The top-level domain (TLD) for Samsung is “.samsung”. Top-level domains are the highest level of domain names in the internet’s domain name system. They are essentially the part of the web address that comes after the last dot (.), like the “.com” in “www.google.com” or the “.org” in “www.wikipedia.org”.
For-profit companies, in particular, often use top-level domains that align with their branding. The South Korean multinational conglomerate, Samsung, is no exception. Their primary website can be accessed at “www.samsung.com”, but they also own the “.samsung” TLD. Having a custom TLD offers companies several benefits, including aligning their digital presence with their brand, providing trusted and secure digital spaces, and, lastly, having complete control over their TLD which is not the case with general TLDs.
Let’s clarify this with an example. If you type “www.galaxystore.samsung” into your web browser, you will be directed to the Samsung Galaxy Store’s website. By using the “.samsung” TLD, Samsung ensures that its official websites can be easily identified and trusted by consumers. When you see a “.samsung” website, you know that it is an official Samsung site.
Samsung’s TLD is managed by their domain name provider, MarkMonitor. This company provides Samsung with the assurance that their domain and brand are protected. They monitor for fraudulent or illicit use of the Samsung brand name, ensuring that it remains a trusted name in the online world.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the body that coordinates and manages all internet protocol addresses and the domain name system worldwide, approved the use of branded top-level domains, like “.samsung”, in 2011. ICANN records show that Samsung’s application for their eponymous TLD was received in 2012 and granted in 2015. Brands like Samsung had to pay an evaluation fee of $185,000 to apply for their TLD, plus an annual fee of at least $25,000 to maintain it.
In conclusion, Samsung’s use of the “.samsung” top-level domain forms an integral part of their online branding and cybersecurity strategy. It helps to ensure that the online spaces under their control are trusted, secure, and easily identifiable by consumers.
Sources:
1. ICANN (https://newgtlds.icann.org/)
2. MarkMonitor (https://www.markmonitor.com/)
3. ICANN registry information for “.samsung” TLD (https://lookup.icann.org)
4. Connecting to the world with a new online identity (https://www.digitalbrand.services/blog/connecting-to-the-world-with-a-new-online-identity/)
5. Pricing for new top-level domains (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/trademark-clearinghouse/rpm-prelaunch)
