Multilingual FAQ
What is a
multilingual domain?
A multilingual domain name is a domain that uses non-English
language characters. Examples are Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic,
Spanish, Portuguese, etc.
When will my multilingual
domain be resolvable?
Verisign GRS divided the ML Resolution into 3 phrases as
follows:
1. Phase 1 - Beginning January 2001: Users can access a
default web page by typing a multilingual domain name
into their browser using a special format, known as ASCII
Compatible Encoding (ACE). Access is controlled via second
level domain space (i.e. mltbd.com, mltbd.net, mltbd.org).
2. Phase 2 - Beginning February 2001: Users will have
the ability to resolve the multilingual domain name (ACE
format) into a website maintained by the registrant.
Access is controlled via second level domain space (i.e.
mltbd.com, mltbd.net, mltbd.org).
3. Phase 3 - Beginning March or early April 2001: Multilingual
domain names (ACE format) introduced into the production
name servers for the .com, .net, & .org top level
domains.
Resolution in the ACE format is not user friendly, Verisign
Global Registry will be making available software applications
which transform an ACE format string into the native domain
name.
Why is the ".com/net/org" part
of the domain not translated?
Currently, the root server does not support extensions
(.com/net/org) in non-English characters. The systems used
for core Internet functions around the world still require
English-based character sets.
Why do I
want a multilingual domain?
There are millions of people in countries that would like
to use their native languages to enter web addresses. By
registering your domain in those character sets you are
making your site more accessible to them as well as protecting
your English character domains from being registered by
someone else.
If I have
a standard domain, is it protected in the multilingual
versions?
No. It must be registered in each new language if you wish
to protect it.
Do I have
to register in each language?
We suggest you register separately in each language you
wish to have a domain name in. In other words, registering
in one language, does not protect you in the other languages.
Is there
a WHOIS service for these domains?
The WHOIS database run by Verisign GRS will be updated
at a later date. Currently it only supports English characters.
However, in the meantime multilingual domains will appear
in the WHOIS database by their RACE-encoded name.
What is RACE
Encoding?
RACE Encoding is the system used to translate languages
into a common format that is easier for computers to store.
It is represented as a string of numbers, letters, and
dashes. All multilingual domains will be stored in this
format for use in Internet computers and systems.
Are there
any restrictions associated with registering a domain
name that uses international characters?
There are no restrictions on registering a domain name
in another character set. As long as the name is determined
to be available,it is eligible to be registered. Please
keep in mind, however, that we make no representations
as to whether or not domain names searched for through
our site infringe upon or violate any trademark or intellectual
property rights; it is your responsibility to determine
the legality of the domain name.
Can
I change the DNS or other zone file information
for my international character domain name?
The ability to change the DNS or Zone File information
for international character domain names will be available
as the central registry updates its systems to accommodate
these names. Until then, DNS and zone file changes are
not available for international character domain names.
If I type my international character
domain name into an Internet browser, what will happen?
Currently, typing an international character domain name
into an Internet browser will result in an error message
stating that 'The Page Cannot Be Displayed'. However, as
the central registry updates its systems to accommodate
these names, you will be able to view them on the Internet.
Why
can't I reach my web site using my new international
character domain name?
Currently, international character domain names will not
resolve (point to) a web site in the same way that an English
character domain name will. As the central registry updates
its systems to accommodate international character domain
names, you will be able to point them to your web site,
as well as use them for other services. |