An exclusive webcast organized by CCMI & Voice Report …

The IPv4 Address Trading Market:
The Pros & Cons of Internet Number Trades

In February, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority handed out the last remaining IPv4 number blocks to the five regional internet registries (RIRs). The transition to IPv6 has begun. But the lion’s share of Internet traffic – more than 99% – still uses the IPv4 address scheme. And while the RIRs are running out of IPv4 numbers, a large supply of IPv4 numbers previously assigned or allocated to companies remain unused or underutilized.

Not surprisingly, this demand-supply dynamic has created market opportunities. And that begs the question, “Is trading in IPv4 numbers good for the industry?” And if so, under what rules? Or should it be laissez faire? Is it even legal? Could the RIRs begin challenging this market?

“The IPv4 Address Trading Market: The Pros &Cons of Internet Number Trades” takes a close look at the dynamics behind the increasingly contentious practice of selling unused but previously assigned or allocated IPv4 numbers.

The panelists for this insightful 60-minute program on Aug. 18, are Marc Lindsey, partner at Levine, Blaszak, Block & Boothby, LLP (“LB3”) who advises companies participating in the IPv4 trading market, and Jeff Doyle, a veteran IT and IPv6 pro at Jeff Doyle and Associates. Together, they take you through the arguments on both sides of the issue.

» The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) has rules in place that govern IPv4 number registration transfers … but some think they are overly strict and, in fact, question ARIN’s authority in general.

» Markets hate uncertainty, and one complaint about ARIN’s transfer rules is that they inject considerable uncertainty after buyer and seller reach an agreement.

» Some say IPv6 is inevitable, and that IPv4 trading simply forestalls that. But is IPv6 inevitable in one year, or five or ten … or more?

» Are there enough “unused” IPv4 numbers to support market demand?

» Is trading really cost-effective versus going to IPv6? Microsoft paid Nortel $11.25 per number for 666,624 IPv4 numbers!

» Others believe an open and efficient IPv4 trading market introduces unnecessary risks to buyers and sellers … there are lots of argument about who really “owns” the numbers.

» Does it make sense for enterprises and vendors to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on IPv4 addresses that could eventually have little value?

Interesting – and tough – questions all, and Marc and Jeff take them head on in a lively program that will help you set an IP number strategy and policy for your company.