A new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) backend registry provider is an organization that manages the technical infrastructure and operations for a new gTLD. When ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) expanded the number of gTLDs beyond the traditional .com, .org, and .net, each new TLD needed a backend registry to function.
Here's a breakdown of what that entails:
Key Roles of a Backend Registry Provider:
- Technical Infrastructure: Maintaining the necessary hardware and software to operate the gTLD, ensuring its stability, security, and reliability. This includes the Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure to resolve domain names to IP addresses.
- Registry Database: Managing the central database of all domain names registered under the specific gTLD. This involves storing and updating information about domain name holders, registration dates, and name servers.
- Shared Registration System (SRS): Operating the system that allows registrars (companies that sell domain names to the public) to communicate with the registry to register, renew, transfer, and manage domain names. The Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) is a common standard used for this communication.
- Registry Data Directory Services (RDDS): Providing access to domain name registration data, often through a "WHOIS" service or its successor, the Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP). This allows the public to look up information about registered domain names.
- DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC): Implementing security protocols to protect the DNS from threats like DNS cache poisoning, ensuring the integrity of domain name resolution.
- Data Escrow: Regularly depositing a copy of the registry database with a third-party escrow provider to ensure business continuity in case of registry failure.
- Abuse Management: Establishing and enforcing policies to address and mitigate abusive activities, such as spamming or phishing, within the gTLD.
- Compliance with ICANN Policies: Adhering to the rules, regulations, and contractual obligations set forth by ICANN.
- Billing and Reporting: Managing the financial aspects of the registry operations, including billing registrars and providing necessary reports.
Examples of Backend Registry Providers:
Several organizations provide backend registry services for new gTLDs. Some prominent examples include:
- CentralNic: Manages a significant number of new gTLDs and offers a comprehensive suite of registry services.
- Identity Digital Inc. (formerly Afilias): Another major player in the registry services industry, supporting numerous new gTLDs.
- GoDaddy Registry: Provides backend services for a variety of TLDs.
- Tucows Registry Services: Offers registry solutions for several new gTLDs.
- Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA): While primarily known for managing the .ca country code top-level domain, CIRA also provides backend services for new gTLDs.
- Nominet: The registry operator for the .uk domain, also provides backend services for other gTLDs.
- Afnic: The French Network Information Center, managing the .fr TLD, also offers its expertise as a backend provider.
These providers offer the technical expertise and infrastructure required for the stable and secure operation of new gTLDs, allowing organizations that applied for and were granted the rights to operate a new TLD to focus on the policy, marketing, and overall management of their domain extension. ICANN has also established a Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program to ensure that backend providers meet certain technical qualifications.