IPv6/IPsec
To anticipate changes in office environments, Ricoh is engaged in research into the IPv6/IPsec next-generation network infrastructure technology and its application to Ricoh products.
Ricoh's Involvement with Leading-Edge Infrastructure Technologies
When we use the Internet, we always use an infrastructure technology called an Internet protocol (IP). The number of devices connected to the Internet is rapidly increasing, and the problem of exhaustion of the IPv4 addresses now mainly in use has become a real possibility. Also, the current IP has inadequate security, and users of systems that connect to the Internet have individually realized security functions by retrofitting security features. IPv6 and IPsec have been developed to address, respectively, the IPv4 exhaustion problem and security issue.
Ricoh has wasted no time in engaging in research and development into these leading-edge communication infrastructure technologies and their implementation and is now incorporating them into products. We announced the test production of IPv6-ready products in 2002, commenced sales in 2005, and launched IPsec-ready products in 2007. Today we continue to engage in activities to incorporate these technologies into new products. Furthermore, we have obtained IPv6 Ready Logo certification and are striving to increase quality.
Ricoh has wasted no time in engaging in research and development into these leading-edge communication infrastructure technologies and their implementation and is now incorporating them into products. We announced the test production of IPv6-ready products in 2002, commenced sales in 2005, and launched IPsec-ready products in 2007. Today we continue to engage in activities to incorporate these technologies into new products. Furthermore, we have obtained IPv6 Ready Logo certification and are striving to increase quality.
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| Figure 1: The First Ricoh IPv6-ready multifunctional device, launched in December 2005, and the IPv6 Ready Logo | ||
With regards to network devices, it is necessary for an equipment manufacturer to respect standardized technologies to ensure communication with various devices and cooperate in the formulation of standards. Ricoh participates in and monitors standardization activities and engages in awareness activities concerning standardized technologies. In the coming years we will continue to contribute to the development of an information-intensive society and produce products that deliver satisfaction to customers.
Taking Advantage of Expertise in Leading-Edge Communications Infrastructure Technology
As IPv6 and IPsec are new technologies, actual use experience remains insufficient, and it is necessary to search for optimal operation approaches. By leading the way in the industry in involvement with these technologies, Ricoh will accumulate greater experience and propose solutions to satisfy even customers on the leading-edge of technology.
In the IPv6 environment, it is possible to exclusively allocate IP addresses to individual devices. This will simplify and increase the efficiency of network configuration within organizations and facilitate the search for new techniques for communication and use.
IPsec makes it possible to comprehensively encrypt various forms of communication and ensure consistency in communication. By comprehensively ensuring the safety of printer and multifunctional device communication, we will provide peace of mind to customers who pay close attention to security.
The number of companies designing and test producing new direct communication formats that utilize IPv6 and IPsec is on the rise. At Ricoh, we believe that we can actively provide our technologies and experiences to such customers.
In the IPv6 environment, it is possible to exclusively allocate IP addresses to individual devices. This will simplify and increase the efficiency of network configuration within organizations and facilitate the search for new techniques for communication and use.
IPsec makes it possible to comprehensively encrypt various forms of communication and ensure consistency in communication. By comprehensively ensuring the safety of printer and multifunctional device communication, we will provide peace of mind to customers who pay close attention to security.
The number of companies designing and test producing new direct communication formats that utilize IPv6 and IPsec is on the rise. At Ricoh, we believe that we can actively provide our technologies and experiences to such customers.
