i2Coalition and The DNA To Merge Creating North America’s Largest Internet Infrastructure Advocacy Group

Two bodies representing the interests of the domain name industry, the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) and The Domain Name Association (DNA) have announced they are merging to form the largest internet infrastructure advocacy group in North America.

The i2Coalition bills itself as the leading voice for web hosting companies, data centres, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers and related tech, while The DNA is a non-profit global business association that represents the interests of the domain name industry.

The combined association will operate under the name i2Coalition and maintain the i2Coalition’s existing organisational and management structure. The DNA will be represented by two members on the Board of Directors. A DNA-branded working group will also be created to continue to advance the DNA’s mission to protect and empower businesses and individuals with education and engagement that underscores the importance, benefits and opportunities of domain names.

The DNA was the first-ever industry trade association representing the interests of the domain name industry and plays a vital role in helping consumers, businesses, public-benefit organisations and others understand the benefits and take advantage of the internet name space. Since i2Coalition’s formal launch in 2012, it has worked with internet infrastructure providers to advocate for sensible policies, design and reinforce best practices, create industry standards and build awareness of how the internet works through an array of working groups.

Through this merger, the mission of the DNA will be more comprehensively empowered by i2Coalition’s working groups and associated initiatives. Effective 28 July 2020, this strategic alliance positions the combined association to be the most complete representation of the internet industry in North America. In addition to amplifying the reach and capabilities for members, the merger enables access to an expanded set of resources and economies of scale that will allow the collective to mount more far-reaching and expansive campaigns to ensure policy doesn’t impede growth, knowledge and access to the internet and its resources. Effective upon the close of the merger, a new DNA working group within the i2Coalition’s existing construct will be implemented with a formation meeting scheduled within 30 days.

“The merger of our organisations underpins the mission of both the DNA and the i2Coalition, combining our mutual dedication to internet industry best practices and policies to empower continued growth. Combined, we represent over 100 organisation members and their online business interests,” says Christian Dawson, Co-Founder of the i2Coalition. “Our commitment to the DNA’s mission is at the core of this merger, and the priorities of both organisations remain as strong as ever. We look forward to going forth with the expanded capabilities and amplified voice that this newly formed collaborative provides.”

“The mission of the DNA has always been to spread awareness, promote growth, offer resources and facilitate communication about innovation and value in the internet domain name space,” adds Statton Hammock, founding DNA Board member and current Board Secretary. “Our mission aligns well with that of the i2Coalition, and I look forward to remaining part of the new organisation and to creating an even larger impact.”

“Domain names are a key part of the growth of the internet infrastructure, and the i2Coalition is excited to become an enabler for the great work the DNA is accomplishing in this sphere,” comments Melinda Clem, Chairwoman for the i2Coalition. “We’re excited to collaboratively foster a healthy domain environment with universal acceptance of non-traditional domains and provide access to expertise and resources that help address issues facing the domain name industry.”

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