Concerns about the Draft Procedure for .NET

["Jonathan Zuck" <jzuck@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On behalf of the Association for Competitive Technology and our 3,000
members, we would like to raise concerns regarding the management of
.net and the implications for high tech businesses.  As software
developers, systems integrators, IT consulting and training firms, we
believe that the process for selecting the .net Registry Operator is
vitally important for the future of the Internet. 

 

The .net registry continues to provide computer and network
infrastructure, a function that is integral to the core structural
design of the internet.  Any confidence loss in .net would negatively
impact the growth of consumers' internet usage and innovation by tech
companies.

 

As ICANN continues its process for selecting its .net Registry Operator,
we hope it will keep in mind essential qualifications necessary to
protect the integrity of the domain.  Today's .net lookups represent
billions of transactions every day.  The company chosen to operate .net
must provide the highest level of performance and stability for the
Internet infrastructure.  If a company cannot match the current
functional capabilities already in place, reliance on .net will be
eroded and users will lose trust in the system.  

 

Today's needs are not the only factor ICANN should consider.  As
Internet usage continues to grow, a Registry Operator must have the
ability to anticipate and meet future needs and challenges.  This will
require a company with the financial strength to invest in the
infrastructure at the required scale.  ICANN must look at the financial
as well as technical strength of the Operator

 

 

Finally, the Operator needs to have significant experience in the
registry business.  To turn over .net to an untested company is too
great of a risk.  The ability to show historical performance in the
resolution and registration of Domain Names should be a primary
consideration in any bid.

 

Jonathan Zuck

President

Association for Competitive Technology

www.actonline.org