The top-level domain (TLD) “.prod” is a restricted domain extension that is specifically designated for use by Google’s production servers. As a restricted domain, it is not publicly available for purchase or registration. As its primary use is directed towards Google’s internal use and its suite of services, it is mainly utilized as an internal domain, and is therefore uncommonly recognized or used in public-facing website domains.
According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees the management of all international TLDs, a restricted domain is one that has certain conditions or restrictions on who can register it. In the case of “.prod”, Google itself is the holder of the domain, and uses it for its own in-house purposes.
An example of how Google uses this “.prod” TLD is quite evident in their G Suite set of tools. You may have witnessed that when accessing Google’s suite of applications such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc., the URL in the address bar occasionally ends with “.prod.google.com”.
The source of this information can be traced back to the official registry of TLDs maintained by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), the department of ICANN that is responsible for overseeing IP address allocation and domain name management. As per IANA, each TLD, whether it is general (.com, .org, .net) or specific (.gov for government, .edu for education), is regulated based on a set of policies formulated by ICANN. In the particular case of “.prod”, it is maintained and controlled solely by Google given it’s a closed generic TLD.
ICANN and IANA’s regulation of TLDs forms an integral part of the stable and secure operation of the internet. As each TLD is unique and cannot be replicated, it ensures easy and distinct access to websites. In turn, organizations like Google, maintain and regulate their designated TLDs to address their needs, thereby enhancing operational efficiency without causing confusion for users.
In conclusion, while “.prod” is a TLD, it’s a bespoke domain for Google’s internal use not available for general registration or purchase. This ensures it serves its intended use without any external influence or potential risks. It is strictly controlled and managed, highlighting Google’s priority in maintaining the security and stability of its digital infrastructure on the web.
References:
1. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)- https://www.icann.org/
2. IANA Root Zone Database – https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/prod
3. Google G Suite – https://gsuite.google.com/
