The latest version of the Draft Applicant Guidebook features the 50 questions and financial templates that applicants must complete spread across 17 pages: see http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/draft-rfp-clean-04oct09-en.pdf.
We know which questions will be scored by ICANN and how much weighting they will apply. You will have a dedicated Project Manager who will take you through every step of the application process. Your Project Manager will be responsive to your needs with expert knowledge and the support of the Valideus team to ensure your application succeeds.
Our Application Service features:
- Summarising the new gTLD process and how it will change the internet landscape so you and your colleagues can decide whether or not to pursue the idea of applying in Round One or Round Two
- Internal feasibility workshops to assist you and your stakeholders to evaluate the implications of applying including:
- Timings
- Resource implications including financial and personnel requirements
- Selection of a character string and whether you may face contention from another applicant for the same string or opposition from an organisation that has not applied
- The advantages and disadvantages of submitting a Standard Application as opposed to a Community-based application
- How your own TLD can be used to rise above competitors, to promote affiliate loyalty, to retain your customers, to support your email and website when you move away from .com
- Policy options including eligibility requirements and how these will impact upon your Business Plans
- Working with registrars and other partners: what distribution channels do you need for your model of registry?
- The creation of a Business Plan for your own gTLD registry should you select to apply for an Open Brand Registry with modelling for volumes, prices, the phases of a launch, strategies for Premium Names, distribution channels, renewal frequency options etc.
- The preparation of Financial, Technical and Operational plans that surpass ICANN’s requirements so that you pass Initial Evaluation and to ensure you understand the resource implications including the impact on your staff, your budgets and your colleagues in IT and Marketing etc. over the three years following delegation
- Recommendations on policies, especially eligibility, pre-launch Rights Protection Mechanisms (if relevant), Whois, Name Masking, Renewal Frequency, a response to malicious behaviours etc
- Working closely with your lawyers, advice on the ICANN registry operator contract and ongoing compliance once your registry is open
- The creation of a draft application for review by your advisors and stakeholders. We prepare answers that you must sign off, one by one
- Submission of a formal Expression of Interest, should this become mandatory
- Submission of your application through ICANN’s on-line application system
- The prosecution of your application including working with ICANN’s evaluators, responding to supplementary questions or Extended Evaluation
- Strategies to overcome objections and to resolve contention, also developed in association with your attorneys
Our aim is to make the application process as simple as it can be for you. It is our job to ensure that you understand each step of the process and to prepare model answers for you that reflect your business plan. Your Project Manager will provide frequent reports to you at every stage of the process, alerting you to issues and resolving problems.
The complexity of the new gTLD Application Process
Source: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/gtld-evaluation-process-v1-82-au09-en.pdf