This document discusses how the introduction of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) in 2013 will revolutionize the domain industry. It notes that over 250 entities have already applied for new gTLDs, with hundreds or even thousands expected to be approved. This expansion will give brands, communities and others "the right of the dot" by allowing them to use their name or term as a top-level extension. While this variety may initially cause confusion, it will also give users and customers more options to find the domain name that best fits their needs. The document advises domain resellers and hosters to educate customers on the changes, explore new sales opportunities in niche or geographic TLDs, and

1. Change Means Opportunity
Key Domain Trends
for Hosters in 2012
Thorsten Einig, MD Tucows Europe

2. Tucows / OpenSRS
• World’s largest domain wholesale provider
• One of the world’s largest resellers of SSL
certificates, Sitelock, email, GoMOBI
• 12,000+ resellers globally
• Offices in Canada (HQ), USA, Singapore,
Germany, Netherlands

3. 2012: Beginning of a
Domain Revolution?
• New generic topleveldomains (gTLDs)
• April: applications deadline
• November: applications approved
and included in root zone
• 2013: live

4. So what’s the big deal?
• Many new extensions since 2000
– gTLDs:
• .INFO, .BIZ, .MUSEUM
• .COOP, .AERO, .PRO - .ASIA, .CAT, .JOBS, .MOBI, .TEL, TRAVEL
• .XXX
– ccTLDs:
• .EU
• Liberalization / commercialization /
automization, e.g. .DE, .CO, .FR
• 280 TLDs delegated in root zone, notably:
– 20 gTLDs
– 248 ccTLDs

5. The Problem: Limited Space
• Concentration on top TLDs
– gTLDs: around 80% .COM
– ccTLDs: top 10 make up 60% of registrations
• gTLDs are practically meaningless or unknown
• IDNs limited
• Influences on registration behavior: struggle for
second-level names
– mycompanyinamsterdam.com
– Secondary domain market / premium names

6. Enter New gTLDs
• The “Right of the Dot” gets a meaning
– Brand TLDs, e.g. .MICROSOFT, .UNICEF, .GOOGLE,
.FACEBOOK
– Internationalized TLDs, e.g. (.ARAB)
– Geo-TLDs:, e.g. .BERLIN, .MELBOURNE
– Community and generic TLDs, e.g.:
.SEARCH, .WEB, .CLOUD, .ECO, .GAY
• The explosion:
– 254 applicants so far (March 12)
– 500 new TLDs? 2,000? 10,000?

7. Variety = Confusion?
• The Google Factor
– “Just google me” /
“Use keyword…”
– “Just QR-code me”?
• The Facebook Fear
– “My Website?
http://www.facebook.com/opensrs”

8. Domain Name Numbers

9. Selection of Domain Names
in the Future
• First choice: TLD
– Generics? (.WEB, .COM)
– Industry/market/community?
(.HOTEL)
– Geographic? (ccTLD, IDN, Geo-TLD)
• Less compromise on the SLD

10. Your Customer and nTLDs
• Serve your target group’s demands (TLD
selection)
• Opportunities for the end user are your
opportunities
– Customized business websites – now with
customized domain names
– Give customers what they need rather than what’s
free

11. Challenges and Chances for
Your Hosting Business
• Educate customers and prospects, adapt your
order processes
• Explore new sales areas
– Geographically: Go International? (IDN, Geo-TLDs)
– Industries: find niches (.BASKETBALL?)
• But remain focused
– Do you really need to offer all TLDs?
– Choose your TLDs and and your vendor (various
registries? One wholesale provider?

12. The Future of
Domains in Hosting
• Domains are here to stay
• But the market will change drastically
– Starts in 2013
– Full effects will not be immediate
• Get ready for the challenge and make it an
opportunity!

13. Thank You!
Thorsten Einig
MD Tucows Europe
Questions? Discussions?
• teinig@tucows.com
• Visit us at booth #41