Question: Is control of root-level DNS configuration so important? New search technologies make DNS less useful, DNS has strong hierarchical dependence and *requires* central control, and BIND has a horrible security record. Perhaps DNS alternatives are needed (or *inevitable*), and ICANN should encourage a transition?

Nominee Replies

Barbara Simons - posted on 2000-10-09 19:12:26 There are many problems with the current system, some of which you mention in your question. I believe that we could come up with a better system than the one we are currently using, but we also have to deal with the political reality that confronts us. Given the difficulty of making major changes at this time, we need to focus on preventing trademark and intellectual property interests from setting the rules for domain names. My hope is that we will also succeed in creating an environment in which alternative approaches will be encouraged and given serious consideration. Karl Auerbach - posted on 2000-10-09 09:20:16 I agree with you that DNS needs to evolve. One of my fears is that ICANN will ossify DNS as it exists in the minds of trademark interests and prevent innovation in naming systems and search mechanisms. Emerson Tiller, J.D., Ph.D. - posted on 2000-10-08 20:41:24 ICANN should master the current system before it. When other technologies become clearly better, ICANN should not stand in the way. ICANN, however, should generally not be the driver behind any particular new technologies. Lyman Chapin - posted on 2000-10-08 15:34:45 I'm sure that DNS alternatives will emerge over the next few years, but they will face the same problem that IPv6 faces today - there is just a lot of IPv4, and DNS, out there in the world, and getting everyone to change to something else will not be easy. Those of us who work close to the technologies of the Internet have to remember that most people are trying to do something else - their goal is not a naming scheme that is better than DNS but a way to get my job done. ICANN can encourage people to do what they are already doing - thinking about what comes next, after DNS - but they should not base any current policy decisions on an expectation that something new will come along to replace DNS. Lawrence Lessig - posted on 2000-10-07 14:53:06 ICANN should certainly be investigating better systems, and should support transition or integration if that would better assure decentralized power.