About New gTLD

Website addresses, email ids all reside on TLD. TLD means Top Level Domain. Domain is placed at the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System of the Internet.

For eg. .com .biz .net .org

In simple words, extension after the DOT is called TLD. TLD names are installed in the root zone of the name space.

New gTLD is New Generic Top Level Domain, which any corporate can apply for. It is a unique and limited time opportunity for corporates to own a new gTLD of their own choice. Thus, the corporate can run their website on their chosen gTLD rather than being on .com OR .co.in OR. in.

A new gTLD name could be a generic name, a brand name or a geographic name, or can be specific and limited to any community.

For example:

Established corporations, organizations, or institutions in good standing may apply for a new gTLD. Applications from individuals or sole proprietorships will not be considered.

The purpose of investing in new gTLD could be different for each organization. Mostly it will depend upon the marketing strategy or the communication strategy or on the nature of business, customers, market position or partners of each business. Thus depending upon your purpose and reason, you could choose to invest in new gTLD.










Point to note:

ICANN – The Internet Corporation of Names and Numbers manages the domain naming system on internet. It manages the Top Level Domains (TLDs), which are basically the highest level of domain in the hierarchical Domain name System of internet. For eg. .com .biz .net .org . In simple words the extensions after the DOT is called TLD. The TLD names are installed in the root zone of the name space. ICANN so far has launched 280+ generic TLDs on the internet. The recent one which has gone live is .xxx, which was applied in 1999 and reopened in 2005. Last time the new gTLD application programme was opened in 2005.

Once again in 2012 ICANN is launching a new gTLD programme starting from 12 Jan 2012. This will be a unique opportunity for corporates which may want to book its own TLD. This is an initiative to give an equal opportunity and enhance competition on the Internet Domain Name Systems. The new gTLD is also an initiative to create user friendly URLs. For eg. Airtel may want to apply for .airtel, which will mean that they can host their website on http://airtel, or can have email addresses as simple as arjun@airtel. It will be an opportunity for corporates to get rid of the long tails, such as http://Airtel.com/m-commerce/pay-now.html to http://paybills.airtel

.com is a TLD which is available for any domain name. It doesn’t give any unique identity to any brand name, generic name etc. New gtld will be specific to each corporates purpose. It is going to be

• Innovation on internet
• Leading to small & crisp web address
• An idea to own relevant virtual identity
• Absolute brand recall
• Directs audience
• Leads to enhanced security and stability

Essentially the process of owning a TLD is not simple. The new gTLD programme requires thorough understanding of the new gTLD Application Guidebook. A detailed online application needs to submitted in to ICANN before 12th April along with the ICANN fees. Of $185000 for a single gTLD. The application is designed to demonstrate the applicant's operational, technical and financial capability to run a TLD registry, and compliance with specific requirements.

ICANN will study each and every application in detail over a period of 9 months, could be extended up to 20 months before it will get allotted to any organization. During the evaluation process ICANN will open a public commenting section, where anyone can oppose any string (if there are any contentions around the same) and only after successive evidences, auction or both the string applied for is valid is allotted to the organization.

Net4 understands ICANN procedures and has specialized experience in application process. You can trust Net4 to provide you with Operational, Financial & Legal advisory, Technical support.

Net4 will assist in free evaluation of string which your organization may wish to apply. The evaluation will be done if the name is a part of Reserved name, Community names, Contention names etc. In case your organization wishes to apply for new gTLD, you may place Request for Proposal now.

Net 4 will completely manage new gTLD application procedure as mentioned below:

• Research on the availability of string and possibility of application*
• Identify the category & string which you wish to apply: Standard, Community
• Register for TAS (TLD Application system) online. Registration opens on 12th Jan 2012 and closes on 29th March 2012, Registration Fees - $ 5000
• Prepare and upload application along with detailed documentation: Financial & Legal advisory, Technical, Operational management along with the application fees of $185000
• Comment on related applications for contention / dispute
• Participate in public comment on related applications for contention / dispute
• Respond to Dispute Resolution
• File for Extended evaluation if required
• Co-ordinate with ICANN and other contenders for resolution
• Meeting contention applicants for string resolution
• Participate in Auction, Exit negotiations!
• Appear in Pre delegation programme for registry
• Transition to Delegation - Technical show to ICANN
• Registry Agreement