A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of the domain name located to the right of the dot (” . “). The TLD is the highest level of hierarchical division on the Internet followed by the second-level domains (SLD) and finally, the subdomains. The most familiar TLDs are “.com”, “.net”, and “.org”. Other common TLDs include .gov, .edu, and .uk. However, this response will focus singularly on the “.works” TLD.
The “.works” TLD is a generic top-level domain (gTLD), launched in February 2014 by the Donuts registry. On being a generic TLD, it signifies that it is not associated with a particular geographic location, unlike country code TLDs like “.us” for the United States or “.jp” for Japan. Donuts is a domain name registry created in 2010 by Paul Stahura, Jonathon Nevett, Richard Tindal, and Daniel Schindler. The company holds the rights to operate numerous TLDs and has become a major player in the expansion and diversification of the domain name system (DNS) (Crunchbase).
The “.works” domain is open to everyone without specific restrictions and can ideally tie in with a lot of different types of websites, centred around numerous themes and industrial sectors. By choosing a .works domain extension, businesses and individuals can forge a strong digital identity that shows precisely what they do and how their product, service, or website “works”.
For example, if a business specialises in automation systems, a domain like automation.works perfectly exhibits the nature and gist of the business in a simple yet reliable manner to the online crowd. Another instance could be a career counselling service using a domain like careeradvice.works.
Several businesses have made the decision to choose a .works domain. These include Heather’s Book Works (heathersbook.works), a book binding service, and Lean Works (lean.works), a company specialising in Lean Training and Lean Management. Opting for “.works” rather than more traditional TLDs can provide a more innovative and discerning appeal, setting enterprises apart in a digitally competitive business environment.
The sources used for this information included ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the global entity that oversees domain operations, and Donuts’ official domain search, which provides the list of TLDs they manage and their launch dates. Other vital sources incorporated authoritative technology websites like CrunchBase which provided business information, and hosted websites like heathersbook.works and lean.works to exemplify application of the .works domain.
