New York City just became the first United States city to have its own internet domain.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced last Tuesday that New York businesses will soon qualify to get their own top-level domain enting in ".nyc" according to CNET.
Bloomberg said that the URL is bound to help New Yorkers be identified as true residents of the area.
"Having our own unique, top-level domain -- .nyc -- puts New York City at the forefront of the digital landscape and creates new opportunities for our small businesses," said Mayor Bloomberg in a statement. "They'll now be able to identify themselves as connected to New York City, one of the world's strongest and most prestigious brands."
The domain update gives New Yorkers the ease of being easily located in search results, as well as an easy association to location.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently approved the new domain, after years of trying to expand domains such as .com, .net, .org, as well as .edu into more location-specific domains such as cities, organizations, countries, businesses, among others.
ICANN had earlier announced in February that it would roll out more domains in 2013, making for the largest expansion of internet addresses since the 80s. Among the domain changes are brand domains, such as .cadillac, with region-specific addresses such as .nyc next in line.
NYC website administrators who would like to have a .nyc domain are required to adhere to a set of rules, which includes physical presence within the boundaries of the city. Registration is also expected in late 2013, with the cost of registration for businesses and individuals to be determined.
Neustar general manager for .nyc registry services Ken Hansen, which will operate the .nyc domain on behalf of the city, said "Online search is increasingly driven not only by what a business does but also where it is located."
"A .nyc address will enable New Yorkers to easily find local businesses, services, and information online," Hansen said.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
