Beyond that, with the diffusion of basic technologies like XML and SOAP, Web services are becoming the code of choice to interconnect systems, or systems with devices, which used to develop individually. With this trend, the importance of Web services has been growing as an interface to incorporate our multifunction copiers and printers into a system.
Service oriented architecture (SOA) for building in-house systems by combining modules in service units are diffusing and demands for office equipment that can be used via Web services are also increasing.
Ricoh proposed the Document Highway in 2001, as a platform
to connect office equipment seamlessly and openly utilizing
Web services. And we are continuing research and development
of the platform architecture and Web services. To allow these
technologies and platforms to be widely used, we also participate
in standardization activities of such groups as W3C, OASIS
and WS-I.
For the lower layer, we are researching and developing IPv6
and IPsec applications, the next generation Internet technologies,
and Bluetooth, as the short range wireless technology for
the office environment. We also actively participate in and
contribute to standardization activities in Bluetooth SIG.
