Re: Definition of Registry

[Olivier Guillard <Olivier.Guillard@nic.fr>]

Hello Peter,

le 05 Jan, Peter Mott a écrit :
> 
> > > it's the practice for the .fr registry
> > > update of the database are requested by the registrant, through
> > > the registrar.
> > 
> > We have different views of the world.  Through my eyes I see domain name
> > registration  being the execution of a legal contract between the registrar
> > and the registrant.  The public record of that contract is the insertion of
> > the name into the registry database.


To clarify the issues, could you please precise what you call "registry
database"?

> > 
> > To determine the registrar, I simply ask the question "with whom does the
> > registrant have a contract for the domain name registration?"  Whoever that
> > entity is - is always the registrar.
> 

The registrant consideration is surely an important issue, but it might not
be the only one, especially for a ccTLD zone. Under .fr, for example, we
try to also serve a local user comunity, by furnishing a "trust zone":

- Stable and properly configured delegated DNS
- Pertinent, coherent and verifyed Whois informations
- Fair and multilingual search directory

> > Not sure how .fr works, but I suspect the contract is in fact between the
> > registrant and your organisation.  The party you refer to as registrar is
> > probably acting as an agent for the registrant.  Your organisation is in
> > fact the registrar.

The .fr registry is one of the first that has distinguished the databases
maintaining from the furniture of services linked to domainames! At that
time NSI was selling domainnames and maintaning the . , .com, .net and .org
db :)

> > This may all seem to be splitting hairs, but its important stuff in my view.
> > Understanding relationships and roles is required before developing system
> > to support it, and protocol to enable system

The .fr zone is a ressource that is aimed to serve and promote a particular
comunity designated by those two letters. It's essential for us to distinguish
the commercial function (domain name sale) from the political one (charter
and usage referential writting). For me, this last function is the buisness
of the users. They must have the means and tools to be able to say what they
want and also know that their choices can be apply.

> > > registrar is a provider of added value (services) for the user
> > > connectivity.
> > 
> > My definition of registrar is simply an entity accredited to enter into
> > domain name registration contracts with registrants.  This entity may have
> > domain name registration as a core or supporting business activity.  It is
> > not relevant.

What do you mean exactly by "accreditated entity". On which criteriums,
defined by who and by which process do you feel the accreditation should
happen?

> > > In France, registry is a monopoly model (public service, not
> > > registrar itself),
> > > registrars are in the competitive sector.
> > 
> > I think you will see from above that I dont agree with you.  What you likely
> > have is a monopoly registrar (your organisation) with agents all offering
> > the same registration contract (your TLD policy combined with business
> > rules).
> > 
> > Such a model does not support competition in the business of domain name
> > registration.  Although I concede that agents can wrap your service in
> > different ways to differentiate themselves.  I suspect however the major
> > differentiation occurs between core service elements for the agent rather
> > than the service of name registration.
> > 
> > Please dont think I am a supporter of any particular model or have fixed
> > views.  I have been studying this stuff in depth since 1996, own an
> > accredited ICANN registrar (although not operational as yet) and admin for
> > .tk .aq as well as registry operator for .pn
> > 
> > What I have been trying to highlight is that it is the identification of the
> > players and their relationships that is important, not so much where the
> > data is.  If this wg proceeds with the relationship model in the draft,
> > thats ok with me.  I just wanted to make sure people had the opportunity of
> > considering alternatives.


We don't try to prescribe to anyone what he has to do, we just think that
the .fr internet zone should grow with the respect of a "charter". There
are many stackholders that are really concerned by the naming policies under
the .fr (it is a country code!). We have the responsability to take in
account their point of view, that's why this "charter" is written implying
them. ".mu" has been delegated for the maurician island, have you ever
been their? go to http://www.mu, I personnally don't recognize the local
maurician community. No doubt that the relation ship beetwen the regitrar
and the registry for this zone is very automated (and close from GRRP).

> > Regards
> > 
> > Peter Mott
> > Chief Enthusiast
> > 2day.com
> > - -/-
> > 
> > 
> > 

Very best regards,

-- 
Olivier Guillard

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