The registry for Web domain names has been dominated by one tollbooth, but that's about to change. As far as Web domain names go, this is about to become a multiple-choice question. Because the arrival of the new consortium will represent the very first time anyone has competed with Network Solutions, the development is expected to result in lower prices for those who seek to register Web addresses. One is that Network Solutions operates the primary existing database of domain names, and the new competitors will have to pay Network Solutions to list addresses in the database, in accordance with U.S. Department of Commerce policy. A test-bed for automatically updating the central registry for domain names is being put in place now, and will be finalized in June.
Companies are ready, willing, and able to compete.
The transition toward a more open process for registering domains has been a subject for hot political debate since 1996, when e-commerce on the Web started perking up. The debate has involved organizations including the International Trademark Organization, the United Nations' World Intellectual Property Organization, the White House, and other factions. In 1997, Ira Magaziner, who was the White House's chief of Internet policy, stoked the fires of the debate, calling for Internet-focused organizations to propose new policies for registering domain names. Whether the competition will result in lower prices remains to be seen, but chances appear to be good that the cost of registering domains will fall substantially. Digital video recording service from Microsoft.