The top-level domain (TLD), ASSOCIATES, is part of the domain name system (DNS) of the Internet. This TLD was delegated to the root zone of the DNS on 30th April 2014, as posted by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which coordinates these assignments globally.
Technical Description
Technically, ASSOCIATES is a generic top-level domain (gTLD). Similar to .com, .edu, .gov, etc., ASSOCIATES forms the end part of domain names (like www.sample.associates). The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), an international organization that manages the assignment of domain names and IP addresses, oversees this.
The TLD .ASSOCIATES is defined and operated by Donuts Inc., a domain name registry, that won the rights to manage .ASSOCIATES after a successful application to ICANN. Donuts Inc. oversees the distribution and operation of .ASSOCIATES domain names through various domain name registrars as per the data from IANA.
The primary use of the .ASSOCIATES TLD is intended for businesses, firms, corporations, or any other entities that identify as ‘associates.’ This could range from law firms to real estate partnerships to financial advisories. Therefore, it carries a commercial purpose and corporate identity to symbolize the partnership or association between the entities involved.
Additionally, TLD .ASSOCIATES is not restricted to certain registrants, which means that any individual, business, or organization can register a .ASSOCIATES domain, as per ICANN’s policies. There are no geographic restrictions either; This TLD is available globally.
To give an example, a law firm named Blackstone could use the domain www.blackstone.associates to showcase their collaboration and partnership.
Domain names containing the TLD .ASSOCIATES offer the advantage of being industry specific, which could be beneficial for search engine optimization (SEO). They facilitate a clearer, more defined web presence for entities who choose to utilize them.
To ensure security and stability, .ASSOCIATES is subject to ICANN’s rules and regulations. As a result, the TLD .ASSOCIATES, as well as all modern TLDs, include protection mechanisms such as Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC).
Sources:
1. Internet Assigned Numbers Authority “Delegation Record for .ASSOCIATES” (https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/associates.html)
2. ICANN “About Generic Top-Level Domains” (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/gtlds-2012-02-25-en)
3. Donuts Inc. (https://donuts.domains/)
4. SearchEngineJournal “How to Choose a Domain Name That Will Stand the Test of Time” (https://www.searchenginejournal.com/how-to-choose-a-domain-name/230389/#close)
