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'''.pro''' is a generic top level domain ([[gTLD]]) in the Domain Names System ([[DNS]]) root zone. It is operated and managed by [[Registry.pro]], a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hostway Corporation. It is meant for use by professionals.<ref>[http://www.registry.pro Registry Pro]</ref>
'''.pro''' is a generic top level domain ([[gTLD]]) in the Domain Names System ([[DNS]]) root zone. It is operated and managed by [[RegistryPro]], a wholly-owned subsidiary of the [[Hostway]] Corporation. It is meant for use by professionals.<ref>[http://www.registry.pro RegistryPro]</ref>
==History==
==History==
The .pro TLD is the seventh new TLD approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ([[ICANN]]) to be included in the DNS root zone, in addition to [[.biz]], [[.info]], [[.name]], [[.museum]], [[.coop]], and [[.aero]]. Registry.pro was the main proponent in creating .pro, an unsponsored TLD restricted to registration by credible individuals and entities providing professional services, such as accountants, doctors, engineers and lawyers.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/meetings/accra/pro-agmt-topic.htm ICANN]</ref>
The .pro TLD is the seventh new TLD approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ([[ICANN]]) to be included in the DNS root zone, in addition to [[.biz]], [[.info]], [[.name]], [[.museum]], [[.coop]], and [[.aero]]. Registry.pro was the main proponent in creating .pro, an unsponsored TLD restricted to registration by credible individuals and entities providing professional services, such as accountants, doctors, engineers and lawyers.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/meetings/accra/pro-agmt-topic.htm ICANN]</ref>
On May 2002, ICANN approved Registry.pro's application and designated the organization to manage and operate .pro.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-08may02.htm ICANN News]</ref> The TLD was officially launched in June 2004.
On May 2002, ICANN approved RegistryPro's application and designated the organization to manage and operate .pro.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-08may02.htm ICANN News]</ref> The TLD was officially launched in June 2004.
==Expansion==
==Expansion==
In August 2004, ICANN approved the proposal for Registry.pro to offer second level .pro domains. Subsequently, .pro expanded its operations and began offering registration to professionals in Canada on September 27, in the United Kingdom on October 4, and in Germany on October 11 of that year.
In August 2004, ICANN approved the proposal for Registry.pro to offer second level .pro domains. Subsequently, .pro expanded its operations and began offering registration to professionals in Canada on September 27, in the United Kingdom on October 4, and in Germany on October 11 of that year.
In September 2004, Registry.pro announced a proposed expansion for .pro that would allow registration to the following types of professionals: Architects (arc.pro), Certified Financial Analysts (cfa.pro), Certified Financial Planners (cfp.pro), Dentists (dds.pro), Engineers (eng.pro), Nutritionists (ntr.pro), Optometrists (opt.pro), Pharmacists (pha.pro), Physician Assistants (pa.pro), Podiatrists (pod.pro), Psychologists (psy.pro), Educators (ed.pro), Veterinarians (vet.pro), Physical Therapists (pt.pro), and Public Relations professionals (pr.pro).<ref>[http://www.registry.pro/press-releases/2004/0908.shtml Press Release]</ref>
In September 2004, RegistryPro announced a proposed expansion for .pro that would allow registration to the following types of professionals: Architects (arc.pro), Certified Financial Analysts (cfa.pro), Certified Financial Planners (cfp.pro), Dentists (dds.pro), Engineers (eng.pro), Nutritionists (ntr.pro), Optometrists (opt.pro), Pharmacists (pha.pro), Physician Assistants (pa.pro), Podiatrists (pod.pro), Psychologists (psy.pro), Educators (ed.pro), Veterinarians (vet.pro), Physical Therapists (pt.pro), and Public Relations professionals (pr.pro).<ref>[http://www.registry.pro/press-releases/2004/0908.shtml Press Release]</ref>
On September 2008, ICANN unanimously approved the above .pro expansion. Based on the new terms set by ICANN, .pro will be available to any professional or entity with credentials from a certifying governmental authority anywhere in the world. The expansion widens the market for the .pro domain while maintaining the exclusive nature of the TLD to professionals.<ref>[http://www.registry.pro/press-releases/2008/0514.shtml Press Release]</ref>
On September 2008, ICANN unanimously approved the above .pro expansion. Based on the new terms set by ICANN, .pro will be available to any professional or entity with credentials from a certifying governmental authority anywhere in the world. The expansion widens the market for the .pro domain while maintaining the exclusive nature of the TLD to professionals.<ref>[http://www.registry.pro/press-releases/2008/0514.shtml Press Release]</ref>
==.pro TLD Requirements==
==.pro TLD Requirements==
Any individual or entity who wishes to register a .pro domain name must meet the following requirements:<ref>[http://www.registry.pro Registry Pro]</ref>
Any individual or entity who wishes to register a .pro domain name must meet the following requirements:<ref>[http://www.registry.pro RegistryPro]</ref>
* Provider of professional services
* Provider of professional services
* Admitted to or licensed by a government certification body or jurisdictional licensing entity recognized by a governmental body that regularly verifies the accuracy of its data.
* Admitted to or licensed by a government certification body or jurisdictional licensing entity recognized by a governmental body that regularly verifies the accuracy of its data.