GeorgeK - 2:06 pm on Nov 11, 2008 (gmt 0)

Since ICANN only allows 10 years at a time, they basically use their computerized system to renew it automagically. Of course this assumes they will last 100 years, but given their ties with Verisign, it's quite likely.

VeriSign used to own Network Solutions, but that's no longer the case. VeriSign sold its entire stake in the firm (part of the condition of retaining the role of .com registry operator).