New Generic Top-Level Domains Another Step Closer

MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Sept. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- New generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are a step closer with two important developments at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

First, ICANN's Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council approved policy recommendations to guide the development of a new gTLD application and approval process.

Second, ICANN issued a global call for companies to bid to develop the Request for Proposals (RFP) for new gTLDs.

"This is all about increased choice. As the GNSO report notes, among many things, there is demand for additional top-level domains as a business opportunity and that this will stimulate competition at the registry service level," said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN's President and CEO. "The creation of the application and evaluation process for new top-level domains is extremely important. It means we are continuing to move towards our goal of new gTLDs coming online in 2008."

The GNSO recommendations will be the focus of public discussions and input at ICANN's 30th International Public meeting 29 October to 2 November 2007 in Los Angeles. At a later date, the ICANN Board will decide how to proceed with the policy recommendations.

"The coming round of gTLD applications could be the most important in ICANN's history -- with work progressing on internationalized domain names, there is the possibility that some new generic top-level domains could be in languages not previously available for TLDs," Dr Twomey added. "ICANN is hoping for companies from across the globe to put bids forward to develop the RFP, and we hope as many people as possible take part in the ICANN process, in person or online, in the Los Angeles discussions."

The GNSO recommendations are at: http://gnso.icann.org/drafts/PDFPDPDec05FRPartA30July07.pdf

Information on RFP development is at:

http://icann.org/tlds/new-gtld-sow-06sep07.htm

About ICANN:

ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers like domain names (like .org, .museum and country codes like .uk) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that help computers reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability. ICANN is an internationally organized, public benefit non-profit company. For more information please visit: http://www.icann.org.