We currently have dot-com, dot-net, dot-gov, dot-org, and even dot-biz; next up is dot-eco.  Two groups are currently going toe-to-toe in who is going to manage this new internet domain suffix  One group is in B.C., Vancouver, called Big Room , the other is located in Los Angeles, called Dot Eco.  Do we really need a dot-eco domain?  Nonetheless this will not only serve as a marketing tool for companies who wish to show their “green” side, but hopefully act as a fundraising tool as well.  Revenues generated from the sell of these domain names will go to environmental causes.

There is a small catch.  Once this new domain is launched, they say in 2010, not just anyone will be able to register for it.  In other words, there will be a set of eligibility standards applicants would have to meet.  One idea is having applicants set up a profile outlining their sustainability initiatives.  But this leaves the question, who will verify this?

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Both companies have strong supporters.