Although most registries use the RRR model, some may operate differently. For example, they may allow registrants to order domain names directly from the registry, or grant greater rights to the domain holder than to the registrar.

What are the roles of the various participants?

RRR is an acronym for the three parties involved in domain name registration: the registry, the registrar and the registrant, i.e. the domain holder (in English: Registry, Registrar, Registrant).

• Registries are organisations that manage one or more domain extensions. Registries may be: government bodies, commercial or non-profit organisations, etc. For example, in the case of .hu, this is ISZT, whilst for .eu it is EURID. Available domain names are sold through an intermediary, the registrar.
• The registrar acts as an intermediary between the end user and the registry. It is an accredited company authorised to issue domain operating licences to registrants and domain holders. Unlike the registry, the registrar may manage multiple domain extensions.
• You are the registrant, i.e. the domain holder! You are the owner or prospective owner of the domain name, and you must register and manage your domain name through a registrar.

Some key participants in the RRR model

Whilst the dynamics between the Registry, Registrar and Registrant are important for understanding the hierarchy of these organisations, there are other entities with which you may come into contact.

• ICANN: It all starts with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). The main role of this non-profit organisation is to manage internet resources – such as domain names – and to coordinate the various market participants. ICANN is the body responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations governing the entire domain chain.
• Resellers: Resellers operate on the same principle as registrars: they sell domains to registrants.
  However, they are not accredited and procure the domains themselves from registrars. The services they offer are often less varied, and they have no connection with the registry that manages the domain names they have acquired.
  There are many different ‘types’ of resellers: web developers, freelancers… In most cases, selling domain names is not their only activity.