The Public Register Search Service (PRSS) was launched in 2004 to provide the ability to search the .uk register for domain names registered by a particular individual or company, or domain names that contain a particular word.

We have recently reviewed the service as part of our commitment to continuous improvement of our services. As a result we are making a series of changes to the PRSS to improve the speed of the service and functionality provided.

Improved search functions

The changes to search functions will enable searches to be made for domain names that are similar in nature to the search term. This will include similarity based on misspelling or visual similarities. For example a search for "nominet" would return registered domain names such as "nomonet" or "n0minet". This search function should allow subscribers to closely monitor registrations that may infringe a trademark or be similar to an existing trademark or brand name.

We will also be improving the search and reporting functionality enabling users to:

• search between specific registration dates
• sort search results
• filter results by registrant address
• search by registrar
  
• results show in paginated format

Email alerts

The new system will also have an email alert function. This will allow subscribers to set a domain search term that will result in an email alert whenever a domain name is registered that matches the search criteria.

Provisional release schedule

Beta release - 7 September 2010

We plan to release a beta version of the PRSS on 7 September. The new beta service will include all of the functionality of the existing service, but will use a new database and search engine. This will allow subscribers to test the new system and take advantage of faster searching. Some additional functionality will also be included in the beta release.

First release

The first major release of new functionality will introduce some of the search functionality to retrieve domain names based on similarity. The first release is scheduled for October. We will also aim to fix any issues raised through feedback to the beta system.

Second release

The second release, in November, will fully expand the similarity search functions available as well as improvements to the user interface. The email alert function will also be introduced.

The release plan above is subject to change and we will keep subscribers informed of new functions at each stage. We would welcome feedback from subscribers at any point during development - particularly any issues relating to the new functions, usability or new feature requests. A feedback link will be included on the new service or you can simply email prss@nominet.org.uk with your comments.

Production version

On 5 April 2011 the beta version will become the full production version of the PRSS and the old service will be withdrawn.