The top-level domain (TLD) .STATEBANK is an example of a branded TLD, which is a type of generic top-level domain (gTLD). This specific TLD is exclusively used by State Bank of India, one of the largest and oldest banks in the country.
TLDs, as defined by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), are the last segment of a domain name, usually coming after the final dot in a web address. It’s part of the Domain Name System (DNS) protocol used to locate and access websites on the Internet. There are various types of TLDs, including country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), generic top-level domains (gTLDs), and branded top-level domains.
A branded TLD is a unique case wherein a business applies to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to use their name as their TLD. It’s a part of the new gTLD program started by ICANN in 2012. The intention behind this program was to enhance competition, innovation and consumer choice. Over 600 organizations applied for branded TLDs, and State Bank of India was one of them.
The State Bank of India started using the .STATEBANK TLD in 2016 with the aim of enhancing its digital presence and providing a secure platform for its online customers. As per the ICANN’s WHOIS directory, the domain name of .STATEBANK is solely registered to the State Bank of India with its Sponsor/Registrar being the Neustar Inc or its affiliate.
By using this TLD, the State Bank of India can create distinct and trustworthy URLs for different banking services, which can help protect their customers from fraudulent activities. For instance, netbanking.statebank could be a potential domain used by the bank for its internet banking services.
Furthermore, a customized TLD contributes to a company’s brand enforcement. This specific brand TLD (.STATEBANK) adheres to this, presenting a recognizable and reliable web presence for potential customer interaction and transaction.
Therefore, to clarify, the .STATEBANK TLD doesn’t stand for a category of websites, like .com for commercial or .org for organizations. Instead, it’s exclusive to the State Bank of India and part of their digital branding strategy.
Sources used for this information include “IANA’s Root Zone Database”, “ICANN’s Brand TLDs”, “WHOIS directory”, “Neustar Business”, and “ICANN’s new gTLD Applicant Guidebook”.
