Top-Level Domain Names

In November 2000, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved the biggest change in the history of the Internet address system: It added seven new top-level domains (TLDs) to .com, .net, and .org. The new domains included .info, .pro, .name, .biz, .aero, .coop, and .museum.

Many of the names are limited to qualified applicants: For example, .pro is available only to doctors, lawyers, and accountants; .biz is open only to commercial entities; .aero is intended for airlines and related firms; .name is strictly for individuals; and .museum has an obvious, very limited group of applicants. And in most cases, the companies administering the domains have given trademark holders, rather than individuals, priority access to names.

Many Web sites use domain names based on memorable, country-specific domain extensions. The tiny island nation of Tuvalu, for example, has licensed its .tv extension to a U.S. domain name administrator. And nations including Colombia (.co) and Tonga (.to) have followed suit. Still other firms have attempted to launch alternative domains, like .xxx by working with ISPs that allow their customers to access such domains. The ICANN-approved domains, however, are more likely to reach Internet users who are unaware of or unable to use alternative domains.

Ultimately, only one thing is certain: Many more top-level domains are now available. Small businesses that want to claim one or more names should move quickly to get the domain names they want.

For more information on domain names, be sure to read Domain Name Basics.