February 3, 2005 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – Internet domain registry DENIC eG, of Germany, is feeling lucky apparently. Ahead of ICANN’s decision to select a domain administrator for the .NET domain DENIC has signed an agreement with Canadian registrar Tucows to provide complimentary support. DENIC will continue to operate its support center out of Frankfurt while Tucows is based in Toronto.
"We are pleased to have found in Tucows a partner with long-standing experience providing domain registration support services of the highest quality, and with whom we already have a close working relationship through our .de registry business," said Sabine Dolderer, Director and Executive Board Member at DENIC. "Tucows' experience, reliability and excellent track record match with our own high standards and will ensure that DENIC's helpdesk services for .net will be reliably extended, will be available to all .net registrars in all time zones, and will remain best-in-class."
"Tucows believes that the registry awarded the .net contract must maintain technical stability and ensure efficient management of this important namespace," said Elliot Noss, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tucows Inc. "We are delighted to support DENIC in their bid as they have demonstrated experience in operating a registry beyond the scale of .net and have also demonstrated a commitment to good stewardship and an alignment of their registry interests with the good of the Internet community. By adding our support services to their established systems, together, we can provide excellent support for the .net registry."
Tucows provides a number of wholesale Internet services and back office solutions -- among them, domain name registrations and management services. As part of its agreement with DENIC, and per the signed Letter of Intent, Tucows has agreed to put systems and processes in place to ensure .net operations data is not available to Tucows employees whose primary responsibilities are aligned with the company's registrar business. In addition, Tucows has agreed to adopt a 'Conflict of Interest' policy that is in compliance with the 'Code of Conduct' and other applicable registry provisions for .net at ICANN. The agreement also stipulates that Tucows, in its role as a provider of .net support services, would give equal treatment to all registrars.
On January 18, 2005, DENIC submitted a proposal to ICANN to take over management of the .net TLD. It is one of five registries vying to become the next .net registry operator, and DENIC believes it holds a strong and unique position to win the bid. In its proposal, DENIC highlighted its proven and stable technical services, its sound and transparent business model, its not- for-profit status, and its commitment to the needs of the international Internet community as key reasons why DENIC is a stand-out choice to be selected the next .net registry. The addition of Tucows as DENIC's North American registrar support partner further strengthens DENIC's position. ICANN is expected to make its decision on March 31, 2005.
