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.Pro TLD seeks to protect current registrants with third-level .Pro domains in advance of July 14 "relaunch"

RegistryPro, the exclusive operator of the .Pro top-level domain (TLD) on the Internet, announced today it will begin accepting pre-orders for second-level domains from current .Pro registrants who use any of the registry's 11 profession-specific third-level designations. The pre-orders are being accepted as the first step in the registry's highly anticipated transition to new registration parameters, slated for July 14, 2008.

"In our discussions about how to best expand the TLD, we realized a need to protect current registrants who may have been discouraged from registering second-level Redirecting Domains or unable to register Second Level Resolving Domains", said Catherine Sigmar, general manager of RegistryPro. "We've prepared for tremendous growth in 2008 and the Third Level Transition became a natural extension of the registry's vision."

The Third Level Transition (TLT) Initiative, designed by RegistryPro and approved by RegistryPro's Advisory Board, requires the registry to temporarily block several hundred second-level domains.

"We developed this initiative with the understanding that rapid expansion may also lead to rampant prospecting and abuse. We decided early on that any downside of placing temporary restrictions on the marketplace was far outweighed by the need to protect current registrants' interests," Sigmar stated.

The primary component of the TLT Initiative allows third-level registrants to acquire one of two pre-defined registrations types: Exact String Match or PSSLD Match. For example, "mikejonessmith.law.pro" will be eligible for one of two domains:

Exact Match — mikejonessmith.pro
PSSLD Match — mikejonessmithlaw.pro

The TLT domains will be made available exclusively to current third-level registrants who held domains prior to March 14, 2008, the opening of RegistryPro's public comment period on ICANN's Web site.

"The TLT Initiative will be divided into two phases: Phase I encompasses Exact Matches and PSSLD Matches. Phase II is dedicated to transitioning registrants who were unable to secure Phase I domains," explained Matt Buckland, director of operations for RegistryPro. "Meanwhile, the .Pro TLD will remain open and continue accepting all new domain ordersduring the TLT."

RegistryPro will begin accepting preorders for Phase 1 domains on June 16, 2008 and processing those orders June 30. Phase II will begin on July 7 and the registry will go live with the newly expanded .Pro launch on July 14, 2008.

Current registrants in the .Pro TLD should contact their sponsoring registrar for more information about RegistryPro's Third Level Transition Initiative or visit RegistryPro's Web site for more information.

About RegistryPro
RegistryPro, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hostway Corporation, operates the .Pro top-level domain (TLD,) an Internet registry exclusively for licensed professionals and entities. All .Pro names are issued with a digital certificate, an online passport that facilitates secure communications and transactions. RegistryPro enables professionals around the world to distinguish themselves on the Internet by using the .Pro extension.

Contacts
Matt Buckland
Director of Operations
RegistryPro
(312) 236-2132 x250
pr [at] registry [dot] pro

Lyza Swearingen Latham
Director of Marketing
Hostway Corporation
(954) 334-8139
publicity [at] hostway [dot] com

About RegistryPro

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, RegistryPro is the ICANN-designated operator of the .PRO TLD. Since launching in 2004, .PRO has become an important tool for businesses, organizations and individuals in building trusted relationships throughout the world. In many languages, "pro" is synonymous with dedication, skill, and vision — the .PRO name allows people to capture that distinctive character. Whether developing a brand, refining an identity, or promoting a specialty, .PRO offers every business and professional the opportunity to enhance their image by adding a powerful, easy-to-identify name to their online presence and web-based products. (Learn More)

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