I just found out about a new top level domain suffix that launched today and has some potential. It is a .TEL domain name where you store all of your contact information. That way, when you want to send somebody your contact information, you just share your .TEL domain with them. The .TEL domain suffix is currently targeting businesses with its high price point ($125/year @ Dotster). Unlike a regular domain, .TEL just stores your contact information in a standardized format. For example, BerryReview could have a www.berryreview.tel domain name where our contact information would be always up-to-date.
The most impressive part is that over 10,000 companies have already applied for their trademarked names as .TEL domains. This includes RIM along with Google, Apple, Microsoft, News Corporation, MySpace, Amex, BP, FedEx, Virgin, Sony, Gap, Visa, McDonalds, Orange, MTV, Dell, Coca-Cola, Vodafone, Honda, Intel, P&G, Starbucks, Subway, Johnson & Johnson, Dominos, Cisco, Unilever, Best Buy, British Airways and Victoria’s Secret. Talk about the who’s who giving .TEL a boost of confidence.
What I found interesting is that the company behind the .TEL suffix, Telnic, already created a BlackBerry application for the .TEL domains.
Features include:
- Login and manage/edit your .tel domain and switch profiles in real time
- Search other .tel domains and add to your address book
- Launch applications associated with corresponding types of records, e.g. an email client when clicking on an email address
- Can get authenticated and read private .tel data of your friends
My first thought when I heard of the new domains for personal use was concern over my privacy by publishing my information on the Web, but .TEL promises to protect you privacy by letting you set what is public or private. I will reserve judgment until I see it myself.
All in all, this looks like a promising start for a new domain suffix. Hopefully, it will not become irrelevant like the .ME domains.
DavidB Not Registered
Posted: February 4, 2009 at 1:29 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9530
New TLD’s = how to fleece “name brand” companies for money.
I seriously doubt any of these companies REALLY new ANOTHER TLD to get their contact info out on the web.
Chuck Not Registered
Posted: February 5, 2009 at 2:29 PM EST
Reasons from Techdirt why this stupid.
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20081105/1509112750.shtml