Can’t get the domain name you want? If you’ve already missed out on the domain name you want with a .com, .biz, .net, .info, or .name, be prepared for the new domain names. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has approved six new names that will be available beginning sometime in 2008.

These new names, or extensions of domain names, are .mobi, .jobs, .cat, .tel, .travel, and .asia. This group, which has been given authority by the government of the United States to be in charge of these issues, decided to only authorize these six names. They are all regional or industry specific.

There are many who are concerned that they will not get the names they want and need for their business. They feel that ICANN is too slow in determining which new extensions will be allowed. Others fear that the cyber squatters will buy up names, hoping to resell them at a higher price.

One of ICANN’s committees, the Generic Name Supporting Organization, is still reviewing these name choices. They have assured those who are waiting that applications will be available by the beginning of 2008.

If you have been trying to get a specific domain name for some time, try backordering it through a reputable domain seller like GoDaddy. There is a fee for this service and they will notify you when the name becomes available. Thousands of people each year purchase domain names and end up never using them. When they come up for renewal they let them go rather than pay more money for something they no longer need. If you have backordered the name you will have the first opportunity to buy it, long before the cyber squatters ever know it is for sale.

If you still can’t get the name you want try being creative. Using hyphens, common misspellings, or a "the" or an "a" before the name, or "blog" or "website" after the name may be available. That way the name you want would still be included in the domain name you buy.

Connie Ragen Green helps small businesses with their marketing plans, both online and offline. Visit her at http://www.SmallBusinessUnMarketing.com

Source: www.articlesbase.com