“All of the vendors have the capability to run the .NET registry,” the report notes. “The distinguishing characteristics are largely differences in experience, risk, and price … VeriSign has a small numerical edge over Sentan that is not statistically significant given the methodology used to rate the RFP responses. The risk to the operation of .NET is minimal if either organization is awarded the contract.”

The evaluation included site visits by the Telcordia team to each applicant’s facilities, and a review of written reports completed by each applicant. An international team of technical experts provided advice to Telcordia on operational requirements of the DNS. Telcordia’s ability to be impartial was criticized by some parties, who cited past business ties between Telcordia and several applicants.