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.CO Internet S.A.S. (www.COinternet.co), a new company formed by Arcelandia S.A., a wholly-owned Colombian company, and U.S. company Neustar, Inc., today announced the launch plan for the .CO domain name extension that offers enterprises and individuals a global, recognizable, and credible option in branding their Internet presence.

As a premium domain name space, .CO domains will be available through a select list of accredited partners, including many of the world's largest and most well-respected domain registrars. These registrars have committed to following international best practices to ensure the integrity and value of the name space for all who participate.

A multi-phase Launch Plan will protect the rights of trademark holders and ensure the stable and orderly distribution of .CO domain names.

• A global Sunrise will take place from April 26 through June 10, allowing eligible trademark holders the right to apply for the .CO domain names corresponding to their marks before registration is open to the general public.
• Landrush will occur from June 21 through July 13, and will be open to anyone interested in registering certain high priority domain names.
• General availability will begin on July 20, opening the .CO domain for registrations on a first-come, first-served basis around the world.

The .CO Founders Program

Starting today, early adopters can gain a true first mover advantage by applying to be included in the .CO Founders Program, an initiative designed to help qualified "first movers" to proactively develop and maintain domains with the .CO extension prior to the public launch in July. The .CO Founders Program is open to all interested applicants from individuals to businesses and big brands.

"The .CO Founders Program provides an excellent opportunity for early adopters to secure short and memorable domain names and truly help shape the .CO name space," said Juan Diego Calle, CEO of .CO Internet. "Participants in the program will benefit by potentially being featured in an aggressive .CO advertising and marketing program; likewise they will be expected to actively promote their domain to benefit the broader .COmmunity," added Calle.

How to Apply for The .CO Founders Program

Applicants submit an application via www.COinternet.co/COFounders explaining the .CO domain they'd like to develop, as well as additional details about themselves and their launch proposal. .CO Internet will then review the applications and approve those that will best contribute to the .CO community. .CO Internet will award domains, at their discretion, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Demand for Increased Domain Options

At the close of 2009, there were more than 192 million domain names registered — an increase of nearly 15 million domain names since the end of 2008. Of those registered, more than 95 million .com domain names have been registered.

Associated globally with the words "COmpany," "COrporation" and "COmmerce" — the .CO domain opens up new opportunities in the currently saturated online environment.

.CO domains are easy to recognize, simple to remember, and flexible to use. The .CO extension also offers the perfect platform for a new generation of socially-networked individuals and businesses to COmmunicate and COllaborate online.

About .CO Internet

.CO Internet S.A.S. is the Registry Operator for the .CO top-level domain. The .CO domain offers individuals, organizations and businesses a truly global, recognizable and credible option in branding their online presence. Thanks to leading-edge technology, enhanced security and unprecedented rights protections for brand owners, the .CO domain is poised to become the world's next premier web address. Please visit http://www.COinternet.co and http://www.Opportunity.co for more information. You can also follow us on Twitter @dotCO and at Facebook.com/COinternet. (Learn More)

Related topics: Domain Names, Registry Services, Top-Level Domains, Web