Final applicant guidebook (V9) is finally OUT.

Available in English only, final version of the applicant guidebook is out today and available here:
http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb

The changes between previous version (8) and version 9:

1. GAC early warning  (1.1.2.4);
2. Initial evaluation (1.1.2.5);
3. Receipt of GAC advice on new gTLDs (1.1.2.7);
4. Subsequent application rounds (1.1.6);
5. Eligibility (1.2.1);
6. Required documents (1.2.2);
7. Resources for applicant (1.2.10);
8. IDN tables (1.3.2);
9. Submitting an application (1.4);
10. gTLD evaluation fee (1.5.1);
11. Refunds (1.5.1);
12. String requirements for IDNs (2.2.1.3.2);
13. Review procedure for geographic names (2.2.1.4.4);
14. Customary services (2.2.3.2);
15. Geographic names extended evaluation (2.3.1);
16. Registry services extended evaluation (2.3.3);
17. Panel selection process (2.4.2);
18. Annex to module 2: separable country names list;
19. Attachment to module 2: evaluation questions and criteria. Many modifications here;
20. GAC advice on new gTLDs (3.1);
21. Dispute resolution service providers (3.2.3);
22. Filling procedures (3.3);
23. Dispute resolution costs (3.4.7);
24. Contention resolution and contract resolution (4.4);
25. Attachment to module 5: gTLD registry agreement.  Many modifications here;
26. Terms and conditions (5-6-8-14).

Interested in going fast: here is the direct link to the Summary of Changes to the Applicant Guidebook

Apply NOW for your Top-Level Domain(s)

TAS is the name of the Top-Level Domain Application System User Registration. To apply for your domain name extension, you will need to submit your entire application through this tool and pay the fees.

https://gtldreg.icann.org/

Not ready?

Well...you still have 3 months to prepare and find:

• "Money" and a good bank account;
• A back end registry provider for your technical operations;
• Lawyer(s);
• A service provider unless you operate your entire TLD yourself;
• A service provider for your communication: PR and marketing (unless you want to do it yourself);
• A DNS service provider unless you have your own network but I doubt it;
• "Sellers" or Registrars unless you do not plan to sell domain names;
• An external validation agent;
• An escrow provider because ICANN wants to;
• Someone able to manage auctions if part of your plans are to auction domain names.

Good luck.

nb: TAS opened today.