Comment from Network Solutions

["Hammock, Statton" <shammock@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Having reviewed the fifth version of the Draft Applicant Guidebook (DAG), we 
want to commend ICANN for assimilating many of the comments and concerns 
expressed by the internet community in the last version and also for advancing 
the DAG close to its final form.  

A document of this complexity and importance can never be "perfect," or 
"complete" in the eyes of everyone. Though further refinements to the language 
could be made, we believe that the DAG, in its current form, is robust enough 
to support the launch of the new gTLD application process.  

We acknowledge that the DAG will certainly evolve as ICANN becomes aware of 
issues and difficulties arising during the application process and the launch 
of the first new gTLDs.  It's time to put it to the test by approving the DAG 
so that we can move forward on the proposed timeline ICANN has set for the 
launch which we believe will create more competition in the market and greater 
benefits to consumers. 

 Statton Hammock 
 Sr. Director, Law, Policy & Business Affairs 
 Network Solutions