Web domain names look set to take on a whole different dimension in the near future with non-profit group the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) expected to green-light a proposal to introduce applicant-specific “top-level” Web addresses.
ICANN Internet regulator expected to approve new brand-specific domain names. Image: ICANN.
Under the proposal, organisations and businesses will be able to reference their brands directly in their Web domains, which, for example, would see the introduction of new domain names containing the likes of “.intel” or “.ebay” rather than the current “.com” usage.
Audience appeal associated with the new domains wouldn’t just be limited to businesses, reports the Wall Street Journal , with cities worldwide also open to application, which would lead to the introduction of official tourist destination sites defining themselves with the introduction of “.paris” or “.nyc” Web addresses.
Even information-based Web site publications could use the new domain system, applying it to specific areas of focused content such as “.movies” or “.gossip” or “.sports”.
According to Paul Twomey, ICANN president and CEO, the emergence of new and hugely variable domain names will be “the biggest change to the way people find each other on the Internet since its inception.”
Further to that belief, the non-profit Internet regulator sees upcoming domain name approval as prompting a flood of fresh online destinations by enabling every Web-based organisation to expand the effectiveness of its online presence in an extremely focused manner.
Of course, the privileges associated with that level of exposure won’t come cheaply, with ICANN outlining that registration of a new top-level domain name is expected to cost anywhere between $100,000 and $500,000 USD.
Beyond its obvious business-related advantages, the introduction of specific Web domain names will also enable the registration of addresses carrying foreign language characters, an issue of concern that has been steadily gathering traction as the Internet has grown in popularity throughout international regions that do not speak English.
Described by Twomey as “opening up huge amounts of online real estate,” ICANN has invested some $10 million USD into developing the necessary technology to implement the new domain system.
If the expected green light arrives today, the first applications for specific Web addresses will be processed some time during the spring of 2009, with actual live sites likely to appear before 2010.
ICANN stresses that all applications will be vetted for potential copyright infringement and suitability in terms of offensive naming. Applicants will also be required to prove that they have the necessary resources or partnerships to run and maintain their new domain.
TiminhoustonJun 26th, 2008 - 16:10:35
Well, at $100,000-500,000 everyone with deep pockets will benefit even more from the internet. But it wont help a single small business or individual; instead, it will insure that even less traffic goes to the little guys.
Report this comment