ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) seeks firms to perform key roles in reviewing applications for new generic top-level domains and has extended the application period for firms interested in serving as independent evaluators.
The new deadline will be 11 June 2009. Independent evaluators will be retained by ICANN and will play a key role in determining the future of the Internet's domain naming system.
Background
Generic top-level domains ("gTLD") are the characters to the right of the "dot" in an Internet address and are a critical part of the Internet's unique domain naming system. Currently, there are only 21 gTLDs, including such familiar domains as .COM, .NET, and .ORG. After years of community policy development that recommended the introduction of new gTLDs, ICANN is preparing to introduce an application process for those who wish to operate a new gTLD.
As part of preparing for the formal launch of the new gTLD application process, ICANN is taking action to ensure there will be a robust, effective and timely evaluation process in place to review applications. One critical aspect of this preparation is identifying competent evaluation panels with the appropriate expertise, resources and geographic diversity to assess specific aspects of new gTLD applications against criteria which will be published in the final version of the gTLD Applicant Guidebook.
ICANN anticipates that these panels will be most appropriate for professional services/consulting firms or organizations with international and Internet expertise, and be capable of assessing financial, technical, geographical, linguistic and other elements of these applications. Experience working with global constituencies will also be valuable for potential evaluators.
Find out more detail at: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm