Landrush of the new .Asia domain name received a total of 266,663 applications in the first 24 hours. DotAsia the registry operator of the new .Asia Internet domain is delighted to announce the launch of the landrush period a success. The 266,663 applications received in the first 24 hours demonstrates a real interest in the domain name and a desire to own a piece of the most prestigious cyber real estate in Asia. Including applications made pre sunrise, sunrise, pioneer programs and the first day of landrush the total number of applications is 298,861. The landrush period opened on the 20th Feb and closes on March 12th.

DotAsia uses a model that unlike the first come, first served process treats all applications equally. Whether you applied for a domain during the first second of landrush or the last second of the landrush period your chances are the same . If it is a unique application the domain will be yours at the end of landrush if not it enters auction. For domains receiving two or more applications, an auction will be held between the applicants. Domains with only one application will be allocated directly without auction at the end of landrush. It also means you must apply during the Landrush period (Feb 20 – Mar 12, 2008) in order to be eligible to participate in the domain auctions.

“We are very excited about the smooth launch of Landrush. The volume of interest demonstrates strong demand for .Asia. Unlike conventional opening rushes where the best names are snatched in the opening seconds, you still have 20 days to submit your application without losing out,” says Edmon Chung, CEO of DotAsia. “We are also excited to see strong participation from Asia, with 5 out of the top 10 registrars coming from Asia.”

The breakdown of the landrush applications received are 35% came from Asia, 40% from North America and 24% coming from Europe. In addition a total of 28,000 received more than one application in the first day.