HONG KONG, February 25 /PRNewswire/ --

DotAsia Organisation is happy to announce the successful launch of the ".Asia" Landrush period. A total of 266,663 applications were received by the registry within the first 24 hours, demonstrating great interest around the world to stake claims in the most prestigious cyber real estate in Asia. Including Pre-Sunrise, Sunrise, Pioneer programs and the first day of Landrush, the total number of domain applications to date is 298,861. ".Asia" Landrush opened Feb 20 and will close on March 12, 2008.

Unlike conventional first-come-first-served processes, DotAsia utilizes a model that treats all applications received equally no matter if it was submitted within the first second or on the last day of the Landrush period. For domains receiving two or more applications, an auction will be held between the applicants. Domains with only one application are allocated directly without auction. You must apply during the Landrush period (Feb 20 - Mar 12, 2008) in order to be eligible to participate in the domain auctions.

"We are very excited about the smooth launch. The volume of interest demonstrates strong demand for ".Asia". Unlike conventional chaotic rushes where the best names are snatched in the opening seconds, you still have 20 days to submit your application without losing out," says Edmon Chung, CEO of DotAsia. "We are also excited to see strong participation from Asia, with 5 out of the top 10 registrars coming from Asia."

Over 35% of the Landrush applications received came from Asia, with 40% from North America and 24% from Europe. A total of about 28,000 domain names received more than one application. The top 10 registrars in the first day, in order, are: Dotalliance Inc. (http://www.dotalliance.asia), EuroDNS (http://www.asiadns.asia), Communigal Communications Ltd., GoDaddy.com, Gabia, HiChina Web Solutions, Key-Systems (http://www.domaindiscount24.asia), NamesBeyond.com, DomainPeople Inc. (http://www.domainpeople.asia), eName Corp..

About DotAsia Organisation:

DotAsia Organisation is the Sponsoring Organisation and Registry Operator for the ".Asia" Sponsored Generic Top Level Domain. DotAsia is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation incorporated in Hong Kong. Asia has developed into a global force in the international commercial, political and cultural network. The ".Asia" domain aspires to embrace this dynamism in the Asia Century to become a nucleus, intersection and breeding ground for Internet activity and development in the region. To learn more about DotAsia, please visit: http://www.registry.asia.

Media Enquiries: Pavan Budhrani Tel: +852-3741-0015 Email: pavan@registry.asia

Web site: http://www.registry.asia

Pavan Budhrani of DotAsia, +852-3741-0015, pavan@registry.asia