User:Lecter

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The IE Domain Registry (IEDR) is the domain name registry for the .ie country code top-level domain. Formally the IE Domain Registry Limited is a private company, limited by guarantee, incorporated in Ireland having its registered office and principal place of business in Sandycove, County Dublin. It operates on a not-for-profit basis and is a member of the CENTR representative body. IE Domain Registry Limited took over the administration of .ie in July 2005.

[edit] History

In 1990 the IANA passed control of the .ie top-level domain to the Computing Services department of University College, Dublin (UCD). The University had internet connectivity — one of only a handful of sites in Ireland at the time — and technically capable staff and no commercial interest in acted as a neutral custodian of the top-level domain. Domain names were free but registration services were a part-time and voluntary effort by UCD staff. This system lasted for the next six years. As demand increased, those seeking new domain names became frustrated with lengthy delays and inconsistent service from the part-time team.

The IEDR have received a lot of media attention in Ireland and abroad for their unusual policies in issuing domains, which often seem to resemble jobs for the boys. A large amount of generic terms in the technology and medical sectors were registered to small groups of people in what was almost certainly cybersquatting. Whilst this was happening, Irish firms were being denied domains because they were overly generic and did not reflect the companies name. It was also found that the IEDR were often charging domain holders for 12 months in every 11, billing people a month earlier each year for the same amount.

However, in 2004, the state communications regulator, ComReg, stated their intention to take control of the .ie domain and liberalise its sale, in a similar manner to the compulsion placed on Eircom to open its DSL network to resellers. The IEDR will cease to exist as the main registrar, although it may continue to sell domains. However, as its domains were among the priciest in the world (€112 retail, around €55 to resellers), it is unlikely the companies business plan will succeed in a more open market.