Services

What improvements were
made to SIDN's services
to registrars?

Although SIDN is responsible for the registration, cancellation and transfer of .nl domain names, most registrants have only indirect contact with the
company. SIDN's services to registrants are delivered through intermediaries, known as registrars. The .nl domain has more than 1,700 registrars, all of whom offer a variety of products and services. They include internet service providers, hosting firms, advertising agencies and trademark bureaus. SIDN attaches great importance to the quality of the services provided to registrars.

New version DRS5

In October, SIDN rolled out a new version of the Domain Name Registration System DRS5. The updated system featured a completely redesigned web interface, providing considerably enhanced utility. Registrars can now also record whether they support DNSSEC in the domain name registration system.

New billing arrangements and DNSSEC incentive scheme

In November, SIDN decided to change the way it bills for .nl registrations, bringing the arrangements more into line with contract forms used by registrars. The change was developed in consultation with the Registrars' Association (RA). Earlier in the year, the DNSSEC incentive scheme came into force, providing registrars with a discount on the registration fee for every .nl domain name secured with DNSSEC.

Registrar satisfaction
stable

Every year since 2005, SIDN has organised a Registrar Satisfaction Survey to gauge levels of satisfaction amongst .nl registrars. The 2012 survey found that overall satisfaction was unchanged since 2011, at just over 7.6 out of ten. That satisfaction score was, for the first time, higher than the mark awarded to SIDN's peer registries. No less than 63 per cent of registrars gave SIDN a mark of eight or more out of ten: the highest percentage ever. The registrars were particularly impressed with the support, SIDN's DNSSEC implementation and the registration and updating of domain names. Communication is the service aspect that registrars value most, and SIDN secured the highest communication score recorded to date.
Tevreden

Cooperation
with the Registrars'
Association

Founded in 2011, the Registrars' Association (RA) liaises with SIDN on behalf of the registrar community. In 2012, SIDN was in frequent contact with the RA's Management Board and with its Technology Committee and Marketing Communication Committee. The RA also nominated Mr Willem van Waveren to join the Supervisory Board.