Owning a part of the Internet

A new type of TLD

In 2008, ICANN (the non-profit organization controlling the internet name space), decided to let any company or organization apply for a new Top Level Domain (TLD). When the application window opened in 2012 there was almost 2000 applications submitted to ICANN whereof more than 600 applications was for .BRANDS. These new domain name extensions have now started to go live. Up to date, more than 4,5 million domain names have been registered under the new TLDs.

Applying for your own TLD is not comparable to registering a new domain name. Creating a new TLD is a way of building your own island on the internet, a space were you are in full control with the opportunity to communicate with your customers and partners in an entirely new, exciting and intuitive way. You can also guarantee your customers that they can feel secure in surfing websites where the domain name ends with your .BRAND. In conclusion, you create a safe and exiting platform for you and your customers that exudes innovation, strength and trust. 

When can I apply?

It’s not possible to apply for a new gTLD at the moment since the previous application round is not finished yet. There are going to be a new opportunity to apply for new TLDs in the beginning of 2017 (current estimation). The application process will be identical or very similar to the previous round. In a best case scenario it will take about 9 months from applying until your new gTLD is launched on the internet.

How can Domaininfo assist?

Domaininfo are, together with our partners, able to help companies apply for their own TLD. We have experience from helping applicants in the first application round and can assist with a full-service solution covering applying for, and later on operate, our customers own TLDs. 

Pre-studies and workshops – Applying for a new gTLD is a comprehensive process. Before diving into the application papers it’s a recommendation to perform a pre-study to investigate pros and cons with applying, what personnel you have to allocate to the project, which function in the company that should finance the project etc. Workshops within the company is also a recommendation, with the aim to raise awareness internally and discuss how to take advantage of the .BRAND in internal and external communication.

The application process – We write the application and act as the primary project manager in correspondence with ICANN and other relevant parties.

Launch – Through our technical partners we take care of the delegation of the new .BRAND into the internet root zone. We also handle the ongoing technical Registry operations.

Registering your domain names – When your .BRAND is launched it’s time to start registering domain names. Domaininfo is an ICANN Accredited domain name registrar with more than 20 years of experience.

Plan ahead of time! – Is your company considering applying in the next application round or needs help with your current application process? Contact Pamela Smith on pamela.smith@domaininfo.com.