The IEDR, the operator of the .ie ccTLD registry, have released their annual report for 2009.
The document, which obviously cost quite a bit to design, covers various aspects of the organisation’s activities and is not limited to the domain registrations. In common with quite a few ccTLD operators IEDR is also involved in ENUM, though there has been little or no takeup for the service.
In 2009 the .ie registry saw registration figures up over 8% on the previous year with the number of new domain name registrations rising to 37055.
The IEDR’s CEO, David Curtin, is cognisant of the challenges facing business in the current economic climate:
“2009 was an extremely tough year for the Irish economy so we are particularly pleased to have been in a position to grow registrations, reduce our operating costs and increase operating profit for the registry. The operating profit has strengthened our balance sheet further. This will enable us to increase investment in the .ie domain by providing new services and infrastructural improvements that will deliver even greater security, stability and resilience of the .ie namespace. It was particularly satisfying for all stakeholders that the IEDR efforts in this regard were externally validated by the now annual McAfee Malware Survey which found that the .ie domain is the second safest in the world.
Looking ahead to the outturn for 2010, the prolonged difficulties facing our main market, SMEs, will continue to impact on registration and non-renewal levels. However, underlying demand remains and we will continue to assist our registrar community with both generic and specific promotional activities to ensure that the .ie namespace remains the domain of choice in the Irish domain market.”
Earlier this year the registry introduced formal contracts between it and its registrars which lay out clearly what both parties are obliged to do etc.,
The report itself talks about such things as the introduction of a policy development group, but gives no indication of when such an entity will actually come into being.
Will we be reading about its pending creation again this time next year?
