The .vn domain zone is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Vietnam. It is primarily intended for entities associated with Vietnam, including individuals, businesses, and organizations operating within the country. The .vn domain serves as a digital identity for Vietnamese websites, promoting local content and enhancing the online presence of Vietnamese entities.
The .vn domain was officially introduced on March 22, 1994. Its creation was part of Vietnam's efforts to establish a presence on the internet following the country's economic reforms known as "Đổi Mới." The initiative to create the .vn domain was spearheaded by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), which was established to manage the country's internet resources.
Today, the .vn domain is managed by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), which operates under the Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam. VNNIC is responsible for the administration, registration, and technical management of the .vn domain. Additionally, the organization collaborates with international bodies such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to ensure compliance with global internet standards.
The registration of .vn domains is open to both local and foreign entities. However, there are specific requirements and restrictions:
The procedure for obtaining a .vn domain typically involves the following steps:
The .vn domain zone supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing for the registration of domain names in Vietnamese characters. The technical specifications include:
DNS services for .vn domains are robust, with multiple name servers ensuring high availability and redundancy.
Like many domain zones, .vn has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. To combat these issues, VNNIC has implemented several security measures:
The .vn domain has seen significant growth in the number of registered domains over the years. As of October 2023, there are over 500,000 registered .vn domains, reflecting the increasing digitalization of businesses and services in Vietnam.
The cost of registering a .vn domain typically ranges from $10 to $30 per year, depending on the registrar and any additional services provided. Premium domains may be available at higher prices, reflecting their desirability and potential market value.
The .vn domain zone plays a crucial role in Vietnam's digital landscape, supporting local businesses and enhancing the country's online presence. With its established administrative framework, robust security measures, and growing popularity, the .vn domain is poised for continued growth in the coming years.