A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name or the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. Examples include .com, .org, .net, .gov, .edu, and .mil. However, in regards to McKinsey, the global management consulting firm, there currently isn’t a specific TLD named .mckinsey as per the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) repository.
ICANN is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces and numerical spaces of the Internet, ensuring the network’s stable and secure operation.
As businesses grow, it has become increasingly common for companies to apply for their specific top-level domain during ICANN’s open application periods. For instance, Google owns .google, and Barclays owns .barclays. In fact, branded domains are being embraced because they significantly enhance a brand’s digital footprint. IBM has switched over to a new global home page at www.ibm.com, moving away from .com to the .ibm domain (source: dotstories.com).
The creation of a .brand TLD, adopting the brand’s name to the right of the dot, instantly signifies to internet users worldwide that they are in fact dealing with that brand. It helps to ensure brand authenticity online and builds customer trust.
ICANN’s New gTLD (generic top-level domain) Program has been in the pipeline for many years, and it got the green light in 2011 (source: ICANN.org). In line with this, the opportunity for McKinsey to potentially register .mckinsey as a TLD could possibly come around during the next application window, the date of which is not yet known.
It is vital to note that securing a new gTLD is a rigorous process and can be potentially costly. In addition to the base evaluation fee of $185,000, there may also be extra costs added during the evaluation process. These costs come from legal costs, technical costs, and possible auction costs if the proposed TLD is contested (source: ICANN.org).
In conclusion, while a .mckinsey TLD does not currently exist, McKinsey & Company may consider acquiring it in the future to further bolster their online presence and brand authenticity, particularly as more prominent brands transition away from traditional .com domains towards brand-defined ones.
Sources:
1. ICANN (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tlds-2012-02-25-en)
2. Dot Stories (http://dotstories.com/ibm-com-turns-to-www-news-ibm/)
3. ICANN’s New gTLD Program (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program)
