new tld's

Existing Top Level Domains
The existing name space contains 21 gTLDs and 251 ccTLDs with multiple operating models. All gTLDs have a designated “registry operator” as set out by the Registry Agreement between the operator and ICANN. Operators of a gTLD registry are responsible for the technical operation of the TLD and all domain names registered under it. Registries of gTLDs interact with over 900 registrars who provide registration and management services to registrants.

Versign the operator of the .com registry released figure showing the as of the 2nd quarter of 2009 there were 185 million Top Level Domains currently registered. Interestingly the report also shows a 15% reduction in new TLD registrations for the second quarter of 2009 (9 million) compared to the same period in 2008. This would suggest the current structure is reaching saturation and changes are required to continue giving consumers choice and new opportunities.

Adrenaline TLD Inc. supports points made in a recent letter to ICANN signed by 60 businesses in support of new TLDs along with findings from studies commissioned by ICANN that show the social and economic benefits of new TLDs. In the letter signees explain that the introduction of new TLDs is needed because of growing consumer demand and current scarcity of good domain names. Additionally the introduction of new TLDs will create safe environments for internet users against internet crime and foster innovation in the domain space itself. Ultimately this will benefit the consumer and potentially create new revenue and employment opportunities.

Adrenaline TLD Inc. will be a part of this momentous new dawn for the internet and by introducing dedicated new name spaces will create exciting new opportunities for both the industry and consumers.

ICANN
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-for-profit multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to coordinating the Internets unique identifier system. Since its inception 10 years ago ICANN has been responsible for promoting competition and choice in the domain-name marketplace. In 2007 the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) a group that coordinates internet policy for ICANN formally completed and approved its policy development work on new gTLDs, ushering in the dawn of a new internet era.

The new gTLD program is being implemented to do exactly what ICANN set out to do from creation, promoting competition and choice beyond the existing 21 Top Level Domains. New gTLDs will open the Top Level Domain space, foster diversity and encourage competition in the DNS.

In October ICAAN published its 3rd version of the Draft Applicant Guidebook (DAG), an all encompassing set of processes, rules and requirements for potential applicants who wish to apply for a Top Level Domain. The 3rd version of the DAG has been created in cooperation and feedback from multiple stake holders and ICANN has proposed that it will be ready to take applications for new gTLDs during the early part of 2010. Although not finalized and open again to further comment the estimated application, review, evolution, acceptance and delegation process is likely to take between 7 – 12 months per application.