Applications for the new gTLD domain extensions opened on 12th January 2012, to make it easier here is a list of important dates within the process.
January 12th : Registration and Applications system opens
Registrations and Applications begin to be accepted via the online system (TAS)
March 29th : Last day for registrations
Is the last day for new registrations to be accepted
April 12th : Application window closes
The last day that ICANN will accept applications for new gTLDs
May 1st : Listing Day
After processing all applications ICANN will publically reveal the applications and who applied. This will alow for any comments/ ojections by other parties and evaluations.
Comments will close on June 30th
November 12th : Initial Evaluation Results
ICANN will post a list of applications that have passed or failed
November 29th : Last day to request Extended Evaluation
November 30th : Complex Applications
Some gTLD applications will be subject to a special application processes depending on the circumstances for example if two applications are received for the same gTLD.
So it may be some time late in 2012 or early 2013 before any of the new gTLD start to hit our Internet searches.
As Google+ starts to make some impact into the social media landscape we ask ‘should your business use Google+’. Well, look at it this way it was developed by Google, one of the most influential websites when it comes to website referrals.
So here is a little list of some of the reasons we think your business should consider adding Google+ to social media efforts.
1. Engage with new audiences
Google+ offers an amazing opportunity for you to engage with new audiences. Google+ is a great place to connect to a tech- savvy audience, early adopters and those who lead markets with their opinions and recommendations.
2. Segment your audiences
One of the obvious advantages Google+ brings is the ability to segment audiences. Using circles for different groups of contacts makes it easy for content to be shared amongst relevant groups.
3. Networking
Gather contacts and connect with people who may be able to help your business.
4. Hangouts
The hangouts feature on Google+ is thought to be one of the best tools for increasing distribution amongst your customers. You can communicate in a highly personal way with clients, customers and industry thought leaders. Even our employees can connect and work with one another off site over a hangout.
So, maybe it is worth investing a little time looking into the possibilities of Google+ for yourself. Some things you read cite the downside to the new social media tool, such as low growth, difficult administration, account confusion and the reign of Facebook and Twitter. But, when all is said and done, if any brand was to introduce a new platform, Google will certainly try. So it may be worth taking a look and securing your name on Google+
New rules allowing single and multi- year domain registrations on .uk domain names come into effect on May 1st this year. This week Nominet have announced charges and rules that will apply.
Single year registrations will be more expensive with the cost to registrars set at £3.50, whilst registrations for two or more years will be charged at the current amount of £2.50 per year.
The new multi year domains will only be available for registrations though registrars that are Nominet members. Non – members will still only be able to offer co.uk domains for the default 2 year registration period.
We are currently running an offer on co.uk domain names, charging cost price! A two year registration costs just £5 – exactly what we are charged by Nominet!
As we approach a little over one week since ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) began accepting applications for new generic Top- Level Domain Names, its fair to say that so far the system has launched without a hitch.
On the 12 January applications began to be accepted from those wanting their own gTLD. As of the 19th January, ICANN confirmed announced 25 successful registrants in the online TLD application system. This represents the number of registrants, not gTLDs, as each applicant can apply for up to 50.
The deadline to register in the TLD Application System is 29 March. If applicants are not registered in the system by that date, they will be unable to apply.
To find out details of who has applied and what domain names they have applied for, we will have to wait a little longer I’m afraid. Not until early May 2012, after the application window has closed, will ICANN publish a list of applications.
So, it’s predicted that we won’t see the true effects of the new program, thought to expand domain extensions past the current 22 and for the first time allow, non-Latin language scripts such as Arabic and Chinese, until some time in early 2013.
Remember in the meantime, you can still register your domain names in all the current most popular extensions on the main website.
Facebook has recently registered six new domain names including the word origin. The domain names registered by the social networking giant included fborigin.net, fborigin.biz and fborigin.com
In the past many new domain registrations have provided a signal towards new business avenues and website launches. So watch closely for any more announcements.
