Next Generation Information Infrastructure and Database Service-Policy Frame and Market Development in Japan

Author outlines briefly developments of policies relating to telecommunication infrastructure and databases since latter half of 1970′s. There exist three phases. The first phase was from later 1970′s to 1985, which was an initial stage of electronic information service in Japan. In the second phase, 1985～1990, basic policy change made possible the privatization of telecommunication services and proliferation of database products and vendors, The third phase began in early 1990′s with downsizing in computer usage, wide-spreading information networks and rapid dissemination of personal computers. Then author describes offers on policy formation for "novel information infrastructure" and current situation concerning the "Internet" in Japan. Finally, tasks and problems for implementing new generation program for information infrastructure and database usage are pointed out, These are knowledge resource, cost, copyrights and cultural problems including language.