OpenDomain Donates Web Addresses Including OpenAjax.org to Encourage Online Collaboration
A Pennsylvania entrepreneur who owns registered Internet Web site domain names is allowing individuals and organizations to use many of them for free to encourage people who develop Internet applications to share information and contribute computer codes online.
Unlike others who purchase domain names and later fight with companies over much-needed Web site addresses, OpenDomain.Org gives away the use of these valuable assets to those who use open sourcing – the practice of releasing previously proprietary software for free under license – to help advance Internet technologies around the world.
While so-called cyber squatters typically seek money from start-up firms or even large corporations requiring a certain Web address, OpenDomain.Org believes those who use and support open sourcing shouldn’t have to wage a bidding war to secure a domain name.
“While we continue to see speculators buying and selling domain names for hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars, what we are doing is quite the opposite of cyber squatting – in fact, we’re the anti-squatter,” said Ric Johnson, president of OpenDomain.Org. “We don’t sell domains nor do we transfer them. Instead, we buy domains so organizations that share our view of responsible open sourcing can use them for free in promoting these open technologies. It’s a different way to contribute to open sourcing, and it’s the kind of collaborative spirit that made the Internet possible.”
In return, OpenDomain simply seeks a link on the Web sites of organizations that use the domain names provided by OpenDomain to raise awareness so that more groups can take advantage of the opportunity.
Many applications on the Internet that benefit the public, including blogs, are a result of open sourcing.
OpenDomain.Org has donated several domain names over the past six years to organizations and individuals involved in technologies for blogging, instant messaging, spam protection and other online functions. Organizations that have received domain names – many on the leading edge of future Internet technology – are grateful for the support of OpenDomain.