The top-level domain (TLD) “.cloud” is a generic and sponsored TLD in the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). The .cloud TLD is managed by an Italian company called Aruba PEC S.p.A., a subsidiary of the larger Aruba S.p.A. Group. The company won the rights to handle this TLD through auction in November 2014, and it was made available to the general public on February 16, 2016. When a domain name like amazon.cloud is requested, the DNS links it to the correct IP address associated with the server hosting that site. A TLD is the last segment of a domain, appearing after the final dot.
As per a report by The Domains, “.cloud” is one among a vast array of generic top-level domains (gTLDs) approved by The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is an internationally organized, non-profit corporation that has responsibility for Internet Protocol (IP) address space allocation, protocol identifier assignment, generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domain name system management, and root server system management functions.
The “.cloud” TLD serves a functional position as an identification string signifying the nature of the websites utilizing this. Initially, such TLDs included categories like “.com” for commercial businesses, “.org” for organizations, and “.edu” for educational institutions. However, with the massive expansion of the internet, many new TLDs including “.cloud” are coming up to cater to more specific needs and industries.
The .cloud TLD acts as a simple, easy-to-remember online identifier that perfectly captures the current global shift towards creativity and innovation, and it’s becoming a popular choice for startups, developers, creative professionals, and more. For instance, companies like SoundCloud have adopted this TLD to make their web presence immediately identifiable.
As of April 2021, the .cloud domain has over 200,000 domain name registrations from 180 countries as reported by Aruba PEC S.p.A. The domain is being used by established brands, small businesses, and individuals who wish to highlight their adaptation to new technologies or cloud services in their website URL.
In conclusion, the “.cloud” TLD forms an integral part of the DNS. It has broad appeal for a wide range of website owners and developers who wish to convey a modern, tech-savvy identity through their web address.
Sources:
1. Aruba.it. “Aruba PEC S.p.A. wins auction for .cloud TLD.” Available at: https://corporate.aruba.it/news/press-release/2014/1117-aruba-pec-spa-wins-auction-for-cloud-tld.aspx
2. ArubaCloud.com. “.CLOUD domain names celebrate their fifth birthday.” Available at: https://www.arubacloud.com/news/domain-names/cloud-domains-celebrate-fifth-birthday.aspx
3. ICANN. “New gTLDs.” Available at: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/
4. The Domains. “Aruba.it Wins .Cloud New gTLD.” Available at: https://www.thedomains.com/2014/11/13/aruba-it-wins-cloud-new-gtld/
5. DomainPulse. “.CLOUD Celebrates Fifth Birthday.” Available at: https://www.domainpulse.com/2021/02/17/cloud-celebrates-fifth-birthday/
