.tech domain
The .tech generic top-level domain (gTLD) is a domain extension that was launched in 2014. It’s a technology-focused domain extension option that is open to registration by anyone for any purpose.
The .tech gTLD was created by DotTech LLC, a consortium of technology companies and individuals. DotTech LLC submitted an application to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2012 and the .tech gTLD was approved in 2013. The domain extension became publicly available for registration in 2014. It’s currently owned by Radix, a large domain registry company.
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the global Internet's Domain Name System (DNS), IP address allocation, and various other Internet-related tasks. In the context of domain extensions like .company, ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of these top-level domains (TLDs).
When a domain extension such as .tech is established, ICANN ensures that it follows the guidelines and standards set for TLDs. It manages the registration process, ensuring that domain names are unique and that the associated WHOIS information is accurate. WHOIS is a protocol used to query databases and obtain information about registered domain names, including details about the domain owner, registrar, and registration dates.
Learn more: Website infrastructure
Who uses .tech and why?
A wide range of businesses and individuals use .tech domains, including:
Technology companies
Tech startups
Tech blogs and websites
Technology enthusiasts
Educational institutions
Non-profit organizations
Some examples of big brands using .tech, if not for their main websites then for other sites they manage for the brand, include:
Cisco
Intel
Consumer Electronics Show
Viacom
Businesses and individuals use .tech domains for a variety of reasons:
Creating a professional and credible website
To make it easy for customers and other stakeholders to find their website
To distinguish themselves from other businesses in their industry
Brand building
Websites using .tech domains
This tech company uses its .tech domain to emphasize it's offerings and their technology base.
Is a .tech domain safe and reliable to use?
The reliability and safety of a .tech domain, or any domain extension, depends on various factors. The most important one being the overall security of the website the domain supports.
A secure website uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption or TLS (Transport Layer Security), indicated by "https://" in the URL. This encryption ensures that data transmitted between your browser and the website is secure.
Always make sure to register your domain with a secure and reliable domain registrar.
.tech vs .com and which to choose
The .com gTLD is the oldest and most popular domain extension in the world. It is often seen as the most generic and trustworthy domain extension, which is why many businesses choose to use it for their website. This makes it incredibly popular and as the number of websites created has increased significantly in recent years, competition for unique or well-known .com domain names has also grown.
The .tech gTLD is a newer domain extension that is quickly gaining popularity among technology companies and individuals. It’s a good alternative to the .com if you have this type of business and want to be more unique.
Learn more: What is a domain
You may also be interested in:
How to register a .tech domain
01. Choose a domain name registrar
To register a .tech domain, you can use any accredited domain registrar. Wix is a good example.
02. Check domain name availability
You’ll then need to use a domain name search to check if your name and domain extension are available together. If yes, you can register the domain for your website.
03. Confirm and pay
In some cases, this will require varying payment amounts. Most domains can be registered for a year, with annual renewal options.
Making a website with Wix? With a Premium Plan, you can also choose a domain name and register it as part of creating your site.
.tech domain extension FAQ
Is there a difference between a .tech domain and a .com domain?
Yes, there is a difference between a .tech domain and a .com domain. The .tech gTLD is a technology-focused domain extension while the .com gTLD is a general-purpose domain extension. However, both are globally recognized, trusted domain extensions that can be used by anyone.
Is a .tech domain a good choice for my business or website?
Whether or not a .tech domain is a good choice for your business or website depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re looking for a professional and credible domain extension that is specifically designed for technology businesses and individuals, then a .tech domain may be a good option for you.
How much does it cost to register a .tech domain?
The cost to register a .tech domain varies depending on the domain registrar you choose. .tech domains are typically very affordable.
Can I transfer my existing domain name to a .tech domain?
Yes, you can transfer your existing domain name to a .tech domain. However, there may be a fee associated with transferring it.