Yesterday, Google announced the launch of Nomulus, its own platform for registering top level domain names. Nomulus is a cloud platform with an open source code, which means that any registration service can be introduced free of cost. Google is already using Nomulus to manage its own new common top level domain names.
Analysts are certain this new development will inevitably lead to a drop in costs for registration services as, theoretically, there is no longer any need to spend money to develop or purchase software, or for the services of technical operators. It’s worth noting that Google developed the Nomulus platform with active help from Donuts, the biggest registry for top level domain names, according to Domain Name Wire. Donuts, meanwhile, continues using Rightside’s services as technical operator of its domain zones.
The latest development may signals that the partnership between Donuts and Rightside is coming to an end. The companies worked closely together from the moment new domain programmes were launched and made joint applications for many domains, which they continue to co-manage today. But their relationship has obviously come under strain of late. This summer, for example, Donuts announced its interest in acquiring Rightside’s entire domain name business.
But Donuts CEO Paul Stahura said that the company does not plan to move its domain names over to Nomulus. The company is possibly acting out of financial considerations here, as it would have to pay ICANN $5,000 if it changes the technical operator of its domain names. This sum might not seem much, but given the huge number of domain names Donuts manages, the changeover could cost the company a solid $1 million.
