Internet Events International, Inc. (IEI) is gravely
concerned about the evaluation of our proposal as posted by the staff of ICANN, and
would like to clarify several points. It is our perception that the staff evaluations,
not only of our proposal for the .event TLD, but also of our fellow applicants’ proposals,
were prepared in a non-thorough and unprofessional manner.To begin with, it is
evident that the ICANN evaluators did not fully understand the technical aspects
of our proposal. The evaluators expressed concern that the design has not been
used before, although "examination of the design does not uncover a specific flaw."
As described in our proposal, we will operate on a SQL database platform utilizing
Dell hardware and primarily Microsoft software. The server system was custom-designed
for us by Dell. We would like to draw ICANN’s attention to the website, www.terraserver.com,
which was built and run by Microsoft as a proof-of-concept for the SQL database.
This is one of the largest sites in the world, holding 4.5 terabytes of data, and
it is built and operates on a very similar platform to the one proposed. In
addition, the websites run and operated by NASDAQ, BUY.com, Barnes & Noble, and Dell
are also efficiently running on a similar hardware and software model. Surely
ICANN would not contend that a mission-critical system such as NASDAQ would utilize
an "unproven" platform.
The criticism of our proposal also challenged the selection
of security measures for our technical platform. As is clearly described in
our proposal, the system is designed with a three-tier backup protocol. Contrary
to ICANN staff assertion, it is precisely our understanding of large-scale computer
networks that led us to expect difficulties in operation, with a certain amount of
downtime. Designing a three-tier backup system ensures us the flexibility to
take one set of servers down to correct any problems while still maintaining the
level of service that our customers should expect, and while also maintaining a completely
separate backup in the case of a double emergency. In a worst-case scenario, our
downtime should be less than two hours, even assuming the most catastrophic mishap.
The
baseline security of our system is C2 certified by the United States government,
making it suitable for use at the federal level. On top of this, the system
will use 128-bit encryption throughout. We will utilize several additional
security measures including Kerberos, which is a database encryption software package
for SQL2000 that will be used to verify the authenticity of users’ identities, and
Internet Security Acceleration Server with built-in Intrusion Detection, which will
be used as part of our three-level firewall protection system. These systems,
along with the many other security measures we will incorporate, will all be useful
in operating a registry/registrar because they offer a higher level of security than
any extant registry/registrar in the industry. This ensures that the .event
TLD will be as well-protected and stable as possible, thereby fulfilling ICANN’s
first priority, namely the preservation of the stability of the Internet.
In addition
to clearing up the evaluators’ confusion about our technical plan, we would also
like to clarify the importance of the .event TLD itself. Our proposed TLD,
.event, will be a sponsored, restricted TLD. The most significant threat to
the future of the Internet is the chaos with which it has been infected. With
the number of websites increasing at a rate of over two million per month, only an
organized system of restricted TLDs and subdomains will allow the Internet to continue
to be a useful tool for global communication.
ICANN, in its request for proposals,
placed special emphasis on the "proof of concept" nature of this current phase.
Fundamentally, we will make the Internet more effective in three areas: navigation,
marketing, and advertising. These three areas are arguably the foundation for
all Internet activity. Our proposal provides efficient solutions to the problems
facing every end-user. As a restricted TLD, .event will provide a secure and
confident domain for everyone involved in the event industry. This industry
is not limited to just expos, tradeshows, sporting, and even music events.
By our definition, the event industry will cover hundreds of facets, including communities,
politics, entertainment, families, personal, media, and many more. Our proposed
subdomain system will also provide a powerful, innovative solution to navigation,
marketing and advertising. Users will have a deductive, organized way
of finding their way around the Internet. Businesses will know how and where
to market their websites, in a restricted event arena. Advertisers will know
the audience that visits potential advertising space simply by the domain name, thus
allowing increased productivity by reaching a pinpoint target audience.
The ICANN
evaluators also commented that as of October 2, 2000, when the proposal was submitted,
our company had no firm financing. In the subsequent weeks a number of individuals
have invested in our company, and we have begun negotiations with several large advertising
agencies. In addition, it should be obvious that once ICANN enters into negotiations
with an applicant, there will be a myriad of investors and venture capitalists wishing
to become involved.
Finally, the ICANN evaluators emphasized the fact that Internet
Events International does not have prior experience as a sponsoring organization
or registrar as a "weakness." While the lack of previous affiliation with ICANN
is correct, it is in fact a tremendous advantage. The tone, specific comments,
and the actual selection of "recommended" TLDs by ICANN’s staff is tantamount to
corporate incest. We offer ICANN, and the Internet community as a whole, new
blood and fresh ideas, which is the only option possible to ensure the continued
vitality of the Internet. According to ICANN’s New TLD Application Instructions,
"The Board seeks diversity and hopes to rely on the creative approach of the applications
to all aspects of the introduction and operation of new TLDs," and "ICANN seeks a
group of TLDs that will provide a vehicle for providing a diverse range of concepts
for innovative uses of the DNS." We answered that call with a fresh, new approach
to the registry/TLD process. By recommending only the large conglomerate mega-companies,
with no notable change to the status quo, ICANN is setting a precedent that will
be the exact antithesis of what it requested.
It is our anticipation that the Directors
of ICANN’s Board possess the maturity and expertise to evaluate the merits of our
proposal with a broader, more objective approach than that evidenced by the staff
evaluation. This is a very exciting time that has the potential to revolutionize
an already revolutionary arena. We are sure ICANN would rather be remembered
for creating history, rather than merely repeating it.
Loren Hollingsworth
President,
Internet Events International, Inc.
10901 South 1000 East
Sandy, UT 84094
(801)
619-7096
(866) IEI-EVENT
dotevent@email.com