History of APNIC
APNIC was established in 1992 by the Asia Pacific Co-ordinating Committee for Intercontinental Research Networks (APCCIRN) and the Asia Pacific Engineering and Planning Group (APEPG). These two groups were later amalgamated and renamed the Asia Pacific Networking Group (APNG). APNIC began as a pilot project to administer address space as defined by IETF RFC 1366, as well as encompassing a wider brief:
To facilitate communication, business, and culture using Internet technologies.
In 1993, APNG discovered it was unable to provide a formal umbrella or legal structure for APNIC and so the pilot project was concluded. However, APNIC continued to exist independently as an 'interim project', with recognition by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). At this stage, APNIC still lacked legal rights, a membership, and a fee structure.
In 1995, the inaugural APNIC meeting was held in Bangkok. This was a two-day meeting, run by volunteers, and was free to attend. In 1996, a proper fee structure was introduced to fund the organization, the initial membership was established, and the first APRICOT meeting took place.
By 1997, it was becoming increasingly clear that APNIC's local environment in Japan was restricting its growth for example, staff levels were limited to four or five people. Therefore, the consulting firm KPMG was contracted to find an ideal location in the Asia Pacific region for a new headquarters.
For reasons such as the stable infrastructure, low cost of living and operation, and tax advantages for membership organizations, Brisbane, Australia was chosen as the new location. Relocation was completed between April and August 1998, all the while maintaining continuous operation.
By 1999, the relocation was complete and so began a period of consolidation, sustained growth, policy development, and the creation of documentation and internal systems.
Since then, APNIC has continued to grow from its humble beginnings to a membership of more than 1,800 in 56 economies throughout the region and a Secretariat of around 60 staff members located at the head office in Brisbane, Australia.
