ICANN Market Research Report



Company Overview


  • Name: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

  • Mission: To ensure the stable and secure operation of the internet's unique identifier systems.

  • Founded by: Established by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1998.

  • Key People: Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist (upcoming President and CEO as of December 5, 2024).

  • Headquartered: Los Angeles, California, USA.

  • Number of Employees: No detailed information available.

  • Revenue: No detailed information available.

  • Known For: ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers (IP addresses, DNS root, etc.), which is vital for the operation of the Internet.


Products and Services


  • Domain Name Services: Related to the coordination of the DNS root, the unique identifiers that help users navigate the Internet.

  • Key Features:

  • Ensuring the interoperability of IP address allocations.

  • Management of the DNS root, ensuring stability across the global internet infrastructure.

  • Operating the WHOIS system, providing public information about domain name registrants.

  • IANA Functions:

  • Key Features:

  • Allocation of numbering resources.

  • Management of protocol parameters.

  • Root zone management and distribution.

  • Security Services: ICANN collaborates via the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) to maintain the security and stability of the DNS.

  • Key Features:

  • Provides guidance on best practices for maintaining the integrity and security of the global DNS.

  • Manages risk and responds to threats and vulnerabilities.


Recent Developments


  • New CEO Appointment:

  • Detail: The Board has selected Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist as the next President and CEO starting December 5, 2024.

  • Background: Lindqvist has over 30 years of experience in business development for internet service providers and network carriers.

  • ICANN81 Annual General Meeting:

  • Detail: The event will be held both virtually and in-person in Istanbul, Turkey from November 9-14, 2024.

  • Registration Closes: November 8, 2024.

  • ICANN Sues Former Colleague:

  • Detail: ICANN is defending itself vigorously in a lawsuit filed by a long-time former colleague.

  • UA Day 2024 Report:

  • Detail: Published a comprehensive report on the participation and activities of the Universal Acceptance (UA) Day 2024.

  • 2024 NomCom Leadership Selections:

  • Detail: Seven leadership positions were selected, with terms beginning at the conclusion of ICANN81.

  • Request for Proposals (RFPs):

  • DNSSEC Trust Anchor: ICANN has published a new DNSSEC trust anchor in preparation for 2026.

  • Support Application Review Panel (SARP): Open RFP seeking to manage evaluations of Applicant Support Program applications anticipating the Next Round of new gTLD Program.


Initiatives and Community Engagement


  • ICANN Learn: Provides free online learning about the Internet and ICANN's role.

  • ICANN Public Meetings: Facilitates global collaboration for policy development to support the Internet ecosystem.

  • ICANN Grant Program: Offers funding to support initiatives that align with ICANN's mission and operational objectives.

  • Outreach Programs: Regular engagement with the global Internet community, including targeted regional forums and technical workshops.


Summary


ICANN plays a critical role in maintaining the stable and secure operation of the Internet through coordination of names and numbers critical to the Internet’s operations. The organization is involved in various policy-implementing activities, stakeholder engagement, and initiatives that drive the global governance of the Internet infrastructure. Recent strategic movements include a new CEO appointment, hosting major meetings, and launching new initiatives like DNSSEC trust anchors and the universal acceptance of domain names.