New TLDs - the virtual path to the future

Before the introduction of new TLDs can take place, a final decision first had to be made about which admission requirements are valid for the evaluation of applications for new TLDs by the individual registries. 

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for this. After a number of drafts, continuously being improved following critical comments from the international Internet community, the final version of the handbook for the introduction of new TLDs has now finally been released by ICANN. All the modalities and formalities that need to be fulfilled for the introduction of a new TLD are described in this handbook.

ICANN released the new TLD program on June 20, 2011. Registries and relevant interest groups can apply for the marketing rights of new TLDs starting beginning of January 2012. After the applications have been checked and evaluated - according to the current ICANN guidelines - the start of new TLDs can be expected towards the end of 2012*.

Several hundred new TLDs are planned

Once all hurdles for the start of new TLDs have been cleared, the way to the Internet will be open to an abundance of new top-level domains. New TLDs can roughly be divided into the following categories:

• New top-level domains for cities and regions
     e.g. .BAYERN, .BERLIN
     Strengthening regional business areas, ideal for companies, associations
     and cultural establishments
  
  
• New top-level domains for general interest groups
     e.g. .GREEN, .GAY
     For the expansion of communicative networks and as suitable Internet
     space for various interest communities
  
  
• New top-level domains for trademarks and companies
     e.g. .COMPANYNAME
     Creating global trademark protection and improving the market position of
     companies on the net
  
  
• New top-level domains for specific branches
     e.g. .MUSIC, .FILM
     Strategically expanding existing business fields