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Secure Your Name

Seven More Ways To Secure Your Name
Coming up in 2001, seven new domain name suffixes will be hitting the world stage, many of them have registration restrictions
By Michelle Roy
Expiry.com staff writer
March 2001

Various times during the year, seven new top level domain suffixes (tld) will be introduced to the world. The decision by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has capped a half-decade of talks on how to relieve the crowded field of addresses ending in .com, and how to make the search engines more user-friendly.
The new names, .info, .biz, .name, .pro, .museum, .coop, and .aero, are the first major additions since the system of domains was developed in the 1980’s. The new suffixes are expected to appear in the middle of this year.

Beware of Registration Restrictions

As the seven new domain suffixes get ready to hit the market, Expiry.com will keep you updated as to specific registration restrictions. Here’s what we know as of now.

.biz
The new .biz TLD will restricted to businesses only. According to NueLevel (the company that "won" the rights to operate the .biz central database in order to ensure that there are no duplications or complications), the .biz domain name "will create a Main Street for businesses on the Internet. Dot-biz is a place that is easy for on-line to find; a place where businesses can establish an identity; where e-commerce can take place; and a place where on-line services and information can be provided."

.info
The new .info TLD is being touted as the best competition for the .com. As of yet, there are no registration restrictions for the .info TLD.

.name
The .name TLD will be for individuals to register their name. It is going to work a little differently than what we are used to. Global Name Registry (the company that will operate the central database in order to ensure that there are no duplications or complications) will introduce second level domains (smith.name, mcdonald.name) to the public. Individuals then find the second level domain that matches their last name, then they register their first name, nickname, initials etc. on the third level. Therefore, I would find roy.name and then register michelle.roy.name. According to the Global Name Registry, "the need for a global personal naming solution transcends the barriers of a nation and a language. Our enduring commitment to promote individuality and the right to self-expression will create the opportunity for all people in the digital society to own their own names independent of commercial connotations."

.pro
The new .pro TLD will be restricted to professionals (such as doctors, lawyers, accountants etc.). So far, it sounds as though the .pro TLD will operate somewhat like the new .name. There will be certain professions registered at the second level (law.pro, med.pro etc.). Professionals and professional businesses will then be able to find the second level domain that matches their profession and register on the third level. This will allow professionals to distinguish themselves according to not only their name, but also their profession. For example, a licensed medical doctor will be eligible to register johnadoe.med.pro and an attorney with the same name could register johnadoe.law.pro.

.museum
The new .museum TLD will be restricted to museums.

.aero
The new .aero TLD will be restricted to legitimate members of the air transport industry and the civil aviation sector.

.coop
The new .coop TLD will be restricted to bona fide cooperatives worldwide.


Secure The Suffix That Makes Sense For You

It is a smart business decision to find a domain name and domain name suffix that will make the most sense for your Internet needs. .com may very well still rule the Internet waves, and cybersquatting may very well still exist on the new seven suffixes. You do not need to go crazy registering hundreds of names in all the various suffixes, but you would be wise to register a few key names in their various different forms.

And remember, Expiry.com offers free URL Forwarding, which means we can point all the domain names you register with us to your website.

As we continue to learn more about these seven new Top Level Domain Name suffixes, we’ll inform you, so stay tuned to Expiry.com!

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