April 6, 2009
- GMO Internet, Inc.
April 6, 2009
Press Release
GMO Internet Inc.
GMO Internet to Launch Domain Registry Business
Tokyo – April 6, 2009 – GMO Internet is set to establish a domain registry (*1) business enabling the company to launch new gTLDs (*2) beginning late 2009 to 2010.
In June 2008 the Board of ICANN (*3), the organization that coordinates the Internet’s addressing system, approved a recommendation overhauling the rules for introducing TLDs. Until now users have been restricted to 21 gTLDs (.com, .net etc.), and with the exception of country or regional TLDs, applications for new gTLDS have been subject to the ICANN application and screening process. Under the new gTLD introduction rules, the existing process is relaxed, paving the way for new gTLD introductions. Organizations that establish registry businesses will be able to launch new gLTDs.
Internationally, there is already interest in introducing new city-based domains including .nyc (New York City), .paris (Paris) and .berlin (Berlin), as well as industry or organization-based names such as .movie and .eco. “The potential here is huge. It represents a whole new way for people to express themselves on the Internet” said ICANN President and CEO, Dr Paul Swooney. “It’s a massive increase in the ‘real estate’ of the Internet.”(*4)
GMO Internet Group operates Onamae.com, the first official ICANN domain registrar in Japan, Muu Muu Domain and other domain registration services, collectively they have registered approximately 850, 000 (12/2008) domains. The company plans to leverage its domain expertise to launch new gTLDs, open up gTLDs applications to governments, corporations, and other organizations, and offer solutions for system building and operation, user support, and marketing.
(*1) Domain Registry
An organization responsible for the central management of a domain name. Each TLD has a registry that manages all original domain name data.
(*2) gTLD
Generic top level domain. There are currently 21 gTLDs including .com, .net, .org, .biz, and .info.
(*3) ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) American non-profit organization responsible for the global management of Internet domain names and IP addresses. It also holds the authority to designate official domain registration companies.
(*4) Biggest Expamsion of gTLDs Approved for Implementation http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-4-26jun08-en.htm
About GMO Internet Group
GMO Internet Group, headquartered in Japan, is a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services worldwide. The group holds top domestic market share in domain registration, web hosting, and payment processing and provides a host of other Internet services including global online security services, e-commerce solutions, and Internet advertising to both businesses and individuals. At the centre of the group is GMO Internet, Inc. a company listed on the prestigious first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 9449).
GMO Internet Inc.
Company Name | GMO Internet Inc. http:www.gmo.jp/en (TSE First Section Code: 9449) |
Address | Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
CEO | Masatoshi Kumagai |
Business Description | - Web Infrastructure & E-commerce - Internet Media |
Capital | 1.27 billion yen |