No, Microsoft has not been recommending .local, as this document, circa Windows Server 2000, states:

> Identify your organization's DNS owner and determine what registered DNS names you have available on the network that will host Active Directory.

> If you do not have a registered domain name, you should register a name with an Internet DNS registration authority.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727085.aspx

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