Network Solutions Delays Dot Com Directory Launch
Network Solutions Inc. is delaying the launch of its Dot-Com Directory.
The directory, which has already stirred controversy, allows Web users to search for businesses on the Internet. The directory uses data NSI has gathered when businesses register domain names.
The Commerce Department late Friday formally requested NSI open the data to other companies. House leaders also Friday sent a letter to Commerce Security William Daily characterizing the Dot-Com Directory as "a very troubling development for a company in a monopoly position that already appears very reluctant to give up that position."
Federal officials turned up their scrutiny of NSI after the company refused to give competitors access to the data. NSI maintains that it owns the database because NSI employees created it. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce maintains the database should be considered public since it was created under an exclusive government contract.
Network Solutions attributed the launch delay to technical concerns and said the postponement had nothing to do with government concerns. The company said the directory should launch later this week.