The problem of delay in registrations by "regional" registries could perhaps be overcome by an automated "handle assignment" service by RIPE, where a handle could be obtained interactively by authorised persons. Given the turnaround-time with the new DB-software, I really don't see where there is potential for delay in registering objects? But maybe we could (on paper) relax the rules a bit to officially allow the registration of person objects that are not (yet) referenced by other objects. The software never prohibited this, as much as I know. As NL domain registrar I'm used to honouring requests for (new) registrations as soon as possible. I don't like a registration to become a multi-stage procedure: - register the domain and associated person(s) in my NL database; - wait till the whole business has been submitted to the RIPE database (weekly, automated); - see what handles RIPE has assigned and add them to the entries in my NL database; - wait again till the stuff has been sent to RIPE. Even if I would make the submission a daily one, it would still take several days before the registration in my NL database and in the RIPE database have been finalised. If RIPE would provide an interactive way of obtaining a handle, then there would be no delay.

Piet

Piet, you've clearly expressed the same worries I actually have: I don't like the RIPE registration process to become not as fast and easy as it is now! But I don't see why the solution of distributing Internet handles assignment (the actual way is not the point: using number ranges, appending different suffixes, ...) is not taken in serious consideration. ---------- ---------- Antonio_Blasco Bonito E-Mail: bonito@nis.garr.it GARR - Network Information Service c=it;a=garr;p=garr;o=nis;s=bonito c/o CNUCE - Istituto del CNR Tel: +39 (50) 593246 Via S. Maria, 36 Telex: 500371 CNUCE I 56126 PISA Italy Fax: +39 (50) 904052 ---------- ----------