DotAsia Domain Open for Registration

Work for .asia began in 2000 and although the domain is officially open it will be spring 2008 before we see any live .asia addresses, with registration just having begun.

.Asia is the second regional domain to launch, following hot on the heels of the .eu launch last year. Latin America and Africa are expected to be next in line.

DotAsia has planned a series of “sunrise” periods for registration. Initially, from October 9th, the addresses will only be available to regional governments and those with trademarks registered before March 16 2004 making it easier for them to protect brands. The second sunrise is due for November 13th and closes on January 15th and is aimed at other registered names and companies. Competing applications will be dealt with by means of auction.

While there is a rumored “landrush” period for the general public to register their interest between February and March of 2008, this has yet to be confirmed.

Live registration for .asia domain names is scheduled for March 2008.