Hi,
if each registry, in addition to it's own database lookup services, operates mirrors of the database lookup services of the other registries
I don't think* APNIC (or RIPE for that matter) has much interest in paying NSI to run the software used at ARIN, and I don't think ARIN has much interest in running the RIPE database software (albeit its free) that RIPE and APNIC use. I understand what you are saying and yes, it'd be nice if the registries mirror each other. Unfortunately, the technology to do so does not yet exist [back! back! down! (fighting off another attack of cynicism)]. RIDE -- it's not just a good idea, it's... umm, well, it's a good idea. Regards, -drc (*) I'd be more definitive if I was still in charge of APNIC... (:-)).