A dotBrand’s Journey: The History of the .cisco dotBrand gTLD

Prepare your organization for ICANN’s anticipated 2026 round of dotBrand gTLD applications by learning from the strategic journey of a global technology leader, Cisco. Our new white paper, “A dotBrand’s Journey: The History of .cisco From Application to Current Use Cases,” offers an insightful guide to the entire process, from initial consideration to long-term management.

Co-authored by Inga Smith, Business Operations Manager, Legal & Trademarks at Cisco and Chris Niemi, Manager, Strategic Initiatives at Markmonitor, this document provides a rare look into the multi-year journey of acquiring and operationalizing a dotBrand domain. It details the cross-functional teamwork, strategic pivots, and long-term vision necessary for success.

Key Insights for Executive Leaders

A dotBrand gTLD is a significant brand asset and investment. This comprehensive white paper offers an in-depth examination of the strategic, financial, and operational considerations involved in owning a dotBrand gTLD.

  • Secure Executive Buy-In: Understand the collaborative framework Cisco used to align Legal, IT, Digital Marketing, and Finance stakeholders.
  • Develop Strategic Use Cases: Learn how the .cisco domain evolved from a marketing initiative to a critical component supporting FedRAMP compliance, enhancing security and trust.
  • Manage Long-Term Value: Gain insights into Cisco’s chargeback model, designed to offset operational costs and demonstrate the asset’s value across the enterprise.
  • Partner for Success: Recognize the importance of selecting a trusted partner to navigate the complex application, launch, and maintenance phases of a dotBrand gTLD.

Read the .cisco dotBrand White Paper

A-dotBrands-Journey-The-History-of-.cisco-From-Application-to-Current-Use-Cases-White-paper

Gain the strategic advantage needed to evaluate, apply for, and manage a dotBrand gTLD effectively. Download your copy of the white paper below.

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