Spotlight on the .IO ccTLD
.IO is the Internet's country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the British Indian Ocean Territory. As announced in our most recent newsletter, the official registry operator of .IO (and .AC, .SH and .TM) switched to an EPP-based registry system on May 29, 2013. This change allows for faster domain modifications and transfers between registrars!
Many of our customers are also pleased to hear that Google now recognizes .IO as a generic country code top-level domain or "gccTLD." This means that you can now setup 'geotargeting' within Google's Webmaster Tools.
In recent months, HEXONET has seen much more interest and registrations of .IO. The ccTLD is now gaining popularity among startups, developers and Internet enthusiasts (aka. "geeks") since the .IO extension connotes the meaning of "Input / Output." Some people are also using the extension as a "domain hack", for example, rad.io or scenar.io
There are no restrictions to register an .IO. And unlike .COM, there are still many dictionary and/or keywords which can be registered. It is amazing to see the amount of innovation out there when it comes to companies and individuals leveraging the .IO extension - from open-source projects, mobile-apps, conferences and innovative blogs. Please check out some of the links below.
www.close.io A startup that aims to improve communication and customer management for sales people
www.conserve.io Provides mobile technology for improved field data collection for conservation efforts and compliance.
www.asnr.io Create mobile surveys and forms with their easy online tool - surveys work on any mobile device and you get great tools to analyze the data.
www.blitz.io Enables load and performance testing from the cloud
www.card.io Credit card scanning for mobile apps
www.renaissance.io The iOS App Makers' Community
Consider adding the .IO extension to your product offering to increase sales. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected].