11/01/2012 - Domain Name Revolution

Domain Name RevolutionDomain Name Revolution.

Applications will soon open for new top-level domains. From tomorrow, it will be possible to register almost any word as a web address suffix.  Endings like .com and .org could be joined by the likes of .virgin, .pepsi or .itv.

According to Icann, the organisation which regulates domain names, the change is necessary and will increase choice and competition.

To apply to obtain one of the new names is likely to cost around $185,000 (£120,000). The cost has raised concern among some non-profit organisations that they will have to spend considerable amounts of money defending themselves from cyber squatters.

According to companies advising on registration, despite the cost there has been significant interest in applying for the new general top-level domains before the deadline for applications closes in April.