The internet is evolving, and new generic top level domains are a major part of that.
(Note: If you just want to see the cool list of domain names, scroll to the bottom)
If you’re involved in the domain community or knowledgeable about domains, you’re most likely familiar with the terms generic top level domains (gTLD) and new generic top level domains (new gTLD). For those of you who are not involved in the domain community, you may be asking the question what is a top level domain name?
I’ll answer that question for you here with a reference from Wikipedia:
Generic top-level domain
“Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are one of the categories of top-level domains (TLDs) maintained by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) for use in the Domain Name System of the Internet. A top-level domain is the last level of every fully qualified domain name. They are called generic for historic reasons; initially, they were contrasted with country-specific TLDs in RFC 920.
The core group of generic top-level domains consists of the com, info, net, and org domains. In addition, the domains biz, name, and pro are also considered generic; however, these are designated as restricted, because registrations within them require proof of eligibility within the guidelines set for each.
Historically, the group of generic top-level domains included domains, created in the early development of the domain name system, that are now sponsored by designated agencies or organizations and are restricted to specific types of registrants. Thus, domains edu, gov, int, and mil are now considered sponsored top-level domains, much like the themed top-level domains (e.g., jobs). The entire group of domains that do not have a geographic or country designation (see country-code top-level domain) is still often referred to by the term generic TLDs.”
The number of gTLD as of March 2018 exceeds 1,200 domains.
New Top Level Domain
“The introduction of several generic top-level domains over the years had not stopped the demand for more gTLDs; ICANN received many proposals for establishment of new top-level domains. Proponents argued for a variety of models, ranging from adoption of policies for unrestricted gTLDs (see above) to chartered gTLDs for specialized uses by specialized organizations.
In 2008, a new initiative foresaw a stringent application process for new domains, adhering to a restricted naming policy for open gTLDs, community-based domains, and internationalized domain names (IDNs). According to a guidebook published by ICANN, a community-based gTLD is “a gTLD that is operated for the benefit of a defined community consisting of a restricted population.” All other domains fall under the category open gTLD, which “is one that can be used for any purpose consistent with the requirements of the application and evaluation criteria, and with the registry agreement. An open gTLD may or may not have a formal relationship with an exclusive registrant or user population. It may or may not employ eligibility or use restrictions.”
The establishment of new gTLDs under this program required the management of registrar relationships, the operation of a domain registry, and demonstration of technical (as well as financial) capacity for such operations.
A fourth version of the draft applicant guidebook (DAG4) was published in May 2011. On June 20, 2011, ICANN’s board voted to end most restrictions on the creation of generic top-level domain names (gTLDs) — at which time 22 gTLDs were available. Companies and organizations would be able to choose essentially arbitrary top-level Internet domains. The use of non-Latin characters (such as Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, etc.) would also be allowed in gTLDs. ICANN began accepting applications for new gTLDs on January 12, 2012. A survey by registrar Melbourne IT considered entertainment and financial services brands most likely to apply for new gTLDs for their brands. The initial price to apply for a new gTLD was $185,000. ICANN expected that the first batch of new gTLDs would be operational by September 2013. ICANN expected the new rules to significantly change the face of the internet. Peter Thrush, chairman of ICANN’s board of directors, stated after the vote: “Today’s decision will usher in a new internet age. We have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration. Unless there is a good reason to restrain it, innovation should be allowed to run free.” Industry analysts predicted 500–1000 new gTLDs, mostly reflecting names of companies and products, but also cities, and generic names like bank and sport. According to Theo Hnarakis, chief executive of Melbourne IT, the decision would “allow corporations to better take control of their brands. For example, apple or ipad would take customers right to those products.” In agreement, Nick Wood, Managing Director of Valideus, suggested “Your own gTLD demonstrates confidence and vision and may accelerate your brand and its value. An internet address at the Top Level is far better than registration at the ‘low rent’ Second Level.” However, some companies, like Pepsi, ruled out a branded gTLD.”
Now that you are more familiar with what a gTLD and a new gTLD is, let’s get down to some other good information!
You may not be familiar with the amount of money spent by some individuals, organizations, end users or companies. The domain industry News Magazine, DNJournal YTD Sales Chart and Domain Sales pages are some of the best places to find that data and get a good idea of the kind of money is being paid for domain names. Namebio is also a really good source.
Some individuals and companies don’t mind sharing this sales data which is great for the domain community, because it gives investors and buyers an idea of the market. One key thing to remember here is although you will see some very large transactions taking place in these publications, some of the largest transactions being conducted are never reported due to non disclosure agreements (NDA’s) between buyers and sellers.
Below are 15 great examples of new generic Top-Level Domain use.
(There are thousands more. These are just a few.)
- X.company – Alphabet / Google subsidiary
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 126,527
- X.team – Alphabet / Google – Forwards to X (Company) careers page
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – none since it’s a forwarding domain
- Home.loans – Learn More About Your Home Loan Options.
- Purchase price – $500,000
- Global Alexa rank – 1,948,145
- Vacation.rentals – Vacation Rentals From Owners And Property Managers. No Fees. No Commissions. 100% Verified.
- Purchase price – $500,300
- Global Alexa rank – 2,554,683
- Tron.network – TRON is one of the largest blockchain-based operating systems in the world.
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 94,362
- Z.cash – Zcash is a privacy-protecting, digital currency built on strong science.
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 90,659
- Github.community – GitHub Community Forum | Owned by Microsoft
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 112,338
- OpenEarth.community – OpenEarth® Community is an open community of scientists, engineers and software developers in oil and gas companies, all working together to speed up and lower the cost of digital innovation for the entire industry.
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 678,483
- DI.community – Damage Inc. Forum
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 126,359
- FutureNet.club – Create effective ads, boost the reach of your business, expand your network, use social media and earn money!
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 3,882
- Redmond.company – Our products offer you the latest and most advanced technological innovations in the field of electronics.
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 116,142
- HP.company – owned by Hewlett Packard and forwarded to HP.com
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – none since it’s a forwarding domain
- UAP.company – Ultimate Affiliate Program
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 59,336
- U.today – Follow us and get all crypto news 24/7
- Purchase price – unknown
- Global Alexa rank – 212,144
- CurrencyRate.today – Our main goal is to provide you with exchange rates for more than 190+ currencies which are updated every minute and with our handy currency converter.
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