The exclusive operator of the .Pro top-level domain (TLD) on the Internet, RegistryPro, today announced it will begin accepting pre-orders for second-level domains from current .Pro registrants who use any of the registry’s 11 profession-specific third-level designations. As the first step in the registry’s highly anticipated transition to new registration parameters, slated for July 14, 2008, the pre-orders are being accepted.

General manager of RegistryPro, Catherine Sigmar, declared: “In our discussions about how to best expand the TLD, we realized a need to protect current registrants who may have been discouraged from registering second-level Redirecting Domains or unable to register Second Level Resolving Domains”. She added: “We’ve prepared for tremendous growth in 2008 and the Third Level Transition became a natural extension of the registry’s vision.”

Designed by RegistryPro and approved by RegistryPro’s Advisory Board, the Third Level Transition (TLT) Initiative, requires the registry to temporarily block several hundred second-level domains.

The primary component of the TLT Initiative allows third-level registrants to acquire one of two pre-defined registrations types: Exact String Match or PSSLD Match. For example, “mikejonessmith.law.pro” will be eligible for one of two domains:

Exclusively to current third-level registrants who held domains prior to March 14, 2008, the opening of RegistryPro’s public comment period on ICANN’s Web site, the TLT domains will be made available.

Director of operations for RegistryPro, Matt Buckland, stated: “The TLT Initiative will be divided into two phases: Phase I encompasses Exact Matches and PSSLD Matches. Phase II is dedicated to transitioning registrants who were unable to secure Phase I domains.” He adds: “Meanwhile, the .Pro TLD will remain open and continue accepting all new domain orders during the TLT.”