SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN TODAY!

.hk registration rules simplified

New rules are expected to facilitate commerce and e-enabling development of SMEs

A new set of policies on domain name registration containing the '.hk' country code were initiated on June 1 to better serve local market needs. The new policies also aim to boost registration of local domain names by providing a more open operating mechanism and comprehensive registration services.

"The previous mechanism, which contained lots of restrictions for doing business, is obsolete," said Hong Kong Domain Name Registration Company (HKDNR) CEO Dr Francis Chin at the Chamber's roundtable luncheon on May 30.

"The new rules allow greater flexibility for companies to register more than one domain name and to transfer the name on their own initiative. In addition, the cost-effective and efficient arbitration service facilitates prompt resolution of any disputes over the ownership of domain names that might arise," Dr Chin said.

Previously, the Joint University Computer Centre (JUCC) was responsible for registering and assigning '.hk' domain names. Now the task has been taken up by HKDNR as a transitional measure until a permanent Internet registration authority is set up.

Existing '.hk' domain name holders can opt to retain their original agreement or enter into a new contract. But regardless of their decision, anyone who registered their domain name before June 1 must re-register not later than May 2002.

"As the new system is financially viable, about 85 per cent of the over 3,000 re-registrations so far have switched to it to take advantage of the new services provided at a low cost," Dr Chin said.

Presently, around 50,000 domain names end with '.hk' but the number remains small compared with the 300,000 SMEs in Hong Kong.

"I expect around 70 to 80 per cent of the local SMEs will set up their own Web sites in the coming six to seven years. So you can see a great business potential there," Dr Chin added.

"In addition to registrations under '.com.hk,' '.edu.hk,' and '.org.hk,' HKDNR is working on other alternatives such as '.name.hk,' '.number.hk' which are projected to be ready for use in less than a year. Meanwhile, we will also study the feasibility of Chinese domain name registration."

Dr Chin revealed that domain names ending with '.hk' provide unique choices for local companies among countless '.com' domain names and help Hong Kong-based companies establish business contact by showing clearly their identity.

Regarding domain name speculation which is already a hot topic in Hong Kong, Dr Chin said the abuse of domain names is an inevitable side-effect of allowing unlimited domain name registration and transfer. Also, cybersquatting will likely soar in light of the growing popularity of '.hk.' Yet, Dr Chin believes that while domain name registration continues on a first-come-first-served basis, disputes could be resolved by arbitration.