Minds + Machines

The Netherlands Antilles, an agglomeration of former Dutch colonies in the Caribbean, will disappear on October 10, 2010. None of the ex-colonies in question — Curaçao, St Maarten, Saba, Bonaire, and St Eustatius — have been particularly happy with the status quo. (Aruba achieved a separate status in 1986).

Sources at the International Standards Organization (ISO), which maintains the ISO-3166-1 list that determines which ccTLDs exist (or don’t), tell me that .AN (Netherlands Antilles) will be deprecated, and two new ccTLD codes will be established. Presumably, these will be for St Maarten and Curaçao (the others have taken the status of Dutch municipalities), but I wasn’t able to confirm the countries or the new ccTLD codes.

Meanwhile, ICANN is ballyhooing the signing of an “accountability framework” with Netherlands Antilles — even though it has a shelf-life of just over four months.

Can anyone guess what the new country codes will be? .SM for St Maarten and .CU for Curaçao seem obvious, but these are already taken by San Marino and Cuba.

While new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) wait for ICANN to announce an application date, country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) continue to migrate in large numbers to CoCCA, the registry software system which shares a codebase with Minds + Machines’ Espresso registry system.

Dot Masr, the Arabic-script ccTLD for Egypt, successfully deployed today on the CoCCA system. The National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA) has deployed its production domain name registry system for Egypt’s internationalized domain name country-code top-level domain (IDN ccTLD).

Egypt joins Kenya (.ke), Madagascar (.mg), Mauritius (.mu), Nigeria (.ng), Cameroon (.cm), Mozambique (.mz) , Namibia (.na), Egypt ASCII (.eg) and several other African countries in deploying the CoCCA registry system. In the second quarter of 2010 alone, six ccTLDs have migrated to CoCCA: Greenland (.gl), Guernsey (.gg), Jersey (.je), Palestine (.ps); and American Samoa (.as) will be migrating to CoCCA. By a wide margin, CoCCA is the most widely deployed top-level domain registry system in the world, supporting over 30 ccTLDs.

Engr Ndukwe Kalu, President of NIRA, the Nigerian Internet Registration Authority, died unexpectedly in Lagos last week. He was a member of CoCCA, the Council of Country Code Administrators, and was a strong supporter of CoCCA. “His humor, encouragement, suggestions and sage advice were welcomed by our organization, which had few contacts in the region,” said Garth Miller, Director of CoCCA, in an article on his passing.

Over the last 18 months he worked with CoCCA to bring the .NG registry to a stable and secure infrastructure. “We remember him for the zeal he has contributed to the activities of NIRA particularly the landmark achievement of full control of Nigeria’s domain name on May 13, 2009 leading to full local management of the registry ”, said Vice President of NIRA, Mrs. Mary Uduma. At the time, Engr Ndukwe Kalu said of the redelegation, “The attempt to obtain full control met with a lot of challenges because as a totally new entity the executive had to concentrate on putting in place the required structure and infrastructure that would sustain the .ng ccTLD.”

Local management of the .NG registry allowed NIRA to utilize the CoCCA registry platform, which is a fully automated EPP system. Enabling Anycast DNS ensured 100% uptime world wide, bringing the .NG registry up to par with other world-class registries. The .NG registry continues to thrive and is systematically opening up to international registrations. Under Ndukwe Kalu’s guidance NIRA set a goal to become one of the top 20 ccTLD registries by 2011 in order to “positively impact the Nigerian economy because with the development of the Nigerian cyberspace countless opportunities would be born for both the state and citizens.” More information about the redelegation efforts may be found at allAfrica.com.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family and colleagues.

This summer the number of registrars on the Espresso CC platform, jointly developed by CoCCA Registry Services and Minds + Machines, has steadily grown with the migration of several ccTLDs onto the platform.

Recent grants from Minds + Machines have enabled the development of several gTLD desired features including: one-step EPP server, WHOIS server and key retrieval configuration; transfer activity reporting; one-click database back up; banded volume discount settings, and many other easy-to-use features for TLD operators.

The Espresso system is EPP-compliant; supports IPV6, ENUM, DNSSEC; allows shadowed domains to combat botnet attacks such as Conficker; enables IDNs (internationalized domain names); and supports and multiple language files (15 so far) allowing registrars to manage their accounts in their native language.

Minds + Machines, as CoCCA’s partner, is offering a fully ICANN-compliant version of Espresso for new generic top-level domains in 2010. CoCCA (the Council of Country Code Administrators) is a member-owned organization that provides services to ccTLD operators. CoCCA began as a cooperative of three ccTLD operators, .CX (Christmas Island), .GS (South Georgia), and .NF (Norfolk Island) on a quest to build a better registry platform and to share resources as a way of achieving economies of scale. The more members, the less each has to contribute toward development, attorney fees, and infrastructure. In four years CoCCA has grown 700% , with twenty-one members now sharing resources using world-class EPP technology.

On behalf of its members, CoCCA accredits registrars that agree to follow best-practice recommendations in the registry-registrar-registrant business model. We warmly welcome the most recently approved registrars, who are now able to offer to their customers registrations in CoCCA member TLDs.

Here are the newly-accredited registrars, in alphabetical order. Welcome!

• 3w Media GmbH
  
  




• Bizcn.com, Inc.
  
  




• Blacknight Internet Solutions
  







• BRS Media, Inc.
  







• cctldnames
  







• Communigal
  







• Cybernaptics Ltd.







• DomainClub.com
  
  







• DomainersChoice
  







• Domain Monster
  







• Domain The Net Technologies
  







• Domaine.fr
  







• Enom
  







• Entorno Digital S.A.
  









• Gandi SAS
  







• Larsen Data
  







• Maridan Internet
  







• Moniker
  
  







• Networking4all
  







• Niceweb.eu
  







• NovaGroup
  







• Oxwell
  







• Register.eu
  







• Reg.Net.ua
  







• Todaynic.com, Inc.
  







• Web Solutions ApS
  







• Webworkers Internet Consultants
  







• Xin Net Technology
  

We are very pleased to announce that BRS Media, Inc. has chosen Espresso CC as its new top-level domain registry platform .FM. All existing .FM names were migrated over the weekend and are functioning normally in their new home.

Welcome dotFM!

Here’s the text of the press release:

dotFM Chooses Espresso Registry Platform for .FM Top-Level Domain

JOINS 14 COUNTRIES NOW USING THE ESPRESSO PLATFORM TO BE USED BY MINDS + MACHINES FOR NEW WEB ADDRESSES

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Effective today, BRS Media Inc., operator of dotFM, will use Espresso CC as the registry platform for the .FM top-level domain, home of last.fm and other prominent web addresses. Migration of all existing domain names to the new platform was completed in 48 hours over the last few days. .FM will utilize UltraDNS for domain name resolution.

.FM is the latest of 14 country-code domains to choose the Espresso CC registry platform to manage its top-level domain and to endorse the powerful Espresso platform – which Minds + Machines will use for the new top-level domains expected to launch next year.

Espresso CC, developed as a co-operative effort between CoCCA and Minds + Machines, is a next-generation registry services platform for country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Its rich feature set – combined with its long-established reputation for stability, ease of use and attractive pricing – has attracted growing interest and to date has been adopted by 14 ccTLDs. Its cousin Espresso, which is fully ICANN-compliant, will be used by Minds + Machines for the new generic top-level domains to be issued by ICANN early in 2010.

“After comparing several registry systems along with soliciting input from major registrars, we are pleased to have upgraded to the Espresso CC Registry Platform,” said George T Bundy, Chairman and CEO of BRS Media Inc. “With its impressive management features, field-tested stability, and fully integrated EPP compliance, the Espresso CC is the benchmark for the exciting future of dotFM.”

“We’re thrilled to see dotFM join the growing list of top-level domains that have chosen to rely on Espresso, and we look forward to providing this terrific platform to the new web addresses from ICANN that are creating so much excitement,” said Antony Van Couvering, CEO of Minds + Machines. “George Bundy is an Internet pioneer with long experience and his choice of Espresso is a huge vote of confidence that we’re very proud of.”

In addition to highly popular top-level domains such as dotFM, Minds + Machines provides capacity-building grants through CoCCA to emerging country-code registries – providing equipment, training and ongoing guidance as well as free implementation of the Espresso CC platform.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) will early next year begin accepting applications for top-level domains named after cities, companies, brands and entrepreneurial ventures. Minds + Machines has previously announced partnerships to provide registry services using the Espresso platform for proposed new web addresses including .eco (www.supportdoteco.com), .nyc (www.dotnyc.net), .roma (http://www.ildominiodiroma.it/index_eng.html) and .radio (http://www.dotradio.info)

ABOUT MINDS + MACHINES http://www.mindsandmachines.com

Minds + Machines works internationally with companies, cities, not-for-profits and entrepreneurs to secure and operate new web addresses, known as top-level domains (TLDs). Minds + Machines provides the comprehensive application preparation services necessary to acquire a new TLD, as well as a robust, scalable registry hardware and software platform used by over a dozen TLDs worldwide today. Minds + Machines is known for its customer-friendly approach that is specifically designed to make the process of acquiring and operating new TLDs more accessible, more reliable and less expensive. Minds + Machines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Top Level Domains Holdings, Ltd. (AIM: TLDH.L)

ABOUT BRS MEDIA http://www.brsmedia.fm

Based in the South of Market district (SoMa) of San Francisco CA, BRS Media (www.brsmedia.fm) is a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, the International Webcasting Association and the Webcaster Alliance. Listed as one of the fastest growing privately held companies by the SF Business Times and Inc. Magazine, its portfolio of Online properties includes: dotFM & dotAM, domain registrar of premium multimedia .FM and .AM domains; dotRadio, the new .RADIO top level domain for the On Air and Online Community; iDotz.Net domain registrar of all gTLD domains (.com, .net, .org), as well as, boutique domains (.tv .la, .im, .vc & .mn); @Radio.FM & @Radio.AM, free Web based email services and the ever-popular Web-Radio, the leading portal for “tuning in” Radio on the Internet. dotFM, dotAM and dotRadio are either registered trademarks or trademarks of BRS Media, Inc.

Over the last few months we’ve been assisting CoCCA founder Garth Miller to help developing-nation country-code top-level domains upgrade their knowledge and infrastructure through the Minds + Machines Capacity Building and Grant Program. This program has so far funded regional workshops in southern Africa and the airfares to attend them, along with knowledge-transfer programs between regional ccTLDs. In addition, as we continue to improve the Espresso registry platform, we have introduced Espresso CC for country-code top-level domains, a high-quality EPP registry services platform for ccTLDs.

Today we’re happy to announce that Madagascar (.MG) has upgraded to the Espresso CC (country-code) registry platform.

To quote from the news page at CoCCA:

The Madagascar Network Information Center ( NIC-MG ) has completed their migration to the Espresso CC EPP registry platform…. NIC-MG has deployed a state of the art registry system, deployed a Whois server and is in the process of requesting ICANN update the the .mg ROOT-SERVER records to include anycast technology for maximum redundancy.

NIC-MG registry system will soon have off-site fail-over and escrow. DNSSEC is being studied with a view to deploy in the first quarter of 2010.

The changes in the technology being utilized by NIC-MG will be accompanied by a review of policy and procedures to address abuse of intellectual property rights, cyber-crime and protection of the public interest. The new system will allow local 24/7 registration and updates through various registrars, local ISP’s and other technology companies.

The complete manual for Espresso, our registry platform, is now available online. The online manual features each and every screen that a new top-level domain registry operator will use in day-to-day administration, along with helpful explanatory appendices and diagrams. As Espresso evolves and improves, the manual will be updated as well.

Please, have a look at the Espresso manual. Comments and questions welcome.

Another new TLD has been sighted – The .radio TLD.

In their press release today, BRS Media, operators of DotFM, DotAM, and iDotz.net among other popular domain providers) has announced their interest and intent to secure the new Top Level Domain DotRadio.

dotRadio launched in April 2009 to secure, operate and promote the Multimedia Top Level Domain .Radio. BRS Media, Inc. is a diverse and growing media e-commerce firm that helps traditional and interactive media companies build and brand on the power of the Internet. BRS Media pioneered the ‘Multimedia’ domain space in 1998 with the launching of dotFM® and later dotAM®, the .FM & .AM Top Level Domains. Over the past 11 years, BRS Media has engaged radio properties, web sites and online media organizations worldwide to move up to a ‘Great Sounding Web Address’ under .FM & .AM.

The domain name will be open to any registrant via ICANN accredited registrars, will use UDRP, and will have policies determined once the ICANN new gTLD application process has finalized.

For more information, DotRadio has some information posted HERE and HERE.

Short answer — not enough, though hopefully there will be new gTLDs within the year. But here’s what I found interesting:

In the last six years more ccTLDs have been added to the root than gTLDs.

The total number of top-level domains is put very nicely in graphical form by Kim Davies on the ICANN Blog, which I copy below:

But this chart got me thinking, and after a little research I confirmed my suspicion. Since January 1, 2003, more ccTLDs have been added than gTLDs. This means that the ICANN process is even slower than political one. This is the first good argument for control of the root by the U.N. that I have seen.

Here are the lists:

ccTLDs added since January 1, 2003

1. .tl – East Timor (2005)
2. .eu – Europe (2005)
3. .bl – Saint Bartholomew (2007)
4. .kp – North Korea (2007)
5. .me – Montenegro (2007)
6. .mf – Saint Martin – French side (2007)
7. .rs – Serbia (2007)
8. .ax – Aland Islands (2008)

gTLDs added since Jan 1, 2003

1. .cat (2005)
2. .jobs (2005)
3. .mobi (2005)
4. .travel (2005)
5. .asia (2007)
6. .tel (2007)

In fairness, since the inception of ICANN, there have been two more gTLDs added than ccTLDs, though this is nothing to brag about. But the trend is certainly in favor of the ccTLDs. Since the “flood” of four in 2005, only two gTLDs have been added, while the ccTLD side counts six.

When TLD-deniers say “go slow,” I have to ask, how much slower can we go?

The GAC and ccNSO met this afternoon in response to the earlier ccNSO meeting in which ICANN announced that a contract between themselves and ccTLDs was a precondition for acceptance of fast-track IDN applications.

The GAC responded in an email following the meeting, regarding the relationship between ICANN and ccTLD operators, as well as ccTLD financial contributions.

Relationship between ICANN and IDN ccTLD Operator

• IDN ccTLDs should be similarly treated as ASCII ccTLDs.
• A documented relationship between ICANN and IDN ccTLD operators should be kept voluntary.
• A documented relationship on the basis of the proposed “Documentation of Responsibilities”, either as it stands today or in a modified format, may be encouraged but should not be a condition for IDN ccTLD delegations.
• As it has always been the case, it’s in the best interest of ccTLDs operators and the entire IDN community to adhere to all relevant IETF standards including IDNA protocol, IDN Guidelines and commit to complying with future protocol updates.

Financial Contributions

• IDN ccTLDs should be similarly treated as ASCII ccTLDs.
• Financial contributions should be calculated on a cost recovery basis. Full disclosure and breakdown of the costs involved in the IDN program would be desirable for better understanding of possible cost recovery models.
• Financial contributions should be kept voluntary and should not be a condition for IDN ccTLD delegations.
• Further information, from ICANN staff, on the different possible cost recovery mechanisms and concrete proposals would help advance positions on the subject.