Date: 22 September, 2004
To: Leslie Daigle, Chair, IETF
CC: Geoff Huston, Executive Director, IAB,
    John Klensin, IAB Liaison to the ICANN Board of Directors
From: Paul Twomey, CEO, ICANN
Subject: Request for Assistance with Development of New TLD Policy 

Dear Leslie,

Since its inception, ICANN has appreciated the Internet Architecture Board's active contributions to discussions about the Domain Name System and its architecture. As you are aware, the development of an appropriate process and policy for the creation of new gTLDs has been a topic of Board and community debate since the creation of ICANN.

ICANN has committed to develop and implement this year a comprehensive process to move from the proof of concept test of new TLD introductions commenced with the 2000 round to a liberalised and predictable strategy for selecting new gTLDs using straightforward, transparent, and objective procedures that preserve the stability of the Internet. This process will include consideration and evaluation of:

1. The potential impact of new gTLDs on the Internet root server system and Internet stability;

2. The creation and implementation of selection criteria for new and existing TLD registries, including public explanation of the process, selection criteria, and the rationale for selection decisions;

3. Potential consumer benefits/costs associated with establishing a competitive environment for TLD registries; and

4. Recommendations from expert advisory panels, bodies, agencies, or organisations regarding economic, competition, trademark, and intellectual property issues.

To accomplish these objectives, ICANN requests the IAB's expert advice on any potential protocol-related limitations or issues arising from the introduction of new TLDs, and any need for additional technical standards to support multilingual TLDs. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Your advice will provide a valuable service to ICANN and to the Internet community.

Best Regards,

Paul Twomey