Under the older, more familiar .com domain extension, the use of C Group, LLC, in a Web address had been registered to someone else before my company was founded.

But because the .biz extension is relatively new, my company was able to use its name in its Web address when the folks laying claim to the name under the .com extension didn't do so during the grace period afforded all new top-level domains. Such a grace period or "sunrise" period is intended to minimize cybersquatting by allowing intellectual property holders to assert their rights before registrations are opened to the public.

It is with this eye toward bringing accountability and order to the Web that ICANN, the global governing body for the Internet, has restricted registration eligibility for all but one — .info — of the new top-level domains. In return, registrants are promised greater security.

Verifying Who's There

For instance, registrants must be legitimate businesses to use the .biz extension. In return, NeuLevel, Inc., the company selected to operate the .biz domain, has added security features to prevent the hijacking of Internet addresses.

Individuals registering their personal name under the .name domain can soon expect a unified "digital identity." Plans call for a secure repository for personal information to allow for online shopping without giving out personal financial details.

Still, the .pro domain, which isn't expected to launch until year's end or early 2003, promises the most security features. RegistryPro, the company charged with operating the domain, will be the first registry to require enhanced security.

According to ICANN, registrations in the .pro domain will be offered only to credentialed professionals in the medical, legal and accounting professions. Each registrant's professional standing will be verified, and each will be issued a digital certificate to enable encryption and digital signature services.

Billed as the first secure Internet domain exclusively for professionals, the .pro domain promises its registrants authenticated transactions and the highest levels of privacy in communications. Visit RegistryPro, Ltd., at www.registrypro.com for more information about the .pro domain.

Sharon Coleman is the founder and managing member of C Group, LLC