Just a few hours before the deadline in submitting new applications passes the online portal
TAS for submitting these broke down..
12 April 2012: Application window closes at 23:59 UTC on 12 April 2012
The database behind is obviously not stress-tested or poorly designed.
Funny that ICANN demands detailed technical expertise for applicants but fails
when data is really submitted.
cite from ICANN-page::
ICANN constantly monitors the performance of the TLD Application System (TAS). Recently, we received a report of unusual behavior with the operation of the TAS system. We then identified a technical issue with the TAS system software.
ICANN is taking the most conservative approach possible to protect all applicants and allow adequate time to resolve the issue. Therefore, TAS will be shut down until Tuesday at 23:59 UTC - unless otherwise notified before that time.
In order to ensure all applicants have sufficient time to complete their applications during the disruption, the application window will remain open until 23:59 UTC on Friday, 20 April 2012.
We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. If you have any questions, please contact the gTLD Customer Service Center (CSC) via the CSC portal.