New Generic Top-Level Domains Another Step Closer

New Generic Top-Level Domains Another Step Closer

September 12, 2007

    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.


    For more information, please contact:
  
     Jason Keenan, Media Adviser 
     ICANN
     Phone:   [phone]
     Email:   [e-mail]
     Website: http://www.icann.org