This change is a major opportunity for companies to take ownership of a part of the Internet for the benefit of their customers, suppliers, channel networks, users and public in general.

Introduction to the new gTLDs

In late June 2011, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved the plan to introduce one of the biggest changes in Internet naming history by dramatically increasing the number of Internet domain name endings such as .com, .net and .org. These Internet domain name endings are known as generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs).

This change is a major opportunity for companies to take ownership of a part of the Internet for the benefit of their customers, suppliers, channel networks, users and public in general and there are already a number of projects underway with groups like .paris and .eco planning to make applications.

Many companies are also considering how they will use this new and exciting possibility to enhance their marketing operations online and to protect their brands, and NetNames (in conjunction with its Group NBT plc sister brands) is currently working with organisations throughout the globe to help them (a) assess the feasibility of a personalised domain extension and (b) to make the complex application to ICANN.

If your organisation is thinking about whether or not to apply for a new gTLD, talk to NetNames. With our expertise in domain name management and through our new .Brand Service, we can help you to make the correct decision about whether or not you should apply for a new gTLD.

If you then decide to proceed, NetNames can help you further by developing the necessary business plan to form the basis of the application, and support you in the launch and implementation of the gTLD (should your application be successful).

The benefits of applying for and running a new gTLD

The new gTLD programme creates many benefits for companies and organisations. The benefits for brand owners are outlined below.

  • The new gTLDs will give organisations more control over their corporate image on the Internet, their naming strategy, their partners, suppliers and customers
  • Organisations will also be able to gain a greater level of control over their Internet presence with regards to costs, intellectual property, and technical control
  • Brand owners will be able to enhance both their internal and external communications as their chosen gTLD could become the focal point of their Internet presence for internal and external uses
  • Brand owners will be able to rationalise their online presence (including their portfolio of domains and trademarks) by existing online through their own gTLD domain name
  • When implemented adequately, a new gTLD will also be able to generate significant direct revenues for organisations (via the registration and renewal of domain names)

Protecting your brand is our domain