Monash University has trumped the likes of Google, Amazon, Apple and over 600 other major brands around the world to become the first ever globally recognised organisation to have its own Top-Level Domain added to the Internet.

The .monash Top-Level Domain is set to become a core component of the University’s digital strategy and reflects its commitment to embracing new technology and expanding its presence in international education and research activities.

Joining the likes of .com, .net, .org and .au, the newly acquired .monash Top-Level Domain was switched on over the weekend when Melbourne-based Internet infrastructure specialists ARI Registry Services facilitated the delegation of .monash to the Internet’s authoritative root zone servers.

The addition of .monash to the web is part of the new Top-Level Domain program being rolled out by the global regulator of web addresses to introduce greater domain name choice and availability online. Around 100 of the almost 1400 new domains are already live on the Internet, including .menu, .kiwi and ????. (.web in Arabic and pronounced “dot shabaka”).

Not only is .monash the first brand in the world to have its custom domain added to the Internet, it has also surpassed other Australian applicants like .afl, .iinet, .auspost, .melbourne and .sydney—which are scheduled to go live in the coming months.

Adrian Kinderis, CEO of ARI Registry Services, said Monash University has inherited a unique piece of Internet infrastructure which will offer greater online creativity and unparalleled access to data.

He noted that Australian universities led the world in this program, with six out of the eight education sector applications coming from Australian providers.

“We’ll soon see the likes of .bond, .latrobe and .rmit join .monash when they delegate in the coming months. Open Universities Australia will round out the mix with their applications for .courses and .study.

“It’s an incredible accomplishment that these Australian education providers are at the heart of one of the most significant Internet milestones since the introduction of .com 28 years ago. This is yet another honour for ARI Registry Services to support our clients in their efforts to be at the forefront of the global education sector.”

ARI Registry Services’ work with Monash University to date includes the development of policy frameworks, operational and compliance structures as well as detailed naming conventions and integration strategies in addition to the operation of the .monash Registry System.

ARI Registry Services is the appointed technology provider for more than 100 new Top-Level Domain applicants globally, including some of the world’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and governments - many of whom utilise the expert consultancy services offered to prepare for activation and ongoing maintenance of their Top-Level Domains.

Further announcements regarding the launch of other clients are expected throughout the year.