Architelos Inc. and Kurt Pritz announced a collaboration to provide advisory services to the new gTLDs applicants and registries. The duo aim to translate their clients’ strategic objectives into the successful pursuit and operation of a top-level domain name registry.
While Architelos and Kurt will remain separate and independent, the collaboration will bring their experience and services to new gTLD applicants, TLD registries and other DNS industry participants. The impending expansion in the number of gTLDs will provide an opportunity for innovation and competition in the domain name and Internet identity space.
Within the ICANN community, Kurt is best known for his long tenure at ICANN, most recently as Chief Strategy Officer, and also as the key executive responsible for the planning, development and launch of the new gTLD program. Prior to ICANN, he led innovation efforts at Walt Disney Imagineering, implemented new aerospace technologies, and launched start-up operations. Kurt holds as BS and MS in Physics, an MBA and a JD and is admitted to the California State Bar.
Architelos was founded by DNS industry executives with over 30 years of experience, and a track record in building, launching and managing multi-million name gTLDs. Architelos helps companies develop new TLD strategies, launch their top-level domain, and then manage the major functional areas of the registry such as abuse mitigation, finance and compliance systems. Architelos has already launched NameSentry™, an abuse detection and mitigation service, and is preparing to launch other new products, including registry-tailored finance systems, as well as services for other key functional areas needed for launch.
The team will initially focus on providing new gTLD applicants support to successfully pass ICANN’s evaluation processes, including: answers to Clarifying Questions, managing GAC advice, responding to objections, and navigating contentions. The collaboration will leverage the Architelos executives’ registry and operations experience, to assist applicants with contract negotiations, launch planning, and front-office systems selection and integration.