Domain name registration and Web services provider Network Solutions announced the availability of the .IM extension.

The .IM domain extension is currently available from Network Solutions for $15 off the normal domain name registration price the company offers. A one year term for registering a .IM name is $19.99 per year.

"As more and more domains are registered each year, the need for new specialized extensions continues to grow," said Susan Wade of Network Solutions. "The .IM extension allows for a connection between the social aspects of instant messaging and Web presence and can be useful for a number of applications, even beyond personal Web sites."