An Interview with Ronald Schwärzler from domainworx Service & Management GmbH

The Internet is about to open up in exciting new ways. In 2026, the application period for a new wave of domain extensions, known as new gTLDs, will begin. This will create powerful opportunities for businesses, communities, and individuals to stand out online. Imagine web addresses that are shorter and more meaningful, and that instantly tell your audience who you are and what you stand for. This isn't just a technical update; it's an opportunity to build stronger brands, safer spaces, and more inclusive digital identities, including those in different scripts and languages. In a series of interviews, we speak with the people shaping this next chapter of the Internet so you can learn why the 2026 new gTLD program matters to you.

In this conversation, Ronald Schwärzler CEO of domainworx Service & Management GmbH shares how domainworx guides customers through the ICANN application process and the ongoing operation of Top-Level Domains in cooperation with their RSP partner RyCE.

1. What services are you offering?

We support our customers from the very first idea through to the successful registration of their initial domain, and we remain at their side throughout every subsequent step of the process. Since the ICANN application round of 2012, we have been active both as consultants and as a registry, and over the years we have gathered a wealth of expertise in the conception, planning, coordination, and execution of TLD projects. This includes not only the strategic preparation and smooth implementation of the introduction phase, but also the reliable management of the ongoing operational phases.

Our role is to guide our customers safely and efficiently through the entire application procedure as defined by ICANN, while at the same time developing a customized strategy that considers the specific characteristics and individual requirements of each TLD project. In this way, we ensure that our customers are optimally positioned for both the application and the subsequent operation of their TLD.

In close collaboration with our trusted technical partner, RSP RyCE, who actively participates in the ICANN pre-evaluation process, we are also able to provide the full range of technical services required to meet all compliance standards and regulatory specifications. This partnership ensures that every technical aspect of the TLD lifecycle, from launch to daily operations, is handled with the highest level of reliability and professionalism.

2. What are the use cases for operating a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?

Depending on whether it is a generic TLD, geographic TLD, or a brand TLD, operating a Top-Level Domain (TLD) can serve a variety of strategic, technical, and financial purposes.

A TLD can be operated purely for financial reasons (generic TLD), provided there is an appropriate business model in place. Communities and non-profit organizations use them to build identity and trust (e.g., .shop). Technology and finance companies, meanwhile, focus on innovation and security by using closed and verified namespaces (e.g., .bank).

The primary focus of a geoTLD is regional identity and digital sovereignty. A personal TLD for your city or region creates advantages for companies and organizations, residents, and the city itself through concise local Internet addresses, improved visibility, and strengthening of digital brand management, thus providing impulses for innovation, development, and creativity.

Brand owners focus on security, control of their name space, and brand trust. It is up to the company to decide whether the TLD will be made available to customers or used for internal purposes only. The brand as a TLD opens new opportunities to strengthen trust in the brand and create a distinctive digital space.

3. What specific critical functions do you handle (DNS resolution, WHOIS/RDAP, EPP, escrow, abuse monitoring)?

Our RSP partner RyCE offers the following services for the operation of a TLD:

Core Registry Services: Domain Name Lifecycle Management, EPP, RDDS, Zone Management, DNS, Escrow Deposits, Database Maintenance & Redundancy.

Anycast Services: Strategically distributed DNS Nodes across various regions, including Europe, North and South America, Australia, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific area. Provided by DENIC Services, administered by RyCE.

Policy and Compliance Framework: Standard Policy Implementation, RNL, Abuse Monitoring, and Mitigation & DNS Security Measures.

Registrar Relations & Onboarding: Onboarding & Support, Technical Testing, Compliance & OTE, Web Portal.

Financial & Billing Services: Registrar Billing & Payment Processing, Pricing Structures & Promotions Management, Support for Tiered Pricing, Bulk Discounts, Premium Name Pricing, as well as Promotional Incentives and Redemptions.

Additional Support Services: Customer & Technical Support, Analytics, Monitoring & Reporting, SLA.

4. Why is choosing the right backend provider essential for a new gTLD applicant?

For a new gTLD applicant, choosing the right backend provider is critical because the backend essentially runs the technical heart of the registry. It ensures that domains are resolved reliably worldwide, that DNSSEC is implemented correctly, and that the registry can handle queries at scale without downtime. A robust backend provider can also assist with compliance - ICANN enforces rigorous technical and policy requirements and failing to adhere to these can jeopardize the entire TLD. Furthermore, the backend provider influences costs, customer experience, and the ability to innovate with features such as premium domain management and security enhancements. In short, it's not just a technical decision; it's a strategic one because the backend provider determines the stability, trustworthiness, and long-term viability of the TLD.

No matter what kind of Top-Level Domain you want to apply for (brand / geo / generic), our partner RSP RyCE is a trusted partner for the realization of your own TLD. With the high-performance data processing center located in Vienna/Austria, and the stable and reliable Registry-System (Nameserver / Database), RyCE offers a state-of-the-art solution at best conditions.

5. Have you taken part in the accreditation program with ICANN?

Our RSP partner RyCE took part in the ICANN pre-evaluation process to ensure an early and comprehensive understanding of all applicable ICANN requirements. By proactively engaging in this evaluation, RyCE guarantees full compliance with ICANN's strict technical and operational standards, thereby laying a solid foundation for the reliable and sustainable operation of a Top-Level Domain (TLD). This accreditation underlines the trustworthiness and professionalism of RyCE as a partner, as it demonstrates both readiness and proven capability to meet ICANN's expectations in every respect.

Beyond its recognition as a Main RSP, RyCE also holds specific accreditations as a DNS RSP and DNSSEC RSP. These additional accreditations highlight the breadth of RyCE's technical expertise and reinforce its role as a versatile and dependable service provider, capable of covering the full range of responsibilities associated with TLD management and security.

6. How do you keep registries compliant with ICANN policies (data escrow, reporting, abuse mitigation, GDPR/RDAP)? Do you help with and monitor ICANN Compliance / Audits?

The highly qualified IT experts on our RyCE team are dedicated to ensuring that all ICANN requirements and innovations are implemented consistently, thoroughly, and on time. This guarantees a secure, stable, and reliable technical environment for every Top-Level Domain (TLD) operated on the RyCE system.

We further strengthen this foundation by relying on long-standing strategic partnerships with reputable EU-based companies. One such example is DENIC Services, a highly experienced data escrow provider with many years of proven expertise. Through these collaborations, we can offer our customers a robust and trustworthy infrastructure that adheres to the highest industry standards.

RyCE also provides each customer with access to an intuitive online management panel. This tool provides continuous, real-time insights into the performance and data of their TLDs, enabling them to monitor key metrics and respond promptly to any developments or changes.

Should a compliance-related issue with ICANN arise despite these preventive measures, however, our experts stand ready to assist. Within the scope of our technical and regulatory expertise, we provide hands-on support to efficiently resolve such issues, ensuring that our customers remain fully compliant and that their TLDs continue to operate without disruption.

Company website: https://domainworx.consulting/en

Company LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/domainworx/

Explore the new gTLD Provider Directory and connect with trusted providers: https://international.eco.de/topics/names-numbers/new-gtld-provider-directory/