What is a domain name, and what is the Domain Name System (DNS)?
A domain name is a letter string that identifies one or more IP Addresses (the equivalent to phone numbers on the Internet). Domain names are used in URLs to identify particular web pages. For example, in the URL http://www.pwregistry.pw, the domain name is pwregistry.pw.
Each domain name has a suffix that indicates which Top Level Domain (TLD) it belongs to. There are Generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs) that are available worldwide, such as .com, .org, and .net, to name a few. Then there are Country Code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs) that are assigned to almost every country in the world. Examples of these are .uk (United Kingdom), .jp (Japan), and .pw (Palau). Each registry of each ccTLD decides whether it wants to make names in that domain available to anyone in the world, or to restrict it to just individuals and business entities in that country.
Because the Internet is based on the numeric IP addresses, not domain names that are more easily remembered, every server requires a Domain Name System server to translate domain names into their corresponding IP addresses.
What is a domain name registry?
A Domain Name Registry creates and maintains the database of domain names for a given top-level domain. It receives domain name system (DNS) information from domain name Registrars, inserts that information into a centralized database and publishes the information in Internet zone files on the Internet so that domain names can be found by users around the world via applications such as the World Wide Web and e-mail.
What is the difference between a domain name registry and a registrar?
A domain name Registry provides direct services to domain name Registrars only, not to the end users of a Registry's services. The Registry is an entity responsible for delegating Internet addresses such as domain names, and keeping a record of those addresses and the information associated with their delegation.
On the other hand, Registrars provide services directly to the end users. They process name registrations for the end users, then send the necessary DNS information to the appropriate domain Registry for entry into the centralized Registry database and ultimate distribution over the Internet.
What domain names can be registered with .PW?
Only Third Level domains can be registered with .PW. For instance john.smith.pw is registrable, but smith.pw is not.
What is the difference between second and third level domains?
Third Level domains incorporate three elements: the domain's suffix, indicating the Top Level Domain (.pw), and two other names, separated by a "dot" (john.smith).
Second Level domains incorporate just two levels: the domain's suffix and one name (smith.pw). In the .PW domain, second level domains are not registrable, but they can be "sponsored."
How does sponsorship work?
A second level domain may be sponsored by an exclusive reseller. Subsequent third level domain name registrations for a sponsored domain may be purchased only from the domain's Sponsor or the Reseller designated by the domain's Sponsor. Easy-to-use, web-based registration tools are available through PW Registry, if needed.
For example, John Smith decides he wants to build an online community around his last name. He can become an accredited sponsor of smith.pw, and then will be the sole Registrar for anyone wishing to register
Another example involves non-profit organizations. A group can sponsor
Is there a limit to the number of names a sponsor can sell?
There is no limit to the number of unique third level domains that a sponsor may register.
What's so different about .PW?
PW is about inclusive communities, not the competition of commerce. Let's say you wanted a third level domain, such as john.smith.pw - you could get that from an accredited .pw registrar. Now, let's say that your cousin in Jersey wanted joe.smith.pw, He could get it from the accredited .pw registrar of his choosing. You would each have your own separate third level domain names, where you could put up a web site at www.john.smith.pw, and have john@smith.pw as your email address, whereas your cousin could have a different web site at www.joe.smith.pw, and have joe@smith.pw as his email address. Thus, unlike other top level domains, like .com, where once you own the domain, it's yours and no one else's, the .pw domain is about sharing! Thus, one is virtually guaranteed to get the name one wants, or at least some acceptable variation of that name. Somebody beat you to john.smith.pw? No problem, you can get johnny.smith.pw, or johnboy.smith.pw, or johnsmith.smith.pw, or jbs.smith.pw. The possibilities are practically endless. Hence, community.
What's so different about .PW's email service?
We've taken a different approach to vanquishing unsolicited email at PW Registry. We deploy a powerful spam-blocking technology at the root Top Level Domain zone that enables users to control what email ever gets to their mail boxes. Mass-mailed spam can be permanently eliminated! Individually mailed spam can be easily banished. Even email from individuals and organizations that you formerly communicated with can be eradicated, if you so desire. For more details on revolutionary service, click on http://www.pwregistry.pw/aboutemail.php.
How do I register a .PW domain name and email address?
Registration is easy! Simply contact one of the accredited .PW registrars listed on this page, and they will collect all the necessary information needed from you to get you your very own .PW domain name and email address. Costs vary from registrar to registrar, and many offer packaged deals with complementary tools and services. A good registrar will make the entire process painless.
How long does a .PW registration last?
Initial registrations, starting in September 2004, will be for a minimum two-year period. Beyond that, registrations can be for as little as a single month, or for as long as ten years.
Is a .PW registration renewable?
Yes, .PW registrations are renewable into perpetuity.
How much does a .PW registration cost?
Costs vary from registrar to registrar, and many offer packaged deals with complementary tools and services. Shop around for the registrar who best meets your needs in terms of cost, functionality, and service.
Once I've registered a .PW domain name, will my name and contact info be publicly available?
Although accuracy of personal data used for domain name registrations is a requirement, publication of personal data is severely restricted for the PW domain. As a "thick" registry, the WHOIS output for both the registry and accredited registrars must not publish personal contact details. However, contact mechanisms may be provided to contact registrants without disclosing their personal email address.
PW Registry prohibits bulk access of the PW zone file and PW Whois data.
Is there a WHOIS database for .PW?
The main purpose of the .pw WHOIS database is to resolve technical network issues to maintain the stability of the Internet. The amount of data made publicly available in the course of the registration of a domain name is limited to what is essential to maintain the stability of the Internet.
We believe that a sensible privacy policy for WHOIS database must protect the legitimate privacy expectations for domain registrants. Users of domain names have a legitimate and reasonable expectation of privacy. There are many users, particularly in the non-commercial world, who have valid reasons to conceal their identities or to register domain names anonymously.
Elsewhere on the Internet, the availability of publicly accessible Whois databases has compelled registrants to fabricate or omit personal data to avoid public disclosure of personal data. By restricting the publication of personal data in the Whois database, we can help ensure that public access to the Whois database does not conflict with the overriding requirement for data accuracy.
Therefore, the registration information fields in the publicly available .pw Whois database will be limited to the following:
How does PW Registry address disputes over rights to a name, or other Intellectual Property issues? What is the procedure for resolving my complaint?
PW Registry provides "IP Claims" service, an automated watching service of PW registrations. The service is offered as an annual subscription and issues weekly email notices on any PW registrations containing the watched character string. Proof of trademark rights is not required in order to subscribe to the watching service. As an option, the subscriber may also elect to automatically notify the registrant, via email, of the watch notice as well publishing the IP Claim in an online publication. IP Claims service is available through your accredited .PW registrar.
PW Registry has also developed, with assistance from the Berkman Center at Harvard Law School, a dispute resolution policy that is compatible with the PW orientation and the status of trademark law in Palau. Changes from the WIPO UDRP policy include requirements for stronger showing of evidence of bad faith and a clarification of registrant rights including a non-exhaustive list of legitimate noncommercial and fair use of a domain name.
The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, has been selected as the exclusive dispute provider for the PW top-level domain. To access the site, go to the .pw dispute website.
If I have customer service issues or questions concerning my .PW registration, to whom should I direct them?
All .PW registrants should interact directly with the registrar with whom their domain name is registered.
How do I make updates to my domain record, or add nameservers?
All domain record changes or updates, including new nameservers, should be directed to the registrar with you registered your domain name. They will update all records and forward the information to PW Registry.
