With only one month until applications open for ICANN’s (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) new Top-Level Domain program, ARI Registry Services (ARI) is today urging potential applicants to act now before the opening of the 90 day application window on 12 January 2012.

“In just 30 days, we’re going to see the biggest change to the Internet in its history,” said Adrian Kinderis, CEO of ARI. “We’re speaking to interested parties now to ensure they understand the opportunities available, ensure they are adequately prepared and have thought through the potential of new online business models.”

Kinderis said the new Top-Level Domain program means brands, entrepreneurs and governments can apply for their own version of .com—seeing web addresses end in ‘DotAnything’ - such as .apple, .music and .doctor for example: “The opportunity is to secure a unique slice of trusted, regulated Internet real estate and drive major new revenue streams.

“The new Top-Level Domain program will dramatically change the way Internet users around the world navigate to find content online,” he said.

The application window opens at 00:01 UTC on 12 January 2012 and applicants will have until 29 March 2012 to register their interest. Kinderis explained that if potential applicants miss this round of applications, it may be many years until they get another opportunity. It is expected that the first new domain names will appear live on the Internet in early 2013.

As of 00:01 UTC on 12 December 2011, there is:

• 31 days, or 744 hours, or 44,640 minutes until the application window opens on 12 January
• 108 days, 23 hours and 58 minutes for applicants to register their interest to apply
• 4 months, 23 hours, 58 minutes (or 2,951 hours) until the application window closes

“In the past month I have travelled to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and the United States to meet with clients and raise awareness about this important program and the commercial opportunities it represents,” said Kinderis. “There is still a knowledge gap, so our aim is to educate interested parties on the value of the ‘DotAnything’ revolution in time for them to apply.”

A research report, commissioned by ARI and published last month, found low levels of awareness about the new Top-Level Domain program. In a survey of small and midsized businesses (SMBs), less than 15% knew about the existence of the program. However, despite this, the report found strong potential for entrepreneurs to monetise second-level domains within a new Top-Level Domain, with 49% of SMBs describing themselves as likely to register a web address under a new domain.

More information about ARI’s research can be found here: http://www.ariservices.com/dotanything/