Internet Initiative Japan, a Japanese Internet access and comprehensive network solutions provider, today announced that it will launch a new IPv6 service called "IPv6 Gateway Service" starting in April 2003.
The new service will target leading companies in a variety of different industries. Besides offering IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) connectivity through IIJ's network, the service will provide approximately 3 x 10(26) IP addresses (a block of /40) per contract, which enables customers to roll out their own IPv6 services by assigning an IP address to each of their products or services. IIJ expects the new service to spur the use of IPv6 in many industries, including home appliances, medicine, distribution, and hardware and software, thus will drive the uptake of IPv6 in the retail market.
Hitachi Ltd. has already contracted this service. Fees for the IPv6 Gateway Service will depend on each customer's requirements.
At the same time, IIJ will revise the fee schedule for its other IPv6 service, the "IPv6 Native Service," which is currently offered free of charge for promotional purposes. Starting on April 1, 2003, the charge will range from JPY38,000 to JPY117,000 depending upon the access speed.
Since leading the world in launching its IPv6 commercial services in August 1999, IIJ has developed a number of IPv6-related services. The advantage of IPv6 technology is that it overcomes typical IPv4 (the protocol currently in use) problems, such as limited IP address availability, and it promises to expand the possibilities of the Internet even further.
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