An Australian TLD is not equal to a global TLD.  Obviously, from a
competitive perspective, it is in Melbourne IT's interest to set the
barriers to entry as high as possible.  The IAHC/CORE criteria are
obviously not a done deal yet and may well be modified as the current
chaotic state of affairs at a global level is resolved.  I suggest we leave
the requirements as set out by Kevin Dinn below.  Minimum bureaucracy and
maximum competition get my vote. 

Andrew Donald
----------
> From: Peter Gerrand <ceo&#167;MelbourneIT.com.au>
> To: dns&#167;intiaa.asn.au
> Subject: Re: DNS: Revised selection criteria for new DNAs/2LDs
> Date: Tuesday, 29 July 1997 16:41
> 
> At 13:57 23/07/97 +0000, Kevin Dinn wrote:
> >Below is the latest version of the criteria which is the result of
> >discussions so far. ...
> >--------------------------------------------------------------------
> >Selection criteria for DNAs
> >
> >Minimum requirements for DNA status:
> ...
> >
> >2. Must have at least 1 full time employee or equivalent to devote to=20
> >DN applications,
> >[toned down from requiring 5 full time staff, 1 on DNS; also added=20
> >"or equivalent" to cover 2 * part time, contractor, etc.]
> 
> Reducing the requirement from 5 to 1 f/t employee or equivalent is
> seriously underestimating the resources needed to provide a reliable,
> customer-focussed DNA service for high-volume commercial domains. 
> Staff are required for providing a help-desk service; for processing
> invoices, payments and accounting; for software and systems admin
support;
> for dealing with ADNA/policy/regulator issues; in addition to the staff
> needed to process applications for naming policies of complexity that
> cannot be readily automated (e.g. com.au, tm.au). It would be
irresponsible
> for ADNA to risk the stability and reliability of the DNS by setting the
> threshold requirements for new DNAs too low.
> 
> It is unreasonable to expect a prospective DNA to have all these staff in
> place before being awarded a DNA licence.  Instead, I think the IAHC/CORE
> have the right approach in demanding proof of company liquidity (at the
> US$300K = AUD400K level) as a necessary condition for gTLD DNAs, so that
> the candidate company is demonstrably in a financial position to invest
in
> the staff and equipment required before commencing their commercial DNA
> service. I recommend that this requirement be included in the DNA
selection
> criteria.
> 
> PG
>