My first post, “Does HEXONET Have Plans to be a REGISTRY Operator for newTLDs?“, was intended to make it clear that as a long standing registrar, our goal is to make any nTLD a success by doing what we have always done, by being a great registrar and nothing more.  My second post, “Choosing a Registry Operator for New TLDs“, was done to help prospective registry operators think critically about there registry platform, probably the single biggest decision that will affect their registry today and for years to come.  I wanted to give some key insights on registry platforms from our nearly ten years of operational knowledge as a registrar working with these various solutions and technologies.

Making It Easy for Registrars to Start Selling Your nTLD

Today’s post is to take the next step beyond the ICANN process and registry platforms, to start talking about registrars, the gatekeepers to the end customer.  For a prospective registry, the biggest questions about registrars is how to get as many of them on board as quickly as possible.  Most registrars are very busy selling domains, supporting domains, managing systems, and simply running their business.  And for many registrars, engineering resources are tight or non-existent.  As a result, for registrars, choosing to implement a nTLD requires a substantial return on investment.

Given that even adding one nTLD for a registrar is a commitment, how will the possibility of  three, four or ten nTLD introductions in a given year affect that choice?  Registry operators need to be cognizant of possible slow registrar acceptance and implementation.  Sounds a bit scary right?  The good news is that HEXONET has a solution called RegistrarOC (Registrar Operations Center) that helps registrar’s quickly, easily, and cost-effectively add any new TLD.

Help for Registrars in a Crowded nTLD Marketplace

Potentially hundreds of nTLDs will be available over the next years.  Some of them are listed below.  A  more complete list of declared and potential applicants has been published by Kieren McCarthy, CEO of .NXT.

• Community new TLDs: .eco, .gay, .gmbh, .fam, .love, .poker, …etc.
• geo newTLDs: .tokyo, .nyc, .berlin, .paris, .sfo, .scot, .bcn, .china, …etc.
• .brand newTLDs: .canon, .hitachi, .post, .motorola, .aigo, …etc.
• generic newTLDs: .app, .bank, .bike, .food, .free, .music, .web, .videos, …etc.

What if there was a way for registrars to simply add a nTLD to their sales system with little or no technical effort for registry integration, testing and on-going maintenance?  In this scenario, registrars can then offer a nTLD as soon it is available, even offer pre-registration!  This is exactly how HEXONET’s RegistrarOC solution helps registry operators and registrars.

HEXONET’s RegistrarOC solution takes away all the technical and engineering overhead for registrars.  Designed to be plug and play, once a registrar is connected with the RegistrarOC solution, adding a nTLD is as simple as throwing a switch (add an accreditation and go!).  We even help and guide new businesses become accredited or help existing registrars quickly add new accreditations.

HEXONET has successfully managed a comprehensive and extensive portfolio of gTLDs  and ccTLDs accreditations for nearly a decade.  We specialize in inter-operating with all the registry platforms at industry leading reliability and performance.  So with RegistrarOC, not only do registrars plug in to the technology, but more importantly, they also plug in to all the operational and engineering expertise garnered by HEXONET over the years.

How Does RegistrarOC Work?

Customers Responsibilities:

• Integrate with HEXONET’s systems to manage your domains (Add, Transfer, Renew, Modify, ..etc) using a multitude one or a combination of interfaces: Mailrobot,  EPP 1.0, HTTPS-API, SOAP, XML/RPC and Web Interface
• Execute the RAA (Registrar-Accreditation-Agreement) with a respective registry
• Maintain a good standing with the Registry and ICANN
• Execute an Agreement with a Registrar Data Escrow Supplier (e.g. Iron Mountain)
• Pay your registry and ICANN Invoices

HEXONET Responsibilities:

• Conduct OT&E testing with the respective registry
• Technically manage your production account
• Ensure your accreditation is always up to date with the latest registry technical developments (DNSSEC, IPv6, …etc.)
• Ensure you are in compliance with various ICANN requirements, such as RDE (Registrar Data Escrow), WDRP (Whois-Data-Reminder-Policy), …etc.
• Ensure your data is always in-sync with the registry – a highly underestimated task by registrars that is potential very expensive future cost

If you are interested in learning more then either visit the “RegistrarOC” solutions page or send us an email at sales@hexonet.net.  We would be happy to arrange a quick conference call to explain the product in more detail.

• EU Promo Video
• .EU Buy one get one Free

How HEXONET Would Choose a Registry Operator for a new Top-Level-Domain:

• HEXONET would choose a Registry Operator with a proven track record, who clearly has had success managing multiple TLDs.  In respect to managing, this means more than 50,000 domains for any one registry.  We highly recommend NOT choosing a Registry Operator who is doing this for the first time.
• Preferably the Registry Operator would already have experience managing a gTLD (generic Top-Level-Domain) and already implemented many of ICANN’s procedural policies including processes like transactional redemption periods.  Not a must-have but a nice-to-have.
• Preferably the Registry Operator already has an existing distribution network (depending on the respective TLD and your business plan, this is NOT a MUST)
• Choose a Registry Operator with a mature infrastructure so that you can push them on price (economies of scale).  A new Registry Operator will have higher capital inputs to recoup and hence likely inflexible on pricing terms.
• Choose a Registry Operator who can offer reliable and proven DNS Services. A solid DNS infrastructure is crucial.  Make sure the DNS infrastructure is an Anycast solution with a minimum of 6 different DNS cluster installations (preferably 9 cluster locations).
• The Registry Operator should have their own in-house registry software that they developed.  Operators that purchased their software may not be able to support functional changes you want or may in fact prevent you from developing future services.
• Ensure the Registry Operator is known to provide direct and personalized service.  With hundreds of new TLDs, some registry operators may simply treat you like a number.  Be sure the Registry Operator can accommodate and also time-line new development or registry feature requests for your TLD.  Being proactive and having the Registry Operator detail how they will support you can save your TLD from being left in the dust.
• The performance of the registry platform is critical for the success of a registry. Slower performing platforms can lead to slow domain searches and potentially even slower response times for more intensive registry transactions.  Factor in load considerations also, since the more new TLDs a Registry Operator adds to its platform, the more additional TLDs will impact yours.  A good rule of thumb is the 0.3 second mark.  If the round trip times for commands take longer than this, be wary.
• Choose a Registry Operator who is willing to back up their platform and services with a tight SLA (Service-Level-Agreement).
• Lastly, even though price plays an important role, the cheapest option is likely not the best option. Think and plan ahead of the initial launch and proactively define the goals of the TLD for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years.  Determine which Registry Operator has the best platform and team to help your TLD achieve its goals.  Again, the cheapest solution may only come back to bite your in your backside.

HEXONET easily integrate with following Registry Operators for New TLDs Awarded to Them:

• gTLD Operators:
  • VeriSign
  • Afilias
  • NeuStar

• ccTLD Operators:
  • CloudRegistry
  • AUSRegistry
  • NIC.AT (Registry-In-A-Box)

• The above list are just a few and does not include all registry operators that will be offering registry services.  HEXONET would be able to integrate with any registry.  The above registries would simplify work on our end.
  

HEXONET can Assist:

In the event, that you are interested in applying for a newTLD and you would like to get in touch with one of the above registries, please reach out to us and we would be more than happy to make an introduction.  Applying for your own TLD is a big step with a lot of investment.  If you are unsure of the technology, please feel free to contact us and we would happily give you a quote to provide technical guidance.

Vancouver, Canada (PRWEB) August 01, 2011.  HEXONET (http://www.hexonet.net) announced today the addition of five more Top-Level-Domain (TLD) extensions for its popular backorder service. The launch of .CO, .CA, .CH, .LI, and .NU backordering expands HEXONET’s backorder service to eighteen (18) different TLDs, making it a leader in terms of TLD selection anywhere industry-wide. HEXONEThas plans to expand its backorderable TLDs even more in the months ahead.

HEXONET’s mandate to continually innovate and quickly deliver new services to the growing domain aftermarket is showcased in the release of these five new backorder TLDs. Backordering services for .CO domains for instance comes on the heels of HEXONET’s recent accreditation with the .CO registry just a month earlier. Even development of .CO backordering was expedited to give HEXONET customers the greatest opportunity to snap up prized expiring .CO domains that are likely to drop following .CO’s first anniversary. Many excellent .CO domains are expected to become available.

According to Robert Birkner, Chief Strategy Officer of HEXONET, “our strength has always been engineering and innovation, and in the first half of 2011, we have been in overdrive.” Robert Birkner continued to say, “Though we are always working on adding more TLDs to the backordering service, we have also been innovating new services like integrated private auctions. These private auctions make allocating domains with multiple bidders more equitable, transparent and seamless for everyone. The feedback from our customers and resellers has already been overwhelmingly positive. Customers love the abundance of TLDs to backorder from as well as the assurance of private auctions through our auction platform Premiumsale.com.”

HEXONET Newly Accredited for .CO Domain Registrations

One of the first of a select few companies to gain accreditation by the rapidly expanding .CO domain registry

Vancouver, CANADA – July 14, 2011 – HEXONET (www.hexonet.net) is ecstatic to announce today that through its subsidiary, 1API GmbH, the company has been selected as one of the new exclusive registrars for the .CO domain registry. In fact, HEXONET is one of the first to be chosen and also one of the first of the new registrars to be officially accredited. This accreditation will serve to meet the growing demand for .CO domain registrations from HEXONET’s thousands of domain resellers.

Robert Birkner, Chief Strategy Officer for HEXONET, expressed his enthusiasm over the accreditation by saying, “In just over a year, the .CO registry has shaken the domain industry to its core and has now become one of the most successful global TLD launches in history. Our own resellers and customers confirm the exploding demand for .CO domains and this is why we desired our own direct accreditation with the .CO registry. HEXONET is happy to be working with the remarkable and visionary .CO team and we look forward to contributing to the overall growth of .CO through our global reseller network.”

Both companies are known for building strong relationships throughout the domain industry, so a .CO accreditation is a natural fit for both organizations. According to Crystal Peterson, Director of Channel Marketing of .CO Internet SAS, “HEXONET has proven itself to be a fast growing, nimble company with an expansive global reach. We are pleased to accredit this experienced and established registrar, and its broad, diverse network of global resellers.”

About HEXONET

Since 1999, HEXONET has been a leading developer and service provider of reseller technologies for the domain industry, including domain backordering. Thousands of resellers, startups and service providers from across the world trust HEXONET as their domain platform provider. And today, HEXONET manages over 700 thousand domains for its clients. 1API GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of HEXONET.

About .CO Internet

.CO Internet S.A.S. is the Registry Operator for the .CO top-level domain. The .CO domain offers individuals and businesses a truly global, recognizable and credible option in branding their online presence. Thanks to leading-edge technology, enhanced security and unprecedented rights protections for brand owners, the .CO domain is poised to become the world’s next premier web address. For additional information, please visit www.COinternet.co or www.Opportunity.co.

Singapore | ICANN’s Board of Directors has approved a plan to usher in one of the biggest changes ever to the Internet’s Domain Name System. The Board vote was 13 approving, 1 opposed, and 2 abstaining.

During a special meeting, the Board approved a plan to dramatically increase the number of Internet domain name endings — called generic top-level domains (gTLDs) — from the current 22, which includes such familiar domains as .com, .org and .net.

“ICANN has opened the Internet’s naming system to unleash the global human imagination. Today’s decision respects the rights of groups to create new Top Level Domains in any language or script. We hope this allows the domain name system to better serve all of mankind,” said Rod Beckstrom, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICANN.

Read the entire Press Release at http://www.icann.org/ and experience the excitement in the room at the time of the vote.  Many individuals and organizations have been working towards this goal for many years now.  Congrats to all!

Source: http://www.icann.org

HEXONET Now Accepting Pre-registrations for IDN.ASIA Domains

The DotASIA, registry for .ASIA domains, has finalized its launch for .ASIA IDNs (internationalized Domain names).  These IDNs have long been anticipated and will be available at launch in CHINESE (simplified and traditional), JAPANESE and KOREAN.  The procedures will follow their highly successful campaign ASCII .ASIA startup process.  Click here for more info.

Why Should One Consider an IDN.ASIA Domain?

• Reaching a Wider Audience:
• Asia is witnessing explosive adoption and usage of the Internet. Total internet users are expected to top an amazing 2 billion by 2013! Multilingual web addresses are essential for the DotAsia community.  According to Edmon Chung, CEO of the DotAsia Organisation, “the launch of IDN builds on the growing foundation of usage of .Asia domain names to support global brands, as well as, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) around the world to enter the Asian Internet marketplace with a search and user friendly online identity … navigating the Internet in one’s native language will be the natural method of choice for the hundreds of millions of users coming online from China and around Asia who are not fluent in English. From search engine keywords, we can already see that most Asians search in their own native language. IDN domains will play an amplifying role in supporting increased search volume and improved search engine ranking results.”
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Benefits:
• Since the word ‘Asia’, itself, is already a highly searched and natural type-in keyword, an IDN married to the ‘.Asia’ web extension will further improve SEO (Search Engine Optimization) organically.

What Major Brands are Using .ASIA Domains?

• ING Group: www.ing.asia
• Giorgio Armani: www.armani.asia
• Honda: www.honda.asia
• Panasonic: www.panasonic.asia

Investing in IDNs

Aaron Krawitz, author of IDNBlog.com, has written an excellent article on the value of investing in IDNs. Click here to view.

Globally, IDNs are garnering much more attention. The recent launch of Russia’s .РФ ccTLD (which stands for “.RF” as an abbreviation for Russian Federation) is a case in point. There are now over 700,000 .РФ domains registered. McDonald’s has already built a localized site on макдональдс.рф, which is Russian for McDonald’s. It is likely that they will create similar sites for their key markets within Asia.

We at HEXONET believe there will be an enormous demand for domain names in Internet users’ native languages. So keep an eye on dotASIA. Also be sure to pre-register your IDN.ASIA today and don’t miss out!

Related articles:

• Acquiring High-Value, Soon to Expire .ASIA Domains, HEXONET’s Newest Innovation
• dot ASIA – What’s Next?

On April 1, 2011, ninety one percent (91%) of all our customer’s pre-registrations were obtained by HEXONET’s pre-registration system! Best of class systems and engineering combined with exceptional preparation is the secret to success and is why thousands of individuals/corporations place their pre-registrations with us.   Since launch, demand for .SO domains remains strong, especially from China where “SO” phonetically sounds like “To Search”.

Congratulations to the GMORegistry and CloudRegistry for a job well done.

HEXONET will be participating in many of the upcoming newTLD Launch Phases.  Be sure to pre-register your desired domains ahead of time.  April 28, 2011 HEXONET will begin accepting pre-registrations for IDN.ASIA, numeric .TEL and .XXX.

Seamosmas.mx, translated as “Let’s Be More .MX”, is the recent slogan used by NIC Mexico, the official registry operator of the newly liberalized .MX ccTLD.  The idea behind this slogan is to showcase users of .MX, in an effort to reach and educate the Internet public in Mexico, as well as, highlight the change from third-level (.com.mx. ,net.mx and .org.mx) to second-level .MX availability.  These recent iniatives and campaigns show the aggression that NIC Mexico is going into the market with.  The Mexican domain market really has some great potential.

To share their thoughts and knowledge on .MX, we were fortunate to have garnered feedback from Sergio Igartua and Mike Culver.  Sergio Igartua operates a successful marketing and media firm in Los Cabos, Mexico and also operates a very popular blog called DomainerBlog.org.  Mike Culver, an active domainer and is also a publisher of domain sales and aftermarket research, specifically on .MX.  Mike also runs Sales.Mx.

HEXONET wants to sincerely thank Sergio and Mike for their insight into the .MX ccTLD. It is clear that .MX is still at the early stages of adoption, but there is a tremendous and latent potential with the ccTLD.

…

To read the entire Q&A Session, please visit HEXONET Blog

Tony and I basically had two options.

Option1: We would simply stay in the office until June of 2011 and start looking for an office shortly before our lease expires.

Option 2: Start looking immediately.  Why make it more difficult for our landlord and stay until June 2011?

We chose option 2, as our landlord had been excellent towards us and if there was a way for us to help him expand and grow his business sooner, then the choice was an obvious one.

Both Tony and I had most likely looked at 10 – 15 possible office space and finally chose one that suited our needs the best and gave HEXONET room to expand.  We now have a work space twice the size of our previous office and represents HEXONET in what we do on a daily basis.

The new address is:

HEXONET Services Inc.

Unit 104 – 7455 132nd ST

Surrey, B.C., V3W 1J8

Special thanks to Tony for organizing the move while I was in Asia.  Last Thursday all I had to do was drive to the new location and assume work in my new office.  Everything had been taken care of and the office was already up and running.  Picture of the new office will soon follow.  If you are ever in the area, please do stop by our office for a visit.