The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition), the leading voice for web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers and related tech, and The Domain Name Association (DNA), a nonprofit global business association that represents the interests of the domain name industry, recently announced their intended merge. The combined association, which will operate under the name i2Coalition and maintain the i2Coalition’s existing organizational and management structure, will be the largest Internet infrastructure advocacy group in North America.

Effective July 28, 2020, this strategic merge ensures the DNA’s mission will be supported by i2Coalition’s working groups and associated initiatives and will amplify both parties’ voices to create the most complete representation of the Internet industry in North America. Included as part of this merge are plans to establish a DNA-branded working group. This ensures that the DNA’s mission to protect and empower businesses and individuals with education and engagement that underscores the importance, benefits and opportunities of domain names will be strengthened.

Not only does this merge amplify members’ reach and capabilities, but it also delivers access to increased combined resources and economies of scale. In turn, this allows the new i2Coalition to generate more impactful and far-reaching campaigns. These campaigns will ensure policy doesn’t impede growth, knowledge and access to the Internet and its resources.

“The merger of our organizations underpins the mission of both the DNA and the i2Coalition, combining our mutual dedication to Internet industry best practices and policies to empower continued growth. Combined, we represent over 100 organization members and their online business interests,” says Christian Dawson, Co-Founder of the i2Coalition. “Our commitment to the DNA’s mission is at the core of this merger, and the priorities of both organizations remain as strong as ever. We look forward to going forth with the expanded capabilities and amplified voice that this newly formed collaborative provides.”

The DNA is the first industry trade association representing the interests of the domain name industry. The group is vital for its work, helping consumers, businesses, public-benefit organizations and others understand and take advantage of the Internet name space. At the same time, i2Coalition—since its formal launch in 2012—has worked with Internet infrastructure providers to advocate for sensible policies, design and reinforce best practices, create industry standards and build awareness of how the Internet works through an array of working groups.

“The mission of the DNA has always been to spread awareness, promote growth, offer resources and facilitate communication about innovation and value in the Internet domain name space,” adds Statton Hammock, founding DNA Board member and current Board Secretary. “Our mission aligns well with that of the i2Coalition, and I look forward to remaining part of the new organization and to creating an even larger impact.”

“Domain names are a key part of the growth of the Internet infrastructure, and the i2Coalition is excited to become an enabler for the great work the DNA is accomplishing in this sphere,” comments Melinda Clem, Chairwoman for the i2Coalition. “We’re excited to collaboratively foster a healthy domain environment with universal acceptance of non-traditional domains and provide access to expertise and resources that help address issues facing the domain name industry.”

To learn more about the Domain Name Association, please visit www.thedna.org.

To learn more about the i2Coalition, please visit www.i2coalition.com.