The top level domain (TLD) .ACCENTURE is a Brand TLD (generic top-level domain) and is part of the new gTLD program of the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The operator of this TLD is the Accenture plc., a multinational professional services company.
The initiative for these custom TLDs launched by ICANN is intended to improve competition, innovation, and consumer choice. It allows for companies, organizations and brands to apply for and operate their very own TLD. Organizations that have been approved to operate their own Top-Level-Domain can use their domain to create an online environment in which to share information, market their products or engage with their followers or clients (Sources: ICANN, Wikipedia).
For Accenture, running their own TLD enhances their online presence and deepen their digital branding. It provides a unique, secure domain space where only official and verified content related to Accenture could be posted.
For instance, Accenture could use .ACCENTURE instead of .com, .org., etc. in their web addresses. So, instead of “www.accenture.com”, they would use “www.accenture.accenture”. It directs people specifically to their official website, mitigating risks of phishing attacks, brand imposters or misdirected web traffic. This also assists in developing a trusted, consistent brand identity online.
However, this does not mean Accenture has stopped using other TLDs. Right now, Accenture’s primary website still uses .com, following traditional internet naming conventions.
It’s also important to note that .ACCENTURE is not available for public registration. Unlike other generic domain names like .com or .org, .ACCURENTURE is strictly controlled by Accenture itself. All use and registration of domain names under the .ACCENTURE TLD are held to Accenture’s Domain Management Principles, ensuring they align with the company’s brand strategy.
Finally, according to the Agreement between ICANN and Accenture (Information available on ICANN.org), Accenture got the rights to operate the .ACCENTURE TLD on 02nd October 2014.
In conclusion, .ACCENTURE is a unique TLD that provides Accenture a secure, trusted, and easy-to-recognize web presence, enhancing their brand identity and creating an engaging digital environment.
Sources:
1. ICANN (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program)
2. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generic_top-level_domain)
3. ICANN/ Accenture Agreement (https://www.icann.org/resources/agreement/accenture-2014-10-02-en)
4. Accenture (https://www.accenture.com)
