.pro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Introduced | 2001 |
|---|---|
| TLD type | Generic top-level domain |
| Status | Active |
| Registry | RegistryPro |
| Sponsor | Registry Services Corporation
dba RegistryPro |
| Intended use | Professionals such as physicians, lawyers, and accountants |
| Actual use | Not much use in intended area; some use by unqualified individuals through loophole permitting registration by credentialed individual on behalf of third party without credentials |
| Registration restrictions | Credentials of applicants are checked before registration is permitted |
| Structure | Registrations originally had to be at third or higher level beneath generic category, but later direct second-level registrations were allowed, with some rules and restrictions |
| Documents | ICANN registry agreement |
| Dispute policies | UDRP, Qualification Challenge Policy (QCP) |
| Website | nic.pro |
.pro (professional) is a generic top-level domain. It was created in 2002 and is operated by the Registry Services Corporation. The intention of the domain is to signal to web visitors that the website owner is a professional with valid credentials, but so far .pro has not been popular.
.pro domains are very expensive compared to other domains. Professional credentials must be verified, and the domain costs $350, with a one-time $100 registration fee. The .pro serves as an official certification that the website owner's credentials are accurate.
.pro has three second level domains: .law.pro, .med.pro, and .cpa.pro, reserved for lawyers, physicians, and certified public accountants, respectively. Direct second-level registrations were later opened up, with restrictions.
Registrations are processed via accredited registrars.
Some registrars have exploited a loophole whereby .pro domains may be registered on behalf of a third party as long as there is a nominal registrant with proper qualifications; in this manner, unrestricted .pro registrations were offered using the credentials of somebody affiliated with the registrar. Much debate has ensued about the propriety of such registrations.[citation needed]
[edit] External links
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