Though HEXONET has no plans to become a Registry Operator ourselves (see recent posting), as an experienced registrar, we have some interesting insights on the operator choices.  For those planning on launching a new TLD, this post may be of keen interest.

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

• 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 can easily integrate with following Registry Operators for newTLDs 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.

Since ICANN’s approval of new Top-Level-Domains, HEXONET has been constantly asked the following question – “Does HEXONET have plans to be a registry operator for new Top-Level-Domains?“.

Answer:  Why Re-invent the Wheel?

Even though HEXONET is known for engineering expertise and technical excellence throughout the domain industry, being a registry operator is currently not in our plans.  This is because HEXONET believes that the current set of registry operators are best suited to service the up and coming new Top-Level-Domains.  The leading registry operators have the knowledge, infrastructure, capacity, and most importantly, the experience for any new TLD to achieve success.

HEXONET has achieved our own success by working with registry operators in innovative ways.  We continue to run a highly reliable, lightning fast registrar platform that offers a vast selections of TLDs (one of the widest selections industry-wide).  Additionally, we plan to fully integrate our powerful Registrar Operations Center (RegistrarOC) solution with all the new Top-Level-Domains.

For HEXONET, success of any TLD, be it new or existing, requires success throughout the deliver chain – registry, registry operator, and registrar.  And our commitment is to work with the registry operators so that HEXONET can be one of the best at the registrar level.  Our goal has always been to be the best registrar for resellers and to build the best turn-key solutions for registrars (RegistrarOC) so that anyone can quickly add any TLD (new or existing) without the engineering headache and overhead.

Many companies utterly fail by trying to do too much or chase after something new.  HEXONET has been on same course for over a decade, which is to be an exceedingly good registrar and domain platform developer.  The road ahead for HEXONET is straight and narrow.

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.