New gTLD Resources

The creation of new gTLDs has been on ICANN's agenda since the creation of the organization. In 2000, ICANN created 7 new gTLDs to add to the root zone in addition to the original 7 TLDs. ICANN later added another 8 Sponsored Top Level Domains (sTLDs) between 2005 and 2011. In June, 2011, at the ICANN 41 meeting in Singapore, the ICANN Board approved a new gTLD program that would allow any entity to apply for and manage their own name space.

The industry had been preparing for the opening of a new gTLD program for a number of years, and following the approval the program in Singapore, a whole new gTLD services industry was launched. A list detailing a number of entities involved in the new gTLD consultation, management, and other related services follows.

Registries

Most registries are breaking down their services depending on the intended audience of the new extension. This includes services targeted for: Brand gTLDs, Niche or Community gTLDs, GeoTLDs, and more broadly generic extensions. Most of these companies are also offering consultancy services.

Verisign

Verisign is the world's largest domain name registry, it has provided the technical back end for the .com name space since 2000.

Neustar

Neustar makes the unique claim that they have launched more gTLDs than any other registry in the world.

Afilias

Afilias claims to have more registrations from the last round of new gTLDs than all other registries combined. It is the current registry operator of .info and .mobi; the former has been called the most successfully launched TLD since .com. They also provide the technical back-end for a number of ccTLDs.

AusRegistry

AusRegistry offers both consultancy and registry services. One of the first public gTLD applicants, GJB Partners, announced that they would be contracting with AusRegistry for the back-end of their proposed .jewelers domain.

CentralNic

CentralNic has mainly divided its services between two business divisions, DotBrand Solutions and TLDs for Associations. The former does focus on DotBrand gTLDs, but is also ready to serve more generic proposals. The latter is aimed at helping associations defensively obtain their name space or also develop and monetize the extension.

Key-Systems

Key-Systems has already been chosen by Punto Madrid to aide with the ICANN application process and provide the registry services of its proposed .madrid GeoTLD. Their marketing approach includes interactive webinars to create a conversational forum for gTLD education.

OpenRegistry

OpenRegistry seems to be relatively new and intently building its business model around new gTLDs; its founders were behind the launch of .eu.

UrbanBrain

UrbanBrain is a Japanese registry services and consultancy; they stress that they are able to help an organization with singular parts of the gTLD application and management process, or oversee the entire process.

GMO Registry

GMO Registry has experience in varied aspects of the domain services industry, as it is a part of the larger GMO Internet, which also owns Asia's first ICANN accredited registrar. The company was launched in 2009 by GMO Internet to specifically work as a new gTLD registry and consultancy services provider. It was the first such business to be launched in Japan. They launched the registry after the ICANN Board approved a policy process for new gTLDs in June, 2008.

RegistryASP

RegistryASP has experience servicing ccTLDs and IDNs, and they are offering comprehensive consultancy and registry services packages for new gTLDs. It is a subsidiary of Qinetics Solutions Berhad. Its packages include a number of services they market as free, including no fees for the first year of service.

BrandShelter

BrandShelter is a division of Key-Systems, through this relationship they offer both registry and consultancy services. They are mainly focusing on dotBrand type extensions as an extension of their other brand protection services.

Central Registry Solutions

Central Registry Solutions is a partnership between Network Solutions and CentralNic, which has been offering uninterrupted global service for 15 years.

PartnerGate

PartnerGate is predominatly technically focused, they have already been chosen by TLDDOT GmbH to provide the technical back-end operation of their proposed .gmbh extension.

Consultants

The services offered by new gTLD consultants include assisting with the process of filling out a new gTLD application, guidance through the application process, and in some circumstances, once a gTLD is approved, the consultant will manage the TLD for you.

Minds + Machines

Minds + Machines offers full service assistance with new gTLD applications. They offer Espresso registry services, which are based on CoCCA software, for the management of the registry; your TLD's Espresso installation can either be hosted with Minds + Machines, or can be set up locally so that you may have total control. Espresso is used by many major registrars and 30 ccTLD registrars. They charge a flat rate fee of $100k per year for their services, following a $25k contract fee and another $75k fee at the start of the new gTLD application period. They offer their services at a discounted price, of up to 50% off, for disadvantaged applicants, such as those from developing nations or non-profit organizations. A step ladder pricing was recently announced for those wanting to apply for Brand gTLDs, allowing applicants to secure their brand at a lower price, with the price of management increasing as usage of the TLD increases.

Right of the Dot

Right of the Dot is a consulting firm for new and existing gTLDs. They are focused on the management of premium domains, the sales and marketing of TLDs, and board advisement. They assisted with the launch of .co, and are actively involved in the sales and marketing of their most premium single letter domain, i.co.

Architelos

Architelos offers strategy consulting and competitive analysis services, feasibility analysis, application support, TLD launch and management for new gTLDs, and front office SaaS solutions. Prior to beginning your application, they assist in judging the application's probability for success and the potential problems it may face in the application process and beyond. If you do decide to apply, they will assist in formulating the application, and if it is accepted, will guide you through the launch and crucial first year of the gTLD. Their services are aimed towards current DNS and IP industry players as well as newcomers. Architelos operates as an independent third party with no vested financial interest in or plans to apply personally for any new TLDs, and operates on an open source platform. One of Architelos' founders is the former CEO of PIR, and helped to build up .org's industry presence.

Melbourne IT

Melbourne IT was one of the first 5 Testbed Registrars enlisted by ICANN to register the initial 7 TLDs that the organization inherited oversight of. Their preferred registry services partner is Verisign.

CentralNic

CentralNIC also powers DotBrand Solutions,

New gTLD Site

New gTLD Site provides a guide to the new gTLD program, as well as free preliminary consulting services.