Terminology
What is a Domain Name?
The unique name that identifies an Internet site. Domain names are translated by the domain name system (DNS) into unique (IP addresses), the unique numerical code that identifies a particular computer or other device connected to the Internet. The structure of domain names within the .nz DNS has three levels. Each complete name must be unique and comprise all three levels, each separated by a period (.) i.e. name.domain.nz | Content | Level of Domain | Purpose | | nz | Country | fixed as .nz for all domains delegated to, and managed by, InternetNZ | | domain | Second | specifies a "community of interest" as defined in InternetNZ policy | | name | Third | names listed on behalf of users, must be consistent with InternetNZ policy. | | sub-domain | Fourth and Subsequent | responsibility of the registrant of the third level name. | <back What is a Registrant?
A registrant is the individual or organisation (e.g. limited company, partnership, sole trader etc) that registers a specific domain name. This individual or organisation holds the right to use that specific domain name for a specified period of time. This person or organisation is the ‘legal entity’ bound by the terms and conditions of the domain name registration agreement with the registrar.
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What is a Registrar?
A registrar is the company or organisation that you choose to register your domain name through. The list of authorised domain name registrars is provided on the Domain Name Commission website. Only a domain name registrar is permitted to access and modify the register of domain names maintained by NZRS, which contains details on all domain names registered to date. Registrars are responsible for managing their relationship with registrants. There is no communication between NZRS and registrants. The roles and responsibilities of the registrar can be found at the DNC website.
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What is SRS?
The Shared Registry System (SRS) is the computer system implemented to manage the .nz register. The term is also sometimes used to encompass the general environment and business rules of .nz, where multiple registrars are authorised to register .nz domain names. The SRS was purpose-built by InternetNZ and is now owned and operated by NZRS. It was developed on an "open source" software platform and uses an XML interface protocol. More details may be found under the SRS section in About NZRS.
<back What is DNS?
This is short for Domain Name System (or Service or Server). The DNS accepts requests from programs to convert domain names into IP addresses. When a web address is typed into a browser, the browser’s first step is to use a DNS service to convert the domain name into an IP address so that the browser can find the computer where the web page is located. To do this, the browser has a conversation with a DNS server, which in turn may contact other DNS servers, all of which are part of the worldwide DNS System. In DNS terminology, a domain name is said to be ’delegated’ to an IP address.
<back What is the Domain Name Commission?
The Domain Name Commission (DNC) is an operational office of InternetNZ. The DNC is responsible for the ongoing development and monitoring of the competitive registrar market and the environment for registering and managing .nz domain names. This includes responsibility for the authorisation of registrars, the handling of disputes and complaints, and the transfer of management of specific domain names from Domainz to the authorised registrars as they connect to the SRS. A full list of authorised registrars is maintained on the DNC website.
<back What is a UDAI?
The Unique Domain Authentication ID (UDAI) is a randomly generated unique identifier that is required to authenticate requests to transfer domain names from one registrar to another. A UDAI is generated when a domain name is registered, although the domain name’s registrar can generate a new UDAI at any time if required. Registrars are obliged to promptly make UDAIs available to registrants upon request and may not withhold them to prevent a domain name from being transferred under any circumstances.
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