18(c) What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?

Prototypical answer:

i. How will multiple applications for a particular domain name be resolved, for example, by auction or on a first-come⁄first- serve basis?

The .cloud TLD will be available on a first-come⁄first-served after the initial Sunrise and Land rush (reference #29)

As referred to in #18B, CloudNames will define a list of reserved names aka “Premium Names”.

Labels listed in this list will not be available for registration during the Sunrise and Landrush and when the Registry opens for the first-come⁄first-serve phase. The “Premium Names” will be offered to the market through the Registrars at a date to be set. These “Premium Names” will have a significantly different pricing and multiple request for the same label will be solved with auction between the applicants.

ii. Explain any cost benefits for registrants you intend to implement (e.g., advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts).

CloudNames will not offer bulk registration discounts or tiered pricing to the registrars.

The business model as described in #18A and the Financial forecast (#45-50) reflects a fixed pricing for Year#1-3. CloudNames is not planning to make an introductory pricing for .cloud.

iii. Note that the Registry Agreement requires that registrars be offered the option to obtain initial domain name registrations for periods of one to ten years at the discretion of the registrar, but no greater than ten years. Additionally, the Registry Agreement requires advance written notice of price increases. Do you intend to make contractual commitments to registrants regarding the magnitude of price escalation? If so, please describe your plans.

Change of pricing: CloudNames will in written notification inform the Registrars no less than 3 months before any adjustment in pricing.

CloudNames will cooperate with their registrars in order to make a recommended wholesale price for .cloud. CloudNames are familiar with the fact that registrars have different business models and operate on different markets.

CloudNames will not offer a discount for multi year registrations to the registrars.

The registrars can - on their own responsibility and financial calculation, define discounted pricing for .cloud to their customers.

Similar gTLD applications: (1)