com]</ref> This move was seen as potentially problematic given Verisign's own plans to seek the IDN equivalents of their [[.com]] and [[.net]] TLDs; Verisign has previously said that they will apply for all transliterated versions of .com and .net.<ref>[http://www.managingip.com/Article/2761204/VeriSign-wants-com-and-net-IDNs.html Verisign Wants Com and Net, ManagingIP.com]</ref> Verisign's [[Pat Kane]] later added, in January, 2012, that the company was planning on applying for "about 12" new gTLDs, and noted that most of these were going to be foreign language transliterations of [[.com]].<ref>[http://seekingalpha.com/article/322517-verisign-management-discusses-q4-2011-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=qanda 2011 Results Earnings Call Transcript, SeekingAlpha.com]</ref> Expected languages include Japanese, Hangul, Chinese, Cyrillic, Arabic, and Hebrew.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/01/26/verisign-plans-to-apply-for-about-12-new-top-level-domain-names/ Verisign Plans to Apply for About 12 New Top Level Domain Names, DomainNameWire.com]</ref> At that time it was also noted that Verisign had already been chosen to provide [[registry]] services for several [[Brand gTLD|.brand]] initiatives.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-to-apply-for-a-dozen-new-gtlds/ Verisign to Apply for a Dozen New gTLDs, DomainIncite.com]</ref>
During its first quarter earnings report, on April 26, 2012, it was confirmed that Verisign would be applying for 14 new gTLDs, 12 of which are foreign language transliterations of .com and .net. They also announced that they had been contracted by 220 new gTLD applicants to provide technical backend services.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/breaking-verisign-has-220-new-gtld-clients/ Breaking: Verisign has 220 new gTLD clients, domainincite.com]</ref><ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/04/26/verisign-is-backend-for-220-new-tld-applicants-and-applies-for-14-itself/ VeriSign is backend for 220 new TLD applicants and applies for 14 itself, domainnamewire.com]</ref>
== Security Breach==
As per routine for public companies, Verisign filed a quarterly 10-Q with the SEC in October, 2011. The form includes a section asking about any security issues that could compromise the company, and in this instance Verisign disclosed a 2010 hack into limited parts of their computers and servers. While the disclosure suddenly got a lot of attention months later, one commentator notes that it was not a big deal at all and seemed to be a "minor network breach".<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120202_world_notices_verisign_said_3_months_ago_they_had_security_breach/ World notices Verisign Said 3 months ago They Had Security Breach, CircleID.com]</ref> Verisign has since reaffirmed that its [[DNS]] was not compromised.<ref>[http://verisigninc.com/en_US/news-events/press-room/articles/index.xhtml?artLink=aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmVzcy52ZXJpc2lnbi5jb20vZWFzeWlyL2N1c3RvbXJlbC5kbz9lYXN5aXJpZD1BRkMwRkYwREI1QzU2MEQzJnZlcnNpb249bGl2ZSZwcmlkPTg0Nzg2OSZyZWxlYXNlanNwPWN1c3RvbV85Nw%3D%3D&CMP=TW Press Release, VerisignINC.com]</ref>
== Selling Authentication Services Business to Symantec ==
Verisign's logo, a check mark and the tag "VeriSign Secured" is one of the most trusted trademark of secured website. Even though providing internet security was an initial objective of the company, over time Verisign shifted its priority to website management and its domain registration business.
Verisign began by selling some of its services piecemeal. Finally, in May 2010, Verisign sold the entire division to Symantec for 1.28 million.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1816653320100518 Reuters]</ref> Because of this deal, Symantec now has the right to VeriSign's authentication logo and the "VeriSign Secured" tag for SSL certification.Verisign's Security Services included managing services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, vulnerability protection, etc. It also provided global security consulting, email security, authentication and digital certificate/SSL validation, and Extended Validation (High Assurance) [[SSL]] Certificates.
== Domain Slamming ==
In May 2002, [[BulkRegister]] sued Verisign for [[domain slamming]].<ref>[http://www.internetnews.com/xSP/article.php/1121321/BulkRegister-Sues-VeriSign-for-Slamming.htm Internet News]</ref> [[BulkRegister]] claimed Verisign "engaged in unfair practices" with a recent marketing campaign that attempted to get domain owners to use Verisign to renew their existing policy. In 2003, Verisign was found not to have broken the law and as a result did not need to pay any fine. However, Verisign was barred from suggesting domain renewal or expiration prospects.<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/09/25/verisign_slammed_for_domain_renewal/ The Register.co.uk]</ref>
==Waiting List Service (WLS)==
On December 30, 2001, Verisign proposed the implementation of the Waiting List Service ([[WLS]]) to the [[DNSO]]. Based on its proposal, the WLS will provide registrants the opportunity to reserve their preferred domain names that are currently registered by other subscribers for one year. Registrars will directly reserve and transact with Verisign to reserve the domain name under the WLS. A domain name will only be transferred to an individual who made the reservation if the original owner submitted a request to delete the domain name. Verisign proposed a $35 fee for the service.<ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/meetings/bucharest/vgrs-wls-proposal-30dec01.pdf Domain Name Wait Listing Service]</ref>
Verisign revised its WLS proposals twice in response to the public comments and discussions with registrars and other organizations on January 28, 2002 and March 20, 2002 respectively.<ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/meetings/bucharest/vgrs-wls-proposal-28jan02.pdf WLS Revision January 28, 2001]</ref> <ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/meetings/bucharest/vgrs-wls-proposal-20mar02.pdf WLS Revision March 20, 2002]</ref> On August 23, 2002, ICANN approved the renegotiation of Verisign's .com and .net registry agreement to incorporate the proper amendments for the implementation of the WLS for 12-months trial period despite objections particularly from Mr. [[Abril i Abril]], [[Karl Auerbach]] and other organizations. The final subscription fee was $24.<ref>[https://community.icann.org/display/tap/2002-08-23+-+VeriSign+WLS+Proposal 2002-08-23 - VeriSign WLS Proposal]</ref>
On January 26, 2004 ICANN General Counsel and Secretary [[John O. Jeffrey]] sent to Verisign the Conclusion of the Negotiation regarding ICANN's conditions prior to the implementation of the WLS wherein a special provision stated that the amendments made to the [[.com]] and [[.net]] registry needed approval from Department of Commerce ([[DOC]]). <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/correspondence/jeffrey-to-lewis-26jan04.pdf Conclusion of WLS Negotiations]</ref> The implementation of the WLS was delayed due to Verisign refusal to seek approval from the DOC and to make necessary changes to its .net registry agreement.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/legal/verisign-v-icann/icann-net-arbitration-request-12nov04.pdf International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration ICANN vs. Verisign]</ref>
Verisign filed a legal case against ICANN on February 26, 2004. The company accused ICANN of seriously abusing its technical coordination function by requiring Verisign to stop its Site Finder Service to the .com and .net domain name space. The company also added in the complaint the delay of the implementation of the WLS and the inclusion of new procedures not required by the 2001 .com and .net registry agreements such as the price reduction for the WLS service. According to Verisign, the conditions benefited the different ICANN constituencies but unfavorable to the company.Furthermore, Verisign pointed out ICANN denied the company to earn profit by delaying the WLS while other companies are offering similar services to internet users.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/legal/verisign-v-icann/verisign-v-icann-complaint-26feb04.pdf Verisign Vs. ICANN]</ref>
United States District Court Judge Howard Matz dismissed the lawsuit on August 26, 2004. According to the judge, Verisign failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove its anti-trust complaint against ICANN.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-federal-district-court-dismisses-verisigns-anti-trust-claim-against-icann-with-prejudice-71761617.html U.S. Federal District Court Dismisses VeriSign's Anti-Trust Claim Against ICANN with Prejudice]</ref> Verisign, elevated the case to the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles.<ref>[http://www.fateback.com/news/domain_names/data/VeriSign_refiles_lawsuit_against_ICANN.html Verisign Re-files lawsuit against ICANN]</ref> Verisign and ICANN settled the lawsuit on February 28, 2006. The settlement permanently killed the WLS.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-28feb06.htm Settlement Agreement]</ref>
==Infrastructure Research Grant Program==
The Infrastructure Research Program was launched by Verisign in 2010 as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the [[.com]] TLD. The company awarded a total of $300,000 to four compelling infrastructure research projects. Each project were given $75,000 each and it was concluded last October 2011. On January 2012, the company announced that it will award two $200,000 new infrastructure research grants. The two research projects that will be chosen must be compelling and the topic must concentrate on internet access and infrastructural challenges faced by users worldwide particularly in developing countries. Experts in technology and policy development who have great contributions in the growth of the internet industry will judge research project proposals.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120117_verisign_to_award_new_infrastructure_research_grants/ Verisign to Award New Infrastructure Research Grants]</ref>
==History==
==History==
* 1995, [[RSA]] pioneered two-factor authentication and encryption and Verisign was founded as a 'spin-off' of the [[RSA]] security technology to act as a [[Certificate Authority|certificate authority]].<ref>[http://www.rsa.com/press_release.aspx?id=10462 RSA]</ref>
* 1995, [[RSA]] pioneered two-factor authentication and encryption and Verisign was founded as a 'spin-off' of the [[RSA]] security technology to act as a [[Certificate Authority|certificate authority]].<ref>[http://www.rsa.com/press_release.aspx?id=10462 RSA]</ref>
* March, 2007 - Verisign aquires [[Network Solutions]] for approximately $21 billion in stock.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2000/03/07/deals/verisign/ CNNMoney ]</ref>
* March, 2007 - Verisign aquires [[Network Solutions]] for approximately $21 billion in stock.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2000/03/07/deals/verisign/ CNNMoney ]</ref>
==References==
==References==