An Interview with Patrick Donaldson from Identity Digital

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, Patrick Donaldson, Director, RSP Sales at Identity Digital, explains why Identity Digital is a strong backend Registry Services Provider (RSP) for new top-level domain (gTLD) applicants, highlighting its infrastructure, experience, security, and distribution network.

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

Choosing the right backend provider for a new gTLD application is a crucial decision. To navigate the complexities of TLD operation, you need more than just a vendor; you need a trusted partner with deep expertise, resilient infrastructure, and the data intelligence to drive growth.

Why Partner with Identity Digital?

• Unmatched Experience: With over 24 years navigating ICANN policy, we provide immediate access to 1,800+ accredited registrars, which covers the vast majority of the domain registration market.
• Cloud-Native Infrastructure: We are the only registry provider of our scale powered entirely by AWS. By moving away from legacy systems, we offer superior uptime, instant scalability, and lower operational risk. Our DNS network spans 80+ locations, resolving 60 billion queries daily with a 100% uptime record. Our infrastructure is highly scalable to support your business growth.
• Proactive Security: Our platform aligns with global standards like ISO, SOC, & NIST cybersecurity frameworks, meeting technical requirements to minimize risk and ensure long-term stability.
• Actionable Intelligence: Our AI-enhanced tools provide the insights needed to optimize pricing, manage premium assets, and execute high-performing promotional campaigns.

Identity Digital is pre-approved as a Main, DNS, and DNSSEC RSP for the Next Round, meaning we've already cleared ICANN's rigorous technical and security evaluations.

2. How many TLDs do you currently support, and what types (brand, geographic, generic)?

Identity Digital is a global leader in the domain name industry, managing a diverse portfolio of over 460 Top-Level Domains (TLDs). Our reach spans high-growth generic TLDs (gTLDs), .brand TLDs, geographic extensions, and specialized country codes (ccTLDs), making up over 33 million names under management.

• gTLDs: Identity Digital launched .INFO in 2001 as the first TLD under our management. Since then, the company has launched over 270 TLDs of its own (for full list: https://www.identity.digital/tld-portfolio) and we manage the gTLDs of all sizes, including .vegas and .org.
• ccTLDs: Beyond running our own extensions, we serve as the mission-critical registry service provider for some of the internet's most trusted ccTLDs - including .au, and most recently, .ai.
• Community TLDs: Some examples of community TLDs we support include .asia, .ngo, .ong, .aero, and .post, where eligibility for registration of domain names is restricted to the associated community to which the TLD is marketed (e.g., geographic location, community interest, industry, professional interest).
• .brand TLDs: We provide registry services to many of the world's .brand TLDs through partnerships with Corporate Registrars around the world, and we enable these corporations to secure their digital ecosystems through dedicated .brand TLDs.

3. What differentiates your services from other backend providers?

Identity Digital differentiates itself by shifting from a traditional technical vendor to a commercial growth partner, with a dedicated team providing assistance along the way. We pride ourselves in delivering excellent value to our RSP partners through:

• Distribution Channel: Identity Digital provides immediate access to an established global distribution channel of over 1,800 ICANN-accredited registrars. This network represents 95% of global domain volume, ensuring that from the moment your TLD goes live, it is available for purchase on the world's most popular storefronts.
• Abuse Mitigation: We go beyond basic ICANN compliance with our Dynamic Defense™ model-a proactive ecosystem designed to stop threats before they take root. By partnering with global law enforcement and the broader DNS security community, we identify and mitigate malicious activity in real-time.
• Customer Support: With 24/7 coverage across phone, email, and chat, our dedicated team provides seamless worldwide assistance. We're committed to resolving your queries instantly, regardless of your location or local time.
• Premium Optimization Platform (POP): Our POP tool is a Machine Learning Model designed to maximize the value of premium inventory to registrars and provide recommendations on the selection of premium names and pricing tiers.
• Dropzone: We offer a patented drop service for both premium and standard deleted domains that can generate additional revenue via a daily Dutch auction process (with prices gradually decreasing over a 14 day window).
• Reserved Premium Name Sales: Identity Digital can consult on a reserved name selection per TLD and broker the reserved names throughout the term of the agreement.
• Registry Lock: Our Registry Lock service offers an added layer of protection for high-value domains, blocking unauthorized modifications, transfers, and deletions at the registry level-with fees charged to registrars creating an additional revenue stream for your TLD.
• Billing services: Our billing service is a true differentiator. Your TLD will benefit from being included in the Identity Digital wallet with over 1800 registrars already connected. We handle registrar billing, payments and invoicing and will send the revenue to the client shortly after the close of the prior month.
• Expertise: With over two decades managing 460+ TLDs with consistent operational excellence, our track record speaks for itself. Identity Digital's Registry Services team comprises over 260 professionals with deep experience supporting TLDs of all sizes and complexities. We also have representation across every ICANN stakeholder group, including the ICANN Board.

4. Do you help the RO with finding registrars to offer their TLD? What about registrar onboarding?

When partnering with Identity Digital, the biggest advantage is immediate connectivity to over 1,800 registrars and as our partner you will have immediate access to market your TLDs. However, if you do find a new registrar that is not connected to our platform, our onboarding process is very straightforward, and they can be easily integrated into our existing setup.

We've spent over 24 years refining how we set registrars up in the system and we know that getting this right starts the relationship on a high note.

We have a 24/7 Tech Support team available via phone, email and chat so they are always available to provide hands-on help.

Company website: https://identity.digital/

Company LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/identitydigital-inc/

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