|
Icann launches initiative for generic top-level domains
3 November 2003
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) will launch an initiative for enabling generic top level domains (gTLDs).
"Icann has now moved forward with a programme to introduce further competition and choice in the top-level domain markets," said Paul Twomey, president and chief executive officer of Icann. "We are opening up the process for which TLDs [top-level domains] can be applied for."
In approving a two-stage approach, Icann, which oversees technical issues related to the internet address system, is looking to simplify the TLD application process. Icann's goal is to implement a transparent process, Twomey added.
Most TLDs with three or more characters, such as .com or .net, are referred to as gTLDs. Two-letter TLDs designate a specific country and are called ccTLDs, or country-code TLDs.
Icann expected to have the applications process completed by 31 December 2004, after which time people will be able to apply for gTLDs, Twomey said. The existing process has been criticised for being too complicated and laborious. The latest process will also be cheaper, according to Icann spokeswoman, Mary Hewitt.
Icann has also approved an expedited process for a round of new sponsored generic top-level domains (sTLDs), which will result in new sTLDs in 2004, Twomey said.
There are two subsets of gTLDs: sponsored (sTLD) and unsponsored (uTLD). The sTLD serves specific communities, current examples being .museum, .coop, and .aero, according to the Icann website. Examples of uTLDs are .biz, .info, .name, and .pro.
More details at: http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticleID=126179&liFlavourID=1&sp=1
|
