This newsletter is to provide registrars with more information about the SRS connection process and the allocation of domain names across to their registrar ID. It should be read in conjunction with the relevant .nz policies and procedures
DNC
Allocation of domain names
For the DNA1 process:

• Registrar informs the DNC and NZRS of the date they want to connect to the SRS.


• One week prior to that date, the registrar and Domainz each provide to the DNC a list of the domain names that should be allocated to that registrar. The list from the registrar needs to be provided both electronically and on paper. The electronic version should be emailed to meet the date commitment. The paper version, together with the completed and signed Form DNA1, can be posted to arrive no more than two days after the electronic information.


• DNC compares the lists and determines what domain names can be transferred. Any disputed names are not transferred at this time.


• Approved list is distributed by the DNC to the registrar, NZRS and Domainz at least three days prior to the connection date. The transfer of names will be processed by the NZRS in line with the registrar's connection date.


• Following the registrar's connection to the SRS a 'mop-up' of the domain names that should be allocated to them is undertaken by the DNC in conjunction with the registrar and Domainz. This includes identifying all domain names registered in the week between the list being provided and connection, and resolving any names that were disputed in the original lists.

For the DNA2 process:

• Registrar informs the DNC and NZRS of the date they want to connect to the SRS.


• One week prior to that date, the registrar can provide to the DNC a list of the domain names that should be allocated to that registrar. The electronic version should be emailed to meet the date commitment. The paper version, together with the completed and signed Form DNA2, can be posted to arrive no later than two days following the date.


• The DNC will review the list and approve the names that can be transferred.


• Approved list is distributed by the DNC to the registrar and NZRS at least three days prior to the connection date. The transfer of names will be processed by the NZRS in line with the registrar's connection date.


• Following the registrar's connection to the SRS, the registrar can continue to provide lists to the DNC of those customers who have signed up to the new registrar according to DNA2. This reflects the fact that some customers may take longer to reply to the offer of Terms and Conditions by the registrar and that the initial date may be missed.


• As further names are approved by the DNC, a list of those will be distributed by the DNC to the registrar and NZRS. NZRS will notify the registrar and the DNC when the transfer has been processed.

Notes:

Billing
It is acknowledged that there is a difference in the billing arrangements between Domainz and the SRS.
Domainz currently produces invoices on the last day of the month. These cover registrations for the last month, in arrears, and also all renewals due the following month with payment due on the 20th of the month. For example, the invoice run dated 30 November will cover all new registrations in November and all domain names to be renewed in December. Payment would be due on 20 December.
The SRS functions differently and invoices are produced monthly in arrears. For example, the invoice run in the beginning of December will bill for all domain names registered and renewed during November. Payment will be due on 20 December.
The different approach between Domainz and the SRS creates a potential conflict situation in the month when a new registrar connects to the SRS and domain names are transferred from Domainz to the new registrar. This is because there are potentially two invoices outstanding for the same domain name — the one 'in advance' from Domainz, and the one 'in arrears' from the SRS. For example, if a new registrar connects to the SRS on 7 December, they (or their registrants) would have received an invoice from Domainz for all their names due for renewal in December. However, they will also receive an invoice from NZRS for all their domain names renewed from 7 — 31 December, following their connection to the SRS.
Alternative approaches to the billing over the SRS implementation period have been discussed. Domainz have, however, made a commercial decision to maintain their current billing arrangement of invoicing renewals in advance.
Domainz is solely responsible for this and are putting in place mechanisms to handle any credits or refunds required. For example, Domainz will check the list of names to be transferred to a new registrar for open invoices and, if the renewal date is in the future to the date the registrar is connecting, they will generate a credit note automatically.
If you would like more information on the arrangements Domainz have made please contact them directly at mailto:domainz.net.nz. If any registrar, or their registrants, consider they do not have to pay an invoice (or part thereof), or are due a refund, they will need to take the matter up directly with Domainz.

 
NZ REGISTRY SERVICES
Since going live on 14 October and the acceptance of applications for connection to the SRS, there has been active use of the test system as Registrars applications for connection are received and processed. There have been various general questions and issues raised and these have been addressed directly as they are arisen.
To assist in the processing of applications for connection to the registry, the following completed documents are required to be forwarded to the Registry Manager prior to allowing access to the Test SRS System.

Application for Connection to .NZ Registry
.NZ Connection Agreement Connection
NZRS Direct Debit Form
Registrar Details

In addition to the above documents a soft copy of the Registrar's Public Key is required to be forwarded to the Registry Manager as an attachment.
All the forms are available on the www.nzrs.net.nz . Also on the website are documents outlining the NZRS Technical Statement, NZRS Service Statement and the Registry Connection Process.
 
Test System
The test system is a duplicate of the production system with some additions and changes to allow for testing to occur.
As Registrars are set up in the test system, an additional 11 domains are also set up for them to use, and practice transfer of domains with.
To get domain name transferred, locked or other transaction that may be undertaken by another registrar to a domain name from your Registrar please contact NZRS at manager@nzrs.net.nz , please provide the domain names and UDAI's.
There are some key differences between the Test system and the production system, the prime differences being that:
Graceperiod for renewals and registrations have been set to 1 day (5 days in production).
The Pending Release has been set to 2 days (90 days in production).
These have been done to assist in the simulation of lifecycle testing in a shorter timetable.
 
Refresh of the Test System
The Test system will be refreshed on a regular basis, currently once a week at the details in the SRS are refreshed on a regular basis during the next two months. The schedule for refreshing the test system is currently at 5am on Fridays, this may be changed to meet the changing requirements as registrars come on board.
If the schedule is changed you will be advised in advance.
You will receive an email from SRS advising you of the special domain names that have been pre set up and their UDAI's.
 
FAQ
I have received various questions from registrars over the past 3 weeks, some of the general queries include:
GetMessage
Issue - Not getting a valid response from GetMessage:
You generally supply EITHER an ActionId OR a TransDateRange, but not both.
Public key Creation
The setting up of the PGP key is up to the Registrars although most registrars to date have used gnu, there are instructions on the website on how to use gnu. http://www.gnupg.org/gph/en/manual.html
ActionID's
Issue - What is the possible value range for this?
The range requirement is for it to be unique there is not a length constraint.

Any comments?
If you have any questions or concerns about the SRS, please don't hesitate to contact us. For registry or technical matters, contact Nick Griffin at nick.griffin@nzrs.net.nz. For all other matters, contact Debbie Monahan at dnc@dnc.org.nz

Please note
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