National Assembly joins .wales / .cymru revolution

Published 30/09/2014   |   Last Updated 09/06/2015

​Today (30 September), the first .cymru and .wales websites will go live when the National Assembly's Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM and First Minister Carwyn Jones AM officially switch on the first tranche of websites to their new internet domains, marking an historic day in Wales' digital history.

It's one of the biggest changes to the internet landscape in Wales since the launch of the worldwide web in 1989.

And the National Assembly for Wales is taking a leading role in that revolution, by becoming one of the 'early adopters' of the new .wales / .cymru domain names.

The National Assembly for Wales's Presiding Officer will be joined by Ieuan Evans of the UK domain name registrar Nominet and the First Minister at the Senedd for the official launch.

"Brand recognition is essential for organisations and businesses to successfully promote their work and interests," the Presiding Officer said.

"A .wales / .cymru brand will be an enormous help to Welsh organisations as they strive to make their voice heard around the world.

"This is an exciting and positive development for Wales. I am pleased that the National Assembly for Wales has taken a leading role in this initiative, by agreeing to be one of the 'early adopters' of the new domain names.

"I encourage everyone who has an online presence in or about Wales to consider adopting .cymru / .wales as part of their future."

Joining the National Assembly in making the switch today will be Media Wales, with their online outlets, Wales Online, and Daily Post switching over to the new domains, the Welsh Rugby Union, Golwg360, Clark's Pies, Bloc, Gwalia, Atlantic PLC, Orchard and Portmeirion.

Commenting on this historic event, Ieuan Evans MBE, Chair of Nominet's Wales Advisory Group said, "Today heralds a new era for Wales in the digital world. The first group of websites going live today marks only the beginning of this new and innovative venture for Wales. In the next phase of the project, this opportunity will be extended to all businesses and individuals.  We can't wait to share these new domains with everyone in Wales."

http://ourhomeonline.wales/