dotDK exceeds all ITST requirements

A list of dotDK supporters has appeared in the press, very shortly following its release to DIFO under an FOI action. The publication of the list appears to be contrary to the purpose set by the ITST for the release of the information. dotDK is proud of its supporters and remains confident that the list proves beyond a doubt that dotDK complies with all the requirements put forward by the ITST.

Copenhagen, September 30, 2008 – "The publication of the list right after ITST released it to DIFO under an FOI action clearly shows what kind of political game that is going on. It is appalling to see how the top of the organizations in Denmark are used in a political ploy to cast doubts on ITST's decision, which was carefully founded on 21 minimum requirements and 7 criteria—which dotDK clearly won. A tender process must be based on professional decisions and not a political game", says Nikolaj Nyholm, which is one of the four founders behind dotDK.

Regardless, the list of dotDK supporters that has been published illustrates that dotDK has exceeded the requirement of 4 letters specifically stated in the Tender:
“As concerns the letters of support, the National IT and Telecom Agency informs the parties that section 3.2.1 of the tender documents stipulates that "As a minimum, letters of support shall be submitted from four important organisations in the Danish Internet community in order to fulfil the requirement for broad representation. To fulfil the requirement, the organisations shall altogether represent private users, professional users and the Internet industry (providers)".

“Many more organizations have expressed support for dotDK, but have not submitted a letter in order to avoid the hostile political environment created by the incumbent around the process. As a new organisation, dotDK has not had the same 9 years that DIFO has had to develop such support. Sheer numbers of support are not what is required in the Tender. What is required are things that dotDK has promised to deliver including one of the best technical system in the world, a vision for enhancement of a domain that has been neglected for 9 years, and support from organisations in each of the four categories prescribed by ITST.“ says Nikolaj Nyholm.

The Danish Internet community is now much larger than it was 9 years ago when DIFO was founded, and the Internet community now includes virtually all elements of Danish society. Hence, dotDK has sought support from a wide range of organizations, and welcomes ALL organizations and individuals.

“Some sources have been trying to introduce a wider criteria than the 4 endorsement letters and turn it into a popularity contest between the network of the 9-year monopoly holder and the entity that has not yet received the administration, but merely provided a better model for the future. Naturally, this has not been the intention of the Act, nor of the tender process. Accordingly, we remain strong believers in having satisfied also the last criterion, and look forward to introducing the organisation for control by the Danish Internet Society,” says Nikolaj Nyholm.

Organizations supporting dotDK have signed a very specific letter as prescribed by ITST's Tender (all letters were identical). The letters state support for dotDK, but not disapproval of the incumbent.

We appreciate the support from all these organizations to participate in developing a secure, reliable and efficient .dk domain and we invite any other organization to provide their support at our website: http://www.dotdkregistry.dk . We look forward to the completion of the tendering process and to serving ALL of the Danish Internet community.

About dotDK
The dotDK Society is a not-for-profit Danish organization that was appointed as the .dk Administrator by the National IT and Telecom Agency on June 27, 2008 and following a thorough selection process. dotDK will bring world-class technology, increased security, broader representation of the Danish Internet community, and increased global involvement to the administration of the .dk domain. For additional information on dotDK or to voice your support please visit http://www.dotdkregistry.dk