RegistryPro Opens 'Second-Level' .PRO Domain Name Registrations
Simplified Names Deliver Greater Ease of Use to Professionals
CHICAGO, August 2, 2004 - Qualified professionals and their organizations may now register "second-level" .PRO Internet domain names that provide simpler, more direct Internet addresses for doctors, lawyers and accountants. RegistryPro, the .PRO registry operator, today said it has received approval of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to begin offering second-level .PRO domain names immediately.
The newly available second-level domain names enable professionals to use the simple "johndoe.pro" domain name format. When the .PRO Top-Level Domain (TLD) launched earlier this year, registrants could only sign up for so-called "third-level" domain names - for example, johnsmith.law.pro for lawyers, johndoe.med.pro for doctors or johnjones.cpa.pro for public accountants.
"Availability of second-level domain names increases the demand for .PRO names," said Michael Delciello, general manager of RegistryPro. "This simplified naming format helps professionals market their .PRO domains, and makes it easier for their clients, patients and other Internet users to find and use the .PRO Web sites."
An organization providing multiple professional services and meeting two or more eligibility requirements may claim a second-level .PRO name that resolves directly to its Web site and email system. Organizations who only qualify for a single third-level domain name may register second-level names that automatically redirect online traffic to Web sites or email systems using their third-level names. In either case, the second-level name provides an easier online path to the desired destination.
Second-Level Resolving Names and Second-Level Redirecting Names both are available from any participating .PRO Internet registrar. Prospective registrants may visit www.registrypro.pro for links to participating registrars and for more information on registering .PRO domain names.
.pro domain names are only available to licensed MDs, lawyers and CPAs in the United States. Additionally, each new .PRO domain includes security safeguards for protecting confidential client and patient information communicated via Web site transactions and email messages.
The .PRO TLD is owned and operated by RegistryPro, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Hostway Corp., a global leader in Web-hosting and other managed services.
The .PRO domain offers qualified professionals several important benefits, including both a distinctive and secure Internet presence for their Web site, email traffic and confidential transactions. Each .PRO domain registration includes a digital certificate for authenticating email communications or Web site-based transactions.
RegistryPro offers .PRO domain names within the United States, and expects to expand globally. It also may consider expanding the number of professions qualified to register .PRO domain names. Delciello characterized the market for .PRO domain names as "substantial, expanding and sustainable".
About .PRO, The Internet for Professionals
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, RegistryPro is the ICANN-designated operator of the .PRO TLD.
Since launching in 2004, .PRO has become an important tool for businesses, organizations and individuals in building trusted relationships throughout the world. In many languages, "pro" is synonymous with dedication, skill, and vision – the .PRO name allows people to capture that distinctive character. Whether developing a brand, refining an identity, or promoting a specialty, .PRO offers every business and professional the opportunity to enhance their image by adding a powerful, easy-to-identify name to their online presence and web-based products.