This AUsome! blog addresses the technical portion of the .au Registry Transformation Project, and this post recaps Afilias’ accomplishments in keeping the transition on schedule.

In December, 2017, auDA announced Afilias as the winner of their tender process, and Afilias has been working closely with auDA since then on implementing a safe, secure transition plan. Afilias has conducted technical transitions for more domains than any other provider in the world, and all of these have been successfully completed without any interruption of service to websites or email, etc. The plan for .au draws on this best in class experience, and ensures that no end user in the Australian Internet community will be negatively affected.

The .au transition is fully on schedule to be completed at the end of June, 2018.

Now that we are about halfway through the migration period, this is a good time to review the accomplishments that have fulfilled our promises to date:

• Production test environment open: This technical “sandbox” environment enables .au registrars to connect to the new system and test their software to be sure it works as they expect. This is critical, as it gives registrars ample time to make any adjustments needed so they can avoid problems for their customers.
• New .au Support Office in Melbourne: Afilias has established a full-service office in the center of Melbourne, with state of the art security and facilities for a world class support center.
• New staff /new jobs: Pat Donaldson has begun building his team of experienced professionals to ensure top-notch support for .au registrars.
• Data centres selected: Afilias will operate in the best-in class Equinix data centre in Melbourne, and host a duplicate set of back-up services a safe distance away at Amazon Web Services in Sydney.
• Data checked: Data samples from the current registry operator have been analyzed for accuracy, consistency and completeness. Error reports have been provided and corrections requested.

In addition to the above, a host of administrative items have been addressed, including new contracts with registrars, employment agreements, leases, furniture, phones, etc. etc. The completion of these mundane but important tasks is key to ensuring a smooth handoff in June without interruption of any key services to registrars or more importantly, registrants and internet users.

Of course, much is still to be done, and our plan encompasses every critical element. Afilias is 100% committed to making sure that nothing is disrupted during the transition and that the upgrading process is smooth for all. Once the new system is in place, .au will have more capacity, faster service and enhanced security—all critical to its ability to support a reliable, growing and secure Australian internet economy.

Have a question or want to suggest a topic for us to cover? Email us at transformationblog@afilias.com.au.

More information on Afilias plc is located at www.afilias.info.