InterNIC

<p>InterNIC, known as the Network Information Center (NIC) until 1993, was the organization primarily responsible for <a href="/facts/Domain_Name_System/rfxdWFsj">Domain Name System</a> (DNS) <a href="/facts/Domain_name/FDLD2m5G">domain name</a> allocations and <a href="/facts/X.500/zaeao2Lf">X.500</a> directory services.  From its inception in 1972 until October 1, 1991, it was run by the Stanford Research Institute, now known as <a href="/facts/SRI_International/flSHunVK">SRI International</a>, and led by <a href="/facts/Elizabeth_J._Feinler/ucJBk4lL">Jake Feinler</a>. From October 1991 until September 18, 1998, it was run by <a href="/facts/Network_Solutions/FuVmUoeH">Network Solutions</a>. Thereafter, the responsibility was assumed by the <a href="/facts/Internet_Corporation_for_Assigned_Names_and_Numbers/2EHgcUU1">Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers</a> (ICANN).
</p><p>It was accessed through the domain name internic.net, with email, FTP and World Wide Web services run at various times by <a href="/facts/SRI_International/flSHunVK">SRI</a>, <a href="/facts/Network_Solutions/FuVmUoeH">Network Solutions, Inc.</a>, and <a href="/facts/AT%26T_Corporation/BfsX7eX2">AT&T</a>. This website is still active today, operated by ICANN, and currently provides reference documents and information related to domain registration. The InterNIC also coordinated the IP address space, including performing <a href="/facts/IP_address/z9V22Sw9">IP address</a> management for North America prior to the formation of <a href="/facts/ARIN/GYh8oLsH">ARIN</a>. InterNIC is a registered <a href="/facts/Service_mark/CvkTjP09">service mark</a> of the <a href="/facts/U.S._Department_of_Commerce/3sch0DLr">U.S. Department of Commerce</a>. The use of the term is licensed to the <a href="/facts/Internet_Corporation_for_Assigned_Names_and_Numbers/2EHgcUU1">Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers</a> (ICANN).
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InterNIC open-in-new

InterNIC