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Username: dotEVENT
Date/Time: Wed, November 15, 2000 at 9:14 AM GMT
Browser: Netscape Navigator V4.7 Custom using Macintosh PowerPC
Score: 5
Subject: Official Response from dotEVENT

Message:
 

 
        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

     
     
     

 

Link: dotEVENT website


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