With the strong backing of last year's success and the desire to further the deployment of IPv6, the Global IPv6 Summit in Japan 2001 is again scheduled to take place as a component of the Internet Week 2001 program.

The basic technology used in today's Internet is commonly referred to as IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4). IPv4 technology is only able to provide roughly 4.3 billion addresses. This figure, smaller than the current world population, suggests IPv4 technology may be limited to simply supporting a basic network of computers.

The address space that can be offered under IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is essentially unlimited. Devices such as home appliances, cellular phones, automobiles and game sets until recently have not been connected the Internet. IPv6 provides a means for connecting all of these devices to a common Internet.

Imagine, for example, the possibility of using your cellular phone to set your video recorder from outside your home. Or perhaps connecting a bed capable of measuring body temperature and pulse to the Internet making possible the practice of distance medicine.

IPv6 will dramatically expand the possibilities of the Internet. It can be said that IPv6 holds the key to a change in our patterns of daily life and business.

Japan currently leads the world in the IPv6 field. As a result, the Global IPv6 Summit in Japan 2001 is drawing not only domestic interest but also strong international attention. This year, the start of IPv6 business services from ISP's, the rapid increase in IPv6 products and the government support of IPv6 testing has significantly strengthened the IPv6 movement.

There is certain value at this time in considering the current status of IPv6, in identifying current issues, and in considering a future direction. The Steering Group as one is committed to providing program content exceeding that of last year. With this in mind, I welcome your participation and I look forward to your support.