Having been asked about the .EDY domain names we thought we do a simple guide to what that extension is and how you can get one.
There are series of unrestricted domain extensions and the most popular extensions are the .com, .net, .org and .info. Other top-level domain extensions are restricted and they need specific requirements to be used. Example of such extension is the ".edu" top level domain extensions. Furthermore, ".edu" domain extensions can be registered and managed at the EduCause website.
Edu domain is a top-level domain mostly used by an accredited higher institution of learning such as the universities and colleges. The process of managing and controlling activities on the domain in terms of administration and registration is governed by EduCause as earlier stated.
EduCause provides a platform for higher institutions to network with other IT professionals by strategically generating engaging content aimed at creating more knowledgeable opportunities through publications either electronic or prints, improved research, publication review, an avenue for teaching and learning new innovations; advanced resources for research, platforms for discussion and recognition for dynamic leadership.
The administration of ".edu" domain by EduCause began in 2001 and as a non-profit association, the mission of the association is to improve higher education with the use of information technology. Opportunities are opened for new members of accredited institutions and corporate organizations for advanced learning to register under EduCause.
How to buy “.edu” domain:In order to buy edu domain, there are several requirements and basic guidelines to follow to successfully register your domain.
The registration of the domain is limited to accredited institutions only and for an institution to be regarded as an accredited institution, means that whole institution meets the required standards given by the agency which monitors and guides the Education Department or ministry of the country and such agencies are the national, regional and specialized accredited institution agency. Therefore it will be difficult for an elementary school or high school to register its “.edu” domain as it's solely for higher learning institutions such as colleges, universities and other educational institutions.
The first requirement according to EduCause to buy a “.edu” domain is to check for eligibility.
As stated earlier, the domain is strictly for post-secondary institutions but it is important to also note that program accreditation is not enough to give full access for the “.edu” eligibility. Not all agencies accredit institutions. While some accredit just institutions, some also accredit only programs, and others accredit both programs and institutions.
In America for example, a university system with operational offices, community college regions, boards and departments which functions within their jurisdiction and function according to the activities of an accredited institution and meet the eligibility requirements for the “.edu” domain is required to be registered in order to meet the criteria. That is each entity is required to be established, DomainsDeck and recognized by the national government in order to perform and go ahead in its administrative and managerial activities.
For non-profit entities, they are eligible to register a single “.edu” domain providing that majority of its members are educational organizations such as universities, colleges, and other organizations with a requirement that proofs that about 75 percent are institutional members and are also eligible to register a .edu domain. Entities whose members are basically individuals are not eligible for “.edu” domains.
Furthermore, international institutions according to EduCause are not eligible for a “.edu” domain. If they are not located within the United States but believe you meet one of the other qualifications set up as a US institution and are institutionally accredited by any of the Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies we recognize. Check your eligibility.
This is the next step after confirming your eligibility from your agency. If you are interested in obtaining a new “.edu” domain, having reviewed and met the criteria stated by EduCause in the guidelines for eligibility, use the domain search tool to check for the availability of the your desired domain name and if the domain you searched for his available, add it to the cart and proceed to checkout. EduCause will accept your inquiry and will review requests for eligibility and either approve or deny them. It is important to note that, the domain will only be active when it has been completely verified by EduCause.
On this request a domain page, type the domain name you desire at the ".edu domain name icon" and click on the search and then you'll be redirected to the list of similar domain names which are available. This will reveal if the domain name requested for is available or not. If the domain is not available, click on check another domain name but if the domain name you requested for is available in the domain availability results page, click on the "Request This Domain" tab. This will require you to fill in the legal name of the institution and accurately providing all necessary details from the location of the institution such as the city, state etc.
The next stage will be to enter the administrative contact information which will include the name of the person or group of people who are in charge of the administrative aspect of the domain name then proceed to the next tab which leads to the technical contact information and it also includes the name of the person or group of people who are responsible for the technical aspect of the domain name.
The next tab will require the billing contact information where you will also enter the name of the person or group of people who are in responsible for billing on the desired domain name and proceed to the next tab which is domain name servers.
In this tab, enter both the primary and secondary domain name servers. These servers are used to set up your domain name and they must have public IP addresses. Although depending on your institution, you might decide to have your personal domain name servers, or you might make use of your Internet service provider for this type of operation.
Click on the "Complete" tab. Your desired “.edu” domain name registration request will be sent for verification and approval. The administrative contact used from the information provided will be the means of communication used by EduCause to get in touch with you.