The IE Domain Registry (IEDR), the managed registry for Ireland’s official internet address .ie, today announced that the number of .ie domain names in Ireland has passed the 150,000 mark.
Internet industry representatives and .ie registrars gathered in Dublin last night to mark the occasion, where a presentation was made to the 150,000th registrant, Clyde Negosanu of www.localcomputerrepair.ie by the Chair of the IIA, Ms Maeve Kneafsey. The registrant provides an on-site and remote computer repair service in the Wicklow and South Dublin area.
Passing the 150,000th domain milestone demonstrates continued demand from businesses and sole traders for an online identity, which is held in high regard and which communicates an Irish presence in a global online marketplace. Last month IEDR reported in its 2009 annual report that the .ie domain’s share of Ireland’s domain market has continued to increase year on year.
A new resource, www.why.ie, was also unveiled by IEDR on the evening. The website contains registration information and advice for .ie registrars and registrants, particularly SMEs on topics such as search engine optimisation, web design, e-commerce and online security. Its launch follows a period of engagement with IEDR’s registrar community, who generate over 98% of registration growth and whose ongoing feedback will enable IEDR to develop and enhance the new website in future.
Demand for .ie domains over the past twelve months can be attributed to the registrar's promotional efforts and their commitment to the dot ie namespace. In addition, in December 2009 the namespace was ranked as the second safest country code domain name in the world by internet security specialists McAfee, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking for a secure place to do business online. There is also anecdotal evidence which suggests that the growth in registrations is due in part to the number of new online businesses being established by people made redundant in recent months.
“We’re delighted to have passed the 150,000th mark for .ie domain registrations. It’s testament to the .ie namespace’s reputation as one of the most trusted and secure in the world that businesses in Ireland want to make .ie a feature of their brand and online identity. I would like to thank and congratulate our registrars, who have been the driving force in growing .ie registrations and helping us achieve this milestone.”,said David Curtin, Chief Executive of IE Domain Registry.