Verisign has applied for 14 new generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs) including 12 transliterations of .COM and .NET as well as being selected to provide back-end registry services for approximately 220 new gTLDs.
While the application period was due to close on 12 April, a security problem with the TLD application system (TAS) resulted in ICANN closing it down while they sorted out the problem. To date, ICANN has not given a date when the system to reopen so applicants can complete their applications. Hence it is possible there will be a few more applicants using Verisign before the application period formally closes.
The information on Verisign’s TLD applications was provided in their financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March, 2012. Other information provided in the financial results included:
- 2.86 million net new domains were added during the first quarter with approximately 116.7 million active domain names in the adjusted zone for .COM and .NET, representing an 8.1 per cent increase year-over-year
- Verisign processed a record 8.9 million new domain name registrations, representing an increase of 7.7 per cent year-over-year
- revenue of $206 million for the first quarter of 2012, up 13% from the same quarter in 2011
- renewal terms negotiated between Verisign and ICANN for the .com Registry Agreement were posted on 27 March which are substantially the same as the terms contained in the existing .com Registry Agreement except for new provisions regarding indemnification and audit rights, consistent with the other five largest gTLD registry agreements (including the .net agreement).
« The first quarter was another record in terms of new domain name registrations, reflecting the global growth in internet adoption and e-commerce, » commented Jim Bidzos, executive chairman, president and chief executive officer. « We believe that the security and stability Verisign has provided spanning two decades, and continues to provide, is an important factor in that growth. »
« Our first quarter results demonstrate our continued financial and operational discipline, » said John Calys, interim chief financial officer of Verisign. « We remain committed to delivering shareholder value. »
Source: domainnews.com