ICANN Approves New gTLDs
By Yamini June 27, 2011 3 Mins Read
Last week the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved the new gTLD Program Guidebook and made a historic decision to initiate the new gTLD process.
At the 41st International Meeting in Singapore, ICANN's decision was met by enthusiastic cheering and a standing ovation. The meeting, attended by some of the biggest names in Domain Industry, saw the ICANN board approve the new gTLD program with a vote of 13 to 1.
Over the last week, this development quickly became the biggest news the Domain Industry has seen in recent times. Our CEO, Bhavin Turakhia, who was one of the few Industry leaders at the event, had some truly remarkable words to say:
"We witnessed history in the making on Monday when after 6 years the ICANN board finally approved the launch of new gTLDs. This is a once in a lifetime, iconic moment for our industry, and an exciting time. We've been at the forefront of the domain name industry for nearly a decade now and we intend on aggressively committing ourselves to the new gTLD process too."
Anyone can apply for new gTLDs
Currently, applicants ranging from brands like Canon (.CANON) to industries like Music (.MUSIC) and hotels (.HOTEL) have been identified.
The Application process is slated to begin early next year, with the possibility of seeing new extensions sometime in 2013.
The new gTLDs will have an immense impact on this Industry, the full potential of which we'll see only in the years to come. For now, everything you or your Customers need to know about new gTLDs, can be found in this video released by ICANN a few days ago.
More about new gTLDS, along with the applicant guidebook, the history as well as announcements and updates can be found on the ICANN website.
As per a Press Release ICANN released last week, Rod Beckstrom, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICANN said,
"ICANN has opened the Internet's naming system to unleash the global human imagination. Today's decision respects the rights of groups to create new Top Level Domains in any language or script. We hope this allows the domain name system to better serve all of mankind."
We couldn't agree more and along with other Internet Community leaders, business groups and governments, we will continue working towards making this a reality!
Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook for all the latest updates on New gTLDs.
View all posts by Yamini
Domainsgtldsicannicann 41icann41linkedinnew gtlds