CHICAGO, Jun 1, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Consumers will find a new measure of security and confidentiality in communicating online with their doctors, lawyers and accountants following today's launch of the .Pro domain, the Internet's first new top-level-domain (TLD) registry since 2002.

The new .Pro extension for Web and email addresses is only available to licensed MDs, lawyers and CPAs in the United States, who must submit proof of their credentials for verification before gaining use of a .Pro domain name. Additionally, each new .Pro domain includes security safeguards for protecting confidential client and patient information, whether communicated via Web site transactions or email messages.

The .Pro TLD is owned and operated by RegistryPro, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Hostway Corp., a global leader in Web-hosting and other managed services.

"When it comes to information about your personal health, legal and financial records, you want the greatest possible assurance that your data is protected and that you've verified the identity of the professional receiving and sending the information," said Michael Delciello, general manager of RegistryPro. "The value to consumers of the new .Pro domain names -- verified identity and secure communications -- is something they can't typically find in the mass-market .com and .net domains."

The .Pro domain offers qualified professionals several important benefits, including both a distinctive and secure Internet presence for their Web site, email traffic and confidential transactions. Each .Pro domain registration will include digital certificates for authenticating email communications and Web site-based transactions.

"We are very pleased and excited to welcome professionals to .Pro," said Delciello. "The new .Pro space on the Internet will become a community of members, each benefiting from the unique combination of exclusive identity and enhanced security so crucial to their successful management of patient and client communications."

RegistryPro has established .Pro domain registration procedures with more than 20 Internet registrars. Prospective registrants may visit http://www.registrypro.Pro for links to participating registrars and for more information on registering .Pro domain names.

RegistryPro earlier this year acquired the .Pro TLD from Register.com in a transaction approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Delciello said RegistryPro initially will offer .Pro domain names within the United States, but expects to expand the registry globally at some point in time. It also may consider expanding the number of professions qualified to register .Pro domain names. Delciello characterized the market for .Pro domain names as "substantial, expanding and sustainable".

About RegistryPro

RegistryPro operates the .Pro top-level domain (TLD), an Internet registry exclusively for professionals who meet specific eligibility requirements and undergo a verification process. All .Pro names are issued with a digital certificate, an online passport that facilitates secure communications and transactions. RegistryPro provides a new way for professionals to distinguish themselves on the Internet by using the .Pro extension. Initially offered to doctors, lawyers and CPAs, the .Pro domain name provides a solution for professionals who require heightened confidentiality and security in their online communications. RegistryPro is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hostway Corp., a global leader in Web-hosting and other managed services.

Contact: Mark Smith, StrongForce Group, 312-371-6443,
mark.smith@strongforcegroup.com
Allison Feick, RegistryPro, 312-994-7652, pr@registrypro.Pro

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