In May 2007, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced its intention to release new general-use domain names in 2008.
This is the first expansion of general use domain names since 2000. Domain names that have been added since have been limited to specific regions or industries (for example .aero, .travel and .jobs).
While it is customary for Australian businesses to reserve the .com and .com.au extensions, it has not been common practice for businesses to also protect themselves by securing other available general use domain names – .net, .biz, .info and .org. Their risk exposure will increase when new general use names emerge next year.
The argument for securing all available domain names is compelling. Not doing so could result in cyber squatters holding you to ransom at a later date. Worse still, a competitor could register a domain before you do, causing brand confusion and directing customers away from your business.
