November 22, 2011
- GMO Registry,Inc.
November 22, 2011
Press Release
GMO Registry, Inc.
GMO Registry Receives Official Support from Tokyo Metropolitan Government to Apply for New gTLD, .tokyo
ICANN Application to be submitted in January 2012
Tokyo – November 22, 2011 – GMO Internet Group company and registry services provider, GMO Registry yesterday received official support from Tokyo Metropolitan Government to apply for and operate new generic Top Level Domain, .tokyo.
The Tokyo government invited applications between July and September this year. GMO Registry applied during this period and won official endorsement following a rigorous evaluation. The evaluation took into account financial condition, technical capability, marketing plans, other technical proposals and an outline of how the registry service provider could make a contribution to the city of Tokyo through the .tokyo extension.
GMO Registry believes that winning government support for its .tokyo application is further evidence of the company's strong reputation in technology and proven track record.
The next step is for GMO Registry to begin preparing its ICANN application for submission in January 2012. At the same time, the company will continue planning a marketing strategy aimed at building the Tokyo brand both locally and internationally across industries including tourism, commerce, culture, and sport.
ICANN requires applicants for geographical names under the new gTLD program to obtain endorsement of the relevant government or public authority as determined by each country’s national administration
Background
There are currently 23 gTLDs in use worldwide (.com, .net, .and .org etc.). ICANN is now set to expand the existing generic top level domain space and will begin accepting applications for new character strings in the first part of 2012. Many regional governments and corporate brands are expected to apply for geographic and brand extensions under the new gTLD program. On June 17 this year Tokyo Metropolitan Government unveiled its .tokyo policy and invited applications from registry service providers. Through the .tokyo extension, the government seeks to build a unified Tokyo identity among citizens and corporations while promoting the Tokyo brand both locally and internationally across industries including tourism, commerce, culture, and sport .
GMO Registry now begins preparing its ICANN application to operate the .tokyo extension. The ICANN new gTLD application window will open on January 12 and run for a period of three months after which ICANN will begin evaluating applications, a process that is expected to take at least six months. New gTLDs are likely to begin rolling out sometime after January 2013.
About GMO Registry
GMO Registry was established in 2009 to provide all-in registry solutions for new gTLDs including assistance with the application process, building and operating registry systems, and marketing support. Global brands Canon and Hitachi have chosen to partner with GMO Registry to secure their respective brand names as TLDs and GMO Registry will also work with new registry DotRyukyu to apply for and operate the two Japanese geoTLDs .okinawa and .ryukyu.
Related Links
GMO Registry: http://www.gmo-registry.com/
GMO Registry services: http://www.gmo-registry.com/en/service/
Media Inquiries
GMO Internet
Email: [email protected]
Service Inquiries
GMO Registry
Email: [email protected]
Domain Terminology
TLD | Top Level Domain。The suffix in a domain name or the characters that come after the final dot. For example .com, .net, .jp Management of TLDs is delegated by ICANN. |
ICANN | (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Non-profit organization responsible for the global management of Internet domain names and IP addresses. It also holds the authority to designate official domain registration companies. |
gTLD | (Generic Top Level Domain) In June 2008 the Board of ICANN, the organization that coordinates the Internet’s addressing system, approved a recommendation overhauling the rules for introducing TLDs. Until now users have been restricted to 23 gTLDs (.com, .net etc.), and with the exception of country and regional TLDs, applications for specific new gTLDS were solicited by ICANN and subjected to their application and screening process. The new gTLD rules would significantly relax the existing process, paving the way for organizations to put forward their own applications for top level domains. Applications will open in January 2012. |
GMO Internet Group
GMO Internet Group is one of the most comprehensive providers of industry-leading Internet services worldwide. As well as domain registration, web hosting, ecommerce, and payment processing businesses that each hold the top share in their respective markets in Japan, services operated by the group include Internet advertising, search engine marketing and research. Global online security brand GlobalSign and major Japanese online securities brokerage, GMO CLICK Securities are also group members. In 2011 a new Social Media & Smartphone Platform segment was established bringing together group initiatives in social apps development, flash marketing and Android apps distribution. GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
GMO Registry, Inc.
Company Name | GMO Registry, Inc. http://www.gmo-registry.com/ |
Location | Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
CEO | Masatosho Kumagai |
Business Description | - Domain registry services |
Capital | JPY 100 million |
GMO Internet, Inc.
Company Name | GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE First Section Code: 9449) http://www.gmo.jp/en |
Location | Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
CEO | Masatoshi Kumagai |
Business Description | - Web Infrastructure & Ecommerce - Internet Media - Internet Securities - Social Media & Smartphone Platform |
Capital | JPY 2 billion |