Released on: January 29, 2008, 7:35 pm

Press Release Author: DotAsia Organisation

Industry: Internet & Online

Press Release Summary: DotAsia has its first batch of auctions for its domain names
and it proves to be a massive success.

Press Release Body: Hong Kong, 30 January 2008 - DotAsia Organisation is pleased to
announce today the historical smooth completion of the first batch of domain
auctions for the .Asia "Sunrise" (i.e. priority registration period intended for
intellectual property rights owners). The auctions proved to be a massive success in
contrast to previous chaotic rushes for domain names that leave brand owners
frustrated. The average winning price for the first batch of contended auctions
netted over US$1500.00 per domain, with high bids for domain names reaching beyond a
few ten-thousand dollars, signifying great interest from companies to invest into
the new .Asia cyberspace. A total of over 600 domain names received more than one
application during the first phase of Sunrise (Sunrise 2a) which totaled around
15,000 applications. The remaining phases of the .Asia Sunrise is currently ongoing
and is scheduled to close on January 31, 2008. This is the last chance for
trademark owners around the world and registered companies in Asia to protect their
names in .Asia before open public registrations ("Landrush") begin on February 20,
2008.

Mr. Edmon Chung, CEO of DotAsia said, "This is the first time ever an auction system
is being used to resolve contention of domain name applications during the startup
of a global top level domain registry. Unlike in the past where companies have to
cram and rush in a chaotic race for the domains they want, the auction process
allows a more rational, fair and calm approach. Companies are showing a great
interest and willingness to retain the domain name of their choice."

Some of the highlights of the auction action in the first week include
www.tyco.asia's bidding price which reached a surprising US$7600.00, whereas
"extra.asia" closed at an equally surprising price of just US$10.00. Still ongoing
auctions include "parliament.asia" with a current bid at US$5,200.00, and
"next.asia" at US$1050.00. Other names "to watch" that will go into auction include
well known brands such as "levis.asia" and "iphone.asia". A live auction ticker is
located on DotAsia's website: www.registry.asia.

"As anticipated, some of the really good names may go for a very small price, along
with other surprises. The launch of .Asia truly opens up the chance for companies
and domain investors alike to enter the rapidly growing Asia market." Chung added,
"It is not too late to make your investment in the most prestigious cyber real
estate in Asia, and the land of opportunities that await your exploitation seldom
come much better than this."

About DotAsia Organisation:
DotAsia Organisation (www.dotasia.org) is the Sponsoring Organisation and Registry
Operator for the .Asia Sponsored Generic Top Level Domain. DotAsia is a
not-for-profit, community-based organisation incorporated in Hong Kong. Asia has
developed into a global force in the international commercial, political and
cultural network. The .Asia domain aspires to embrace this dynamism in the Asia
Century to become a nucleus, intersection and breeding ground for Internet activity
and development in the region. To learn more about DotAsia, please visit:
http://www.registry.asia


Web Site: http://www.registry.asia

Contact Details: For press enquiries, please contact Pavan Budhrani at
+852.3741.0015 (pavan@registry.asia)