Microsoft devised a naming convention for the corporate domain structure to provide a consistent interface to the worldwide user community. The naming convention for second-tier domains is based on geographic location (USA-Atlanta), business (ITG-Networks), or development group (Apps-Word).
Master User Domains (1st Tier)
Redmond | SouthernEurope | FarEast | SouthAmerica |
NorthernEurope | NorthAmerica | MiddleEast | SouthPacific |
CentralEurope | Africa |
Departmental and Site Resource Domains (2nd Tier)
SYS-WINNT | APPS-EXCEL | ITG-SQL | PSS-LP |
SYS-MSDOS-WIN | APPS-WORD | ITG-NETWORKS | PSS-BP |
SYS-BUSINESS | APPS- | ITG-APPS | PSS-RWG |
SYS-HARDWARE | AT-RESEARCH | ITG-DEVELOPMENT | USA-DENVER |
SYS-MARKETING | APPS- | FIN-ACCTSVRS | USA-ATLANTA |
OPS-MSPRESS | FRA-PARISEHQ | GER-MUNICH | SWI-NYON |
OPS-FACILITIES | AUT-VIENNA | GER-BERLIN | POL-WARSAW |
The preceding list is a sample of some of the domains currently established. The general rule is to use {division}-{department}. Encompassing the largest practical group is an additional guiding factor in establishing the domain name.
Site domains are determined by {country code}-{city name}. Every site is permitted one resource domain in the corporate domain model.