The Imminent ‘.asia’ Domain Rush
Asia has an estimated 409 million internet users, compared to 319 million in Europe and only 231 million in all of North America. Which could mean big business for the new TLD. The goal is to provide an alternative to America’s ‘.com’ extension for millions of individuals and businesses in Asia.
The public launch for registration of the ‘.asia’ domain extension is expected to take place in February 2008.
To alleviate former disputes in cyber-squatting officially trademarked names, companies with valid trademarks as well as government organizations will be able to secure their domains on October 9th of this year. Registered companies with an official presence in Asia will also be able to secure their names with the ‘.asia’ registry.
The TimesOnline.co.uk has the full article including details on the trials and tribulations of last years launch of the ‘.eu’ TLD.
Popularity: 2% [?]
July 27th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
I’d be really careful with this one.
1. Asians are very nation proud, can’t think of any clients who would want this.
2. Generics differ in Asia v/s US. What could be a good keyword in the US, might not in Asia.
3. I think this is going to be in the same bag as .eu
Good Luck.
August 13th, 2007 at 4:04 am
I doubt they’re going to be in the same bag as .eu as the EU domains are quite succesfull so far. However, on a personal note, I don’t remember any time browsing an asian domain. I think in EU and USA they would have very limited audience.
Regards
Dimis