February 27, 2012
- GMO Registry,Inc.
Press Release
GMO Registry, Inc.
GMO Registry Receives Letter of Support from Osaka Prefectural Government to Operate New generic Top Level Domain, .osaka
Tokyo -- February 27, 2012 – GMO Internet Group company and registry services provider, GMO Registry today received support from Osaka Prefectural Government to operate new geoTLD, .osaka.
GMO Registry responded to a call for applications to operate the proposed new Top Level Domain, and received a letter of support from the government following extensive evaluation.
While already moving forward with its ICANN application for the .osaka extension, GMO Registry is preparing a marketing strategy aimed at growing awareness of the “Osaka” brand throughout industries including tourism, commerce, culture, and sport, both within Japan and internationally.
There are currently 22 gTLDs in use worldwide (.com, .net, .and .org etc.). ICANN is now set to expand the existing generic top level domain space and began accepting applications for new character strings in January 2012.
Registry service providers applying to operate certain geographical names are required by ICANN to obtain endorsement of the relevant government or public authority as determined by each country’s national administration. The Osaka government accepted applications from service providers wishing to receive letters of support between January 4-31, 2012.
The evaluation of applicants took into account registration policy, operational policy, vision, business planning, service content and compliance with relevant laws. GMO Registry believes that winning government support for its .osaka application is further evidence of the company's strong reputation in technology and proven industry track record.
After GMO Registry submits its ICANN application to operate the .osaka extension, ICANN will begin evaluating applications in April, 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. Several global brands including Canon and Hitachi have chosen to partner with GMO Registry to secure their respective brand names as TLDs while GMO Registry has also received a letter of support from the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo to operate .tokyo. GMO Registry will also work with new registry DotRyukyu to apply for and operate two Japanese geoTLDs, .okinawa and .ryukyu. GMO Registry will also submit its own application for the extension .shop. With .shop the company aims to build a dedicated namespace for ecommerce businesses worldwide.
Related Links
GMO Registry: http://www.gmo-registry.com/
GMO Registry services: http://www.gmo-registry.com/en/service/
Domain Terminology
Top Level Domain (TLD) | 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 approved a recommendation overhauling the rules for introducing TLDs. Until now users have been restricted to 22 gTLDs (.com, .net etc.), and with the exception of country and regional TLDs, applications for specific new gTLDS were solicited by ICANN. The new gTLD program significantly relaxes the process and ICANN is accepting applications for new gTLDS through to April 2012. |
About 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 | Masatoshi Kumagai |
Business Description | - Domain registry services |
Capital | JPY490 million |
GMO Internet, Inc.
Company Name | GMO Internet (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 |
Media Inquiries
GMO Internet
Email: [email protected]
Service Inquiries
GMO Registry
Email: [email protected]