The Trademark Sunrise Period for .ML & .CF (the new ccTLDs for Mali and the Central African Republic, respectively) opened on May 1, 2013. This period is specifically for trademark holders to pre-register .ML and/or .CF domains that are the exact match (or closely similar) to the existing corresponding trademark(s). If you conduct business in Mali and/or the Central African Republic, are planning to in the future, or want to protect your brand(s) globally, registering country code domains is the best way to optimize your naming strategy.

Registration Launch Periods:

• Phase 1—Trademark Sunrise :: Open May 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013
• Phase 2—Landrush :: Open June 1, 2013 through June 14, 2013
• Phase 3—General Availability :: Open July 15, 2013

If you have any questions about any of the Launch Phases for .ML and/or .CF, or would like to check the availability of a domain name, please contact your Safenames account manager. You may also contact Safenames in the UK +44 1908 200022 (emeasales@safenames.net) or in the US at +1.703.574.5313 (nasales@safenames.net).

The Certificate Authority/Browser Forum (CAB Forum) has mandated that Certificate Authorities discontinue supporting 1024-bit key length certificates for both SSL and code signing. Starting January 1, 2014, all existing 1024-bit key certificates will be discontinued industry-wide. If you have a 1024-bit key certificate(s) it is important that you replace it before December 31, 2013 with security strengths of hash and encryption approved by the NIST Special Publication 800-131A (at least a 2048-bit key certificate(s), as they will no longer work, which may compromise the security of your site.

If you have any questions about SSL certificates, contact Safenames in the UK at +44 1908 200022 (emeasales@safenames.net) or in the US at +1 703 574 5313 (nasales@safenames.net).

General Availability for .SX (the new ccTLD of the constituent country of Sint Maarten, which became autonomous on October 10, 2010) opens on November 15, 2012. Anyone will be able to register .SX domains regardless of location—and there are no local contact requirements. Registering in country domains is the best way to optimize your naming strategy and strengthen your domain portfolio.

If you have any questions about the .SX extension or would like to check the availability of a .SX domain name, please contact your Safenames account manager. You may also contact the Safenames in the UK +44 1908 200022 (emeasales@safenames.net) or in the US at +1.703.574.5313 (nasales@safenames.net).

Nominet, the registry for UK (United Kingdom) domains, has proposed a new service called direct.uk, which is primarily for businesses that are located in the UK or are doing business in the UK. This new domain name registration option would potentially offer shorter domain names registered at the second level (i.e., www.yourbusiness.uk) and a comprehensive bundle of security features (which have not yet been identified). Nominet is currently seeking input from all stakeholders on the potential introduction of this new service.

If you have any questions about the potential launch of .uk domains, please contact your Safenames Account Manager or contact Safenames Customer Support in the UK at +44 1908 200022 (emeasales@safenames.net) or in the US at +1 703 574 5313 (nasales@safenames.net). We will keep you posted as new information is released on this impending launch.

Safenames is pleased to announce the launch of its new online ordering system for SSL certificates. The system will process your request in real time and the certificates are delivered immediately without the need for faxed paperwork. The certificates are 128-bit with 99% browser compatibility and have a $10,000 warranty issued by Geotrust. You will find the new ordering system located under the Search and Order tab, in your Safenames IDP portal.

For more information on ordering SSL certificates, read Safenames’ SSL certificates page.