In computer news this week, 07/19/2001

In computer news this week, 07/18/2001

The internet domain name game - part 8 - the new name end game.

The new top level domains names (TLD's) being introduced on the internet by ICANN - - the internet authority - are categorized as either sponsored or nonsponsored.

The "sponsored" TLDs will have a sponsoring organization representing the community that is most affected by the TLD. The sponsoring organization carries out policy-formulation responsibilities over matters concerning the TLD, and will include

.aero - for the air-transport industry - sponsored by the International society for aeronautic telecommunications

.coop - for cooperatives - sponsored by National Cooperative Business Association

and .museum - for museums - sponsored by the Museum Domain Management Association

The "unsponsored" TLDs operate under policies established by ICANN, and will include

.biz - for Businesses - restricted only for commercial or business purposes and not

intended for personal or non-commercial purposes

.info - information for unrestricted use - open to any business or person to register for any

purpose

.name - For registration by individuals

and .pro - for professionals such as accountants, lawyers, and physicians.

Only 2 of these new domain names - .biz and .info - are currently open for application purposes, and each has an application and approval process you must go through in order to get one of these new names. They are targeted to be operational in October.

So what's this all mean to me? Net it out !

The creation of the new domain names has relevance to anyone in the world today. The internet has become part of our international world, and both businesses and individuals will be participating in it.

In this 8 part series, I pointed out the problems with the previous existing domain names; how many of them - such as .com - were virtually depleted; and how others - such as .net and .org - were being misused, due to the lack of available domain names.

The purpose for formulating and releasing the new domain names was to eliminate some of the vagueness related to the existing names, and to theoretically make information easier to find.

The release of these new domain names should be the incentive for all businesses and individuals to establish your own presence on the internet. You can now apply for an internet domain name that most correctly categorizes your business or personal interests, and you should do it now - to avoid the rush.

Every business today should have its own internet website. It's as much a requirement for doing business as having an office and a telephone. The internet is rapidly becoming the new yellow pages for advertising your business, and is an extremely effective way of communicating with your customers.

All information related to the new domain names, the application processes and costs, and where to apply, can be found at ICANN.org.

All segments of this Internet Domain Name Game series are online on my Raw Bytes website:

http://www.mtamicro.com/kpbx.html

See you in cyberspace !

For Raw Bytes, This is Frank Delaney

POB 222 Spangle, Wa 99031 (509)245-3736 624-7230