IAMAI, the body in India representing the online and mobile value added 
services industry, and NetNames, the global leader in online brand protection and corporate domain name management have published two white papers with the view that the current restructuring of the Domain Name System (DNS), and the introduction of thousands of new domain name endings, is the biggest change to the Internet since its inception. The launch was held at the 9th India Digital Summit and also supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
The white papers were launched on the first day of the India Digital Summit by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Government of India. Present at the launch were Mr. St. John Gould, Director, UK Trade, Investment & Prosperity, British High Commission India, Dr. Govind, CEO, NIXI, David Franklin, Global Director of Brand Protection Sales and Stuart Fuller, Director of Commercial Operations at NetNames. Entitled “Staying one step ahead in the digital world” and “Internet 2020 – An analysis of how gTLD’s will transform the Internet”. The white papers will be supported by seminars which look at how to be present, protected and prosperous on the internet through the use of new gTLDs, domain name management and online brand protection.
A few findings contained in the white papers include:
- Today, Ocado, Very and Facebook deliver exactly the same user experience as the failed Webvan, Boo and Geocities set out to do
- E-Commerce in India is an $11 billion market, growing at 37%
- More than one-third (34%) of the businesses surveyed felt that Internet users will be more likely to type web addresses directly into the browser following the release of new gTLDs
- Over the next six years, the arrival of new gTLDs will fragment Internet users into ‘communities of interest’
- 89% of the businesses surveyed by NetNames believed that the new gTLDs will make it easier for consumers to find their website
- 100% of marketing and branding professionals expect to see the Internet fragment within the next five years
- More than eight out of ten (85%) businesses plan to change their online marketing investment strategy following the introduction of new gTLDs
Dr. Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Government of India, extended his support to the initative. While addressing the audience, he said, “A large number of Indian organizations have yet to harness the power of the Internet to its full potential. It is very important that they have a strategy to secure a cyber-presence as soon as possible. They need to recognize the importance of being present on the Internet and develop capabilities to exploit this new regime.”
Stuart Fuller, Director of Commercial Operations at NetNames commented, “The internet is undergoing the most radical transformation since its inception. In order to capitalize on these changes and ensure that they remain present, protected and prosperous online, Indian businesses need to cease the opportunities that these changes represent.”
Dr. Subho Ray, President – Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), added, “We believe this is a great time for Indian businesses to augment their online presence. New gTLDs will offer unparalleled choice and diversity and with several thousands of new gTLDs being launched, Indian companies can now get a domain of their choice and an extension that is relevant to their brand. This really offers great opportunities for Indian digital businesses.”
While announcing the launch of NetNames’ office in India, Mr. St. John Gould, Director, UK Trade, Investment & Prosperity, British High Commission India, said, “UK Trade & Investment is delighted to be associated with NetNames and the launch of these white papers as a part of its role to improve bilateral business relations between UK and India. The Internet is an integral part our daily lives and India has one of the fastest growth rates in Internet users – projected to be over 300 million by the end of this year. This will have a significant impact on the e-commerce sector in India, which currently stands at $16million but is projected to pass the $50million mark in the next decade. We are pleased that NetNames has decided to be active in this exciting market, assisting Indian organisations to leverage their online assets in the global market as well as protecting them from fraud and infringement on the Internet.”
