The focus of these activities is to be set on Internet-related technologies. In particular, INTAP will pay attention to B-to-B interoperability (bringing together multiple business systems), which should contribute significantly to the reform of the economic structure, and to activities aimed to bring in a future society of ubiquitous information, where information helps the general welfare of the society.

Japan is carrying out many programs and enforcing many policies, as typified by the �ge-Japan Priority Plan�g and the �ge-Japan 2002 Program,�h with a view to reforming the IT society into an one that fully uses information technologies to create jobs and improve the well-being of the people.

For the 2002 fiscal year, to help the nation develop a solid foundation for information network system, INTAP plans to conduct the activities listed below, spreading the coverage of interoperability including non-PC devices such as informational household appliances.

1. R&D activities on interoperability technologies of information processing
- Study of foundational technologies of interoperability among different systems
(1) Systems technologies using IPv6
(2) Technologies that enable interchange of structured e-documents over the Web.
(3) Next-generation Web computing including Semantic Web
(4) Interoperability technologies for system management among different domains
(5) Experimentation for health, medical, and educational services to homes

2. Research of interoperability technologies for information processing - Researches on next-generation networking technologies with a view of interoperability
(1) Interoperability and safety in iDC/ASP iDC/ASP: Internet Data Center/Application Service Provider
(2) Technologies for open distributed processing systems
(3) Technologies to take full advantage of high-performance Internet
(4) Content delivery network technologies

3. International fellowship for interoperability technologies of information processing
- Participate in international standardization activities related to the Internet technologies, with a view to securing interoperability. (1) Participation in standardization activities related to the Internet (IETF, etc.)
IETF: Internet Engineering Task Force
(2) Participation in standardization activities related to semantic Web, XML encryption, etc.
W3C: World Wide Web Consortium, JCP: Java Community Process
OMG: Object Management Group
(3) Cooperation with IPv6 promotional organizations abroad (IPv6 Forum, etc.)
(4) Cooperation with other nations, especially those of the Asia Pacific region, on next-generation Web and other technologies
(5) Participation in standardization activities related to system management technologies (DMTF, etc.)
DMTF: Distributed Management Task Force

4. Verification tests related to interoperability technologies of information processing
(1) Interconnectivity tests of management systems
(2) Interconnectivity tests of IPv6 products

5. Promotional and educational activities of interoperability technologies for information processing
(1) Symposiums and seminars
(2) Spreading information by World Wide Web

1. Research on interoperability technologies of information processing (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 1)

The digital economy requires collaboration and linkage of businesses and their information systems. We will conduct research on foundation information technologies for the sake of such collaboration and linkage.
(1) Information processing infrastructure and applications on fast Internet
In the age of fast Internet, telecommunication and broadcasting will merge seamlessly. Broadcasting aimed at individuals connected to the Internet and other new media will carry huge volumes of video and image contents. This will require competent content delivery technology as well as higher transmission rates and service quality of networks. We will consider core information processing technologies and applications to make the best use of fast Internet. The subjects we consider will include, among others, Content Distribution Network (CDN) technologies, which distribute contents most efficiently by defining their locations and distributions, reproducing them, allocating requests to them, and billing for them, and distributed storage technologies.

(2) Technologies of systems utilizing IPv6 (Ensuring the safety of network-connected household appliances, etc.)
We will consider technologies related to systems using IPv6, which we believe should coexist with the current IPv4 systems. Our research will include those on subsets of standard specifications of IPv6 usable in end systems and equipment such as mobile telecommunication terminals and household appliance and devices connected to the network, as well as development of the related verification tools.
Also, as permanent connections to the Internet become commonplace, we expect next-generation Internet services, sensor-based data collection services, and ubiquitous computing environments, to become commonplace. Taking all these into consideration, we will conduct research on an architecture model applicable to many uses (an end-to-end architecture model) and other related issues.

(3) Distribution, management, and reusing technologies of e-documents and XML data
We will consider XML data management technologies (securing safety, guaranteeing the original contents, and reusing technologies, architectures that suit outsourcing) and XML data management centers. We will set the focus of our promotional efforts on verification tests of interconnections as we develop XML digital signature technology.

(4) Next-generation web computing technologies

We will study technologies of connecting network applications (next-generation web linkage) and of automating web computing (inference engines, semantic web, etc.) with a view to inter-corporate sharing of information and enhancement of productivity.

(5) Technological development to secure interoperability in system management
Interconnectivity and interoperability among different heterogeneous management systems are becoming more important in Internet businesses, especially iDC/ASP and corporate information systems. To secure such interconnectivity and interoperability, we will conduct research on linkage specifications among management systems (managerial information, protocols, data formats, security, etc.) and consider implementation and test technologies of such specifications. Also, we will consider integrated management of those devices to meet large demand in the next-generation Internet, namely mobile information terminals and devices, network equipment, displaying and printing devices, etc., as well as common specifications for management of services available with them.

2. Research related to interoperability technologies of information processing (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 2)

As part of our research and surveys on next-generation network system technologies, we will conduct the following research related to securing interoperability of inter-corporate systems across multiple domains.
(1) Research to promote open networks
We will consider the need for secured interoperability and safety of multi-domain environments used for outsourcing (iDC/ASP) by Internet businesses as well as issues to be solved to deliver such interoperability and safety. Also, we will survey the latest trends both in Japan and abroad, focusing on Internet technologies.

(2) Research related to modeling technologies of distributed information processing systems
Reference models of open, distributed information processing define a system based on a systematic framework, while system modeling technologies use object technologies to overcome the problems with inter-system linkage and systems integration, which are necessitated by corporate partnerships and mergers. We will conduct research on those modeling technologies including some verification tests.

(3) Research on policy-based networking technologies
We will study and survey policy information and mechanisms of exchanging data, which are keys to securing end-to-end interoperability among multiple domains, as well as technologies and systems applying such information and mechanism. Also, we will consider prototype experiments to correctly evaluate policy control technologies.

(4) iDC/ASP application technology
We will analyze the service requirements of iDC/ASP (Internet Data Center/Application Service Provider) from the viewpoint of system engineers promoting integration of business systems and integrating corporate systems in an iDC/ASP environment, and also consider preparing guidelines for users to choose the right service to use from the various ones available. We will also try to accelerate the launch of iDC/ASP businesses and prepare the foundation of interoperability that such businesses need in order to achieve sound growth.

3. International fellowships related to interoperability technologies for information processing (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 3)

(1) Joining IETF and collecting information
IETF is an international standardization organization involved in Internet-related technologies. By joining the organization, we can obtain more information on elemental research related to the Internet and information systems. We will continue to be part of IETF as we did last year to collect more information, and will provide such information to relevant bodies in Japan.

(2) Fellowships with international Internet promotion organizations and conferences
Interoperability cannot be obtained by a single nation alone. To boost the competitiveness of Japan�fs IT industries, it is essential to know the latest global trends. As last year, we will actively participate in related international conferences and organizations to learn the latest trends, identify emerging problems to be solved, and exchange information.
- International activities to standardize exchanges of e-documents (W3C, XMLORG, etc.)
- Collaboration with IPv6 promotion organizations abroad (IPv6 Forum, XIWT, etc.)
- International activities to standardize system management technologies (DMTF, etc.)
- Collaboration with Asian and Pacific organizations (e-Asia, etc.)

4. Spreading interoperability technologies of information processing and educating the public in them (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 5)

(1) Holding seminars and symposiums
As last year, we will continue to collaborate with other academic and Internet organizations to hold symposiums on the latest trends in Internet technologies and international standards. Also, our committees consisting of experts and authorities from industries and academic groups will take the initiative in holding seminars to introduce the latest trends in the IT market and international standards.

(2) Educating the public with information on the latest technologies
We will continue to publish the results of our research, development, and surveys through our bulletin, "INTAP Journal," and "Technical Reports." Also, we will spread information including on interoperability technologies through the website of INTAP, in order to educate the general public.

From February 1999 to June, the Electronic Equipment Section, Bureau of Information Industry of the then Ministry of International Trade and Industry held several meetings called "Next-generation Internet Policy Conference" and led a related task force. Based on the results of these and other meetings, we defined a vision of the foundation required for networking computers and information systems to promote the digitizing society, taking into consideration current trends. Since preparation of such a vision requires a good knowledge of trends abroad, we concurrently surveyed how the next-generation Internet is being promoted abroad, mainly in Europe and the US. From the findings of this survey, we chose suitable issues for us to address in terms of building the foundation of interoperability. These issues include an end-to-end architecture to develop systems using IPv6, and a foundation to link applications, data, and information systems including security measures.
In 2000, we concentrated on the following activities and technologies related to the issues above.
- Latest technological trends of the Internet
Part of the results of our surveys will be announced at the "Internet Technology Symposium 2001."
- XML-related technologies
XML digital signature (IPA project) and other technologies (Note: XML stands for eXtensible Mark-up Language)
- "Policy base" networking technologies
- Modeling technologies of distributed systems
Promote development of a medical information enterprise model under a joint project with MEDIS-DC (Medical Information System Development Center) and JAHIS (Japanese Association of Healthcare Information Systems Industry)

In addition, we held an INTAP technology seminar titled "Trends of iDC/ASP in Europe" as part of our public relations activities.

2. Plan for promoting research and development in the future (from fiscal 2001)

As we keep working on our plan, we hope to continue surveys, research and development related to building the computer networking information foundation (foundation of the digital economy), which will encourage the reform of Japan�fs economic structure. Responding to the proposals from the "Next-generation Internet Policy Conference," we will contribute to implementing faster Internet (based on IPv6) as proposed by the national government�fs IT Strategy Conference. We will conduct research and development on an open networking foundation to enable collaboration among the private sector. Also, this foundation should provide an environment that anyone can join and should offer appropriate user systems. Specifically, we plan to promote the following technologies:
(1) System technologies to utilize IPv6, such as securing safety of network-connected household appliances

(2) Information processing foundation for faster Internet (CDN, iDC/ASP and related technologies)

(3) XML data management technologies (securing safety, guaranteeing original contents, reusing technologies, etc.)

(4) Interoperability technologies of systems management

(5) Systems linking technologies (modeling and policy control technologies, next-generation web computing)

INTAP has been conducting research on and making proposals on faster Internet. We are fortunate to have members who have both advanced technologies and enthusiasm to make the faster Internet a reality, and we are determined to integrate all their efforts and technologies to help the national government in implementing its IT strategies. Of particular potential is the project for developing technologies to secure the safety of Internet household appliances, which utilizes INTAP�fs expertise in test and verification technologies. We are determined to roll out this project among big businesses.

1. Research on interoperability technologies of information processing (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 1)

(1) Surveys on issues for linking individual systems
In future, information technology development will shift from operations within a corporation to interactions with those outside. It is essential to develop sturdy networking technologies that are resistant to interferences and faults while securing interoperability. Without this, a digital economy is not possible. If such networking technologies become a reality, they will promote reform of the Japanese industrial structure and enhance the international competitiveness of the nation�fs industries.
With this grand goal in mind, we will survey the trends both in Japan and abroad regarding building the foundation for linking individual systems (promoting use of standards and securing interoperability) and survey related issues such as implementation methodology, steps to implementation, etc.
This year, we will concentrate on data linkage and secure linkage of the three levels of the linkage foundation mentioned above. Concerning data linkage, we will consider a common foundation for linkage based on XML, the WSC standard, and various uses including e-commerce, e-government, services to end systems, and so on.
As for secure linkage, we are determined to help Japan fully implement IPv6 before the rest of the world, since this should enhance the international competitiveness of the nation�fs Internet industry. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) has IP-level security capabilities.

2. Research related to interoperability technologies of information processing (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 2)

We will survey the trends both in Japan and abroad and identify the issues to be solved, in order to establish the foundation for computer networking with respect to interoperability technologies of information processing.
(1) Surveys to promote open networking
We will continue our surveys of the trends in and out of Japan related to interoperability among computer systems in open networking environments. We will focus on the latest Internet technologies which continue to progress.

(2) Research related to linkage of distributed objects
We will conduct research on establishing the foundation for linking applications, the highest of the three levels of linkage among individual systems. Such research should cover how to use RM-ODP (Reference Model for Open Distributed Processing), the international standard which is being defined by ISO/IEC JTC1 and ITU-T.

(3) Surveys related to policy-based system architecture
We will survey IETF�fs trends in standardization with respect to the architecture of policy-based systems used to control communication quality and security. Then, we will conduct research on next-generation methodology and other issues related to secure linkage, the lowest of the three levels of foundation for linking individual systems.

3. International fellowships related to interoperability technologies of information processing (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 3)

(1) Participation in IETF and collection of information
IETF is an international standardization organization of Internet-related technologies. By joining it, we can obtain key information concerning such technologies and system developments. For this reason, we will remain part of the organization to collect information, which we will then share with domestic organizations.

(2) Fellowships with international Internet promotion organizations and conferences
Interoperability cannot be obtained by a single nation alone. To boost the competitiveness of Japan�fs IT industries, it is essential to know the latest global trends. We will actively participate in related international conferences and organizations to learn the latest trends, identify emerging problems to be solved, and exchange information.

4. Spreading the results of the operations above and informing the public of them (Contribution based on Article 4, Clause 5)

Based the results of the research, development, surveys, and international fellowship activities above, as well as on the proposals from "Dialogs on Next-generation Internet Policies" of the then Ministry of International Trade and Industry, we will carry out the following educational activities.
(1) Providing basic information
We will improve and provide basic information that helps people to make better use of the Internet and the IT industry to utilize IPv6 technologies, secure interoperability in information processing, etc.

(2) Publication of our bulletins and holding of seminars
We will continue to publicize the results of our research and surveys through our bulletin, "INTAP Journal," and seminars. As last year, we will hold a report meeting to share what we have learned from IETF.