Nomulus - Open-Source Registry Platform for TLD Management

Nomulus is an open-source, cloud-based service developed by Google for operating top-level domain (TLD) registries. It manages domain registrations, renewals, availability checks, and WHOIS requests, serving as the authoritative source for the TLDs it operates. Nomulus is designed to run on Google App Engine and is primarily written in Java.

Features

• Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP): Facilitates standard communication between registrars and registries for domain operations.
• DNS Interface: Provides a pluggable interface compatible with various DNS providers, including a sample implementation using Google Cloud DNS.
• WHOIS and RDAP Services: Offers protocols for retrieving domain ownership and contact information.
• Registry Data Escrow (RDE): Ensures daily export of ownership data to third-party escrow providers, complying with ICANN requirements.
• Premium Pricing Support: Allows configurable pricing for premium domain names.
• Billing History: Maintains a comprehensive record of all billable events for invoicing purposes.
• Registration Period Management: Supports various phases of the gTLD lifecycle, including Sunrise and General Availability.
• Brand Protection: Integrates with the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) to safeguard trademark holders' rights.
• Registrar Support Console: Provides a web-based interface for registrars to manage their accounts.
• Reporting Tools: Generates required external reports and facilitates internal reporting through BigQuery integration.
• Administrative Tools: Enables comprehensive management of the registry system, including TLD configuration.

Pros

• Scalability: Capable of managing multiple TLDs within a single system through horizontal scaling.
• Extensibility: Modular design allows for customization and integration with various services.
• Compliance: Meets ICANN requirements for gTLD operations, including data escrow and trademark protections.
• Open Source: Source code is publicly available under the Apache 2.0 license, promoting transparency and community collaboration.

Cons

• Complexity: Setting up and managing the system may require significant technical expertise, particularly with Google Cloud services.
• Resource Intensive: Operating a TLD registry demands substantial infrastructure and operational resources.
• Niche Application: Primarily suited for entities managing or intending to manage TLDs, limiting its general applicability.

Free Plan Details

Nomulus is freely available as an open-source project under the Apache 2.0 license. Users can access, modify, and deploy the software without licensing fees. However, deploying and operating Nomulus on cloud infrastructure, such as Google App Engine, will incur associated hosting and operational costs.