Overview

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Afilias is a leading domain registry operator. Afilias manages .info, .pro, .aero and other top-level domains (TLDs), and provides registry backend technology for dozens of TLDs worldwide. In 2022, Afilias was acquired by Identity Digital, becoming a key brand within the world's largest domain registry group.

Afilias' registry technology platform is one of the largest domain backend systems globally, managing over 10 million domains. The platform supports the EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) standard, connecting registrars across 200+ countries and regions for domain registration, renewal, transfer, and Whois services. Afilias also offers DNSSEC, DNS hosting, and enterprise domain security management solutions.

Key Strengths

  • Proven TLD Operations: Long-term operator of .info (one of the largest gTLDs), .pro (professionals), and .aero (aviation), collectively managing millions of domains. See TLD Selection Guide.
  • Leading Registry Technology: Self-developed registry platform supporting EPP standards with high-availability architecture, automated disaster recovery, and real-time data synchronization.
  • Global Registrar Network: Partnerships with registrars across 200+ countries, providing unified EPP access for wholesale domain services.
  • Domain Security & Compliance: DNSSEC extensions, domain abuse detection, and Whois data validation services maintaining TLD integrity.

Product Ecosystem

TLD Registry Services

As a registry operator, Afilias manages the full lifecycle of its TLDs: registration, renewal, transfer, restoration, and deletion. The platform supports bulk operations, real-time Whois, and RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) compliance.

Registry Backend Technology

Afilias provides backend services to other TLD operators, including domain database management, DNS infrastructure, EPP gateway interfaces, and billing systems. Services are deployed across multiple data centers with 99.99%+ SLA.

DNS & DNSSEC Services

Afilias operates distributed DNS infrastructure with DNSSEC signing and validation, ensuring resolution security and integrity. DNS nodes are deployed globally for low-latency resolution.

Brand Protection

Domain abuse monitoring, trademark infringement detection, and brand protection solutions help TLD operators maintain healthy domain ecosystems.

Limitations

  • Post-Acquisition Uncertainty: The 2022 acquisition by Identity Digital creates some uncertainty around Afilias' brand independence and long-term roadmap.
  • Slow New gTLD Growth: The new gTLD market has grown slowly, and some of Afilias' specialty TLDs have limited awareness and registration volume.
  • Limited Direct-to-Consumer Reach: Afilias operates primarily through registrar channels, with low brand recognition among end users compared to consumer-facing registrars like GoDaddy.

Use Cases

  • Registrars Connecting to Registry (★★★★★): Registrars needing access to .info, .pro and other Afilias-managed TLDs via standard EPP interface.
  • TLD Operators Seeking Backend Support (★★★★): New TLD or ccTLD operators can leverage Afilias' registry backend platform for rapid deployment.
  • Enterprise Brand Protection (★★★★): Register and monitor brand domains across Afilias-managed TLDs to prevent cybersquatting.
  • Individual Domain Registration (★★★): End users register via accredited registrars; experience depends on the chosen registrar.

Pricing

Service Price
.info Wholesale Contact registry
.pro Wholesale Contact registry
Registry Backend Custom quote
DNSSEC Services Included in registry services

Note: Afilias operates on a wholesale model. End users should check accredited registrars for retail pricing.

FAQ

  • What is Afilias' relationship with Identity Digital? Afilias was acquired by Identity Digital in 2022 and now operates as a brand within the group. Identity Digital is the world's largest domain registry group, managing hundreds of TLDs. Domain registrar selection guide

  • How do I register a .info domain? .info domains are not available directly from Afilias. You must register through an accredited registrar such as Namecheap, GoDaddy, or similar. Search for .info at your chosen registrar. Domain purchase guide

  • What makes Afilias' registry technology unique? The platform supports EPP standards with multi-data-center high-availability architecture and automated failover. It processes billions of Whois and DNS queries daily with 99.99% SLA. DNSSEC configuration guide

  • Who should register a .pro domain? Originally for professionals (doctors, lawyers, accountants), .pro is now open to everyone. It works well for personal career branding and professional service websites. TLD comparison guide

  • How does Afilias handle domain security and abuse? Afilias operates an abuse monitoring system with a complaint processing workflow. It also provides DNSSEC extensions and RDAP compliance for data security. Domain security tips