Increase by 6% in 2016 revenues for the .ie domain registration authority
The .ie Domain Registry (IEDR) remains committed to its role as the manager of Ireland's country-code top-level domain (.ie), the official internet address for Ireland. Despite a reported loss in 2016, the organisation continues to invest in initiatives that support e-commerce development among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland.
Current Initiatives by IEDR for E-commerce Development Among SMEs:
IEDR's initiatives are designed to empower Irish SMEs to confidently develop their e-commerce platforms using .ie domains. These efforts include targeted marketing campaigns, a simplified registration process, educational programs, and security enhancements.
- .ie for Business Campaigns IEDR often runs campaigns aimed at SMEs, highlighting the benefits of localised domains for e-commerce credibility.
- Simplified Registration Process IEDR has streamlined domain registration requirements to make it easier and faster for businesses to secure .ie domains.
- Support & Education Programs Partnering with local business groups and digital agencies, IEDR provides workshops, webinars, and resources focused on e-commerce success.
- Collaboration with Government and Enterprise Ireland IEDR collaborates with Irish governmental bodies and support organisations to integrate domain adoption into broader SME digital transformation initiatives.
- Enhanced Security Features To build trust in Irish e-commerce, IEDR encourages SMEs to use secure protocols and has promoted the adoption of DNSSEC to secure .ie domains.
Growth Projections and Impact:
The number of registered .ie domains has been steadily rising year-over-year, reflecting growing digital engagement by Irish businesses. This growth is anticipated to continue post-pandemic, as more SMEs move online.
SMEs in Ireland are expected to increase their e-commerce revenue significantly over the next 3–5 years. IEDR’s facilitation of credible Irish domain names positions it as a foundational infrastructure for this growth.
Industry analysis and IEDR’s own reports indicate a target to surpass historic domain registration growth rates, driven by ongoing digitization policies and increased consumer preference for local Irish businesses online.
Through partnerships and digital support services, the .ie domain registry anticipates empowering tens of thousands of SMEs in the near future to establish robust, trusted online stores, thereby contributing materially to Ireland's digital economy.
In conclusion, IEDR's current initiatives emphasise enabling Irish SMEs to confidently develop their e-commerce platforms using .ie domains by offering supportive marketing, simplified processes, educational programs, and security enhancements. These efforts align with broader governmental digital strategies, fostering steady growth in domain registrations and SME online sales. The .ie domain thus continues to be a key enabler of trusted e-commerce growth in Ireland’s SME sector.
The .ie Domain Registry plans to consolidate and grow its position in the Irish domain market through continued investment in its Strategic Development Fund. Despite a reported loss in 2016, this investment is aimed at growing awareness of the .ie address. The organisation will continue to collaborate with Ireland's SME community to bring them online and introduce them to e-commerce benefits, which remains a priority for the .ie Domain Registry. The focus remains on helping SMEs to establish an online presence.
- Finance and Industry Collaboration: To boost the growth of e-commerce amongst SMEs, IEDR plans to invest in its Strategic Development Fund, focusing on growing awareness of the .ie address.
- Technology Integration: IEDR will continue to collaborate with digital agencies and business groups for support services and resources, integrating technology like DNSSEC for securing .ie domains.
