VeriSign operates the domain name registry infrastructure for the .com and .net top-level internet domains, maintaining the authoritative database that translates web addresses into the numeric addresses computers use to route internet traffic. Its registry business earns fees on every .com and .net domain name registered or renewed worldwide, a business model with extremely high reliability requirements since any outage would disrupt a significant portion of global internet traffic. VeriSign's contract to operate the .com registry is governed by an agreement with ICANN, the organization that oversees global domain name policy, giving the company a uniquely durable, government-sanctioned position rather than one earned through ordinary market competition. The company's revenue grows primarily through domain name registration volume growth and periodic price increases permitted under its registry agreements, making it a relatively predictable, infrastructure-like business tied to overall internet and website growth.