JPRS and IIJ Introduce IP Anycast Technology to JP DNS Service.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2004

JP DNS Even More Reliable with Better Quality of Service and

Fault Tolerance 

Japan Registry Service Co., Ltd., (JPRS), the company responsible for management and administration of .JP top-level domain and overall management and operation of the JP domain name system (JP DNS) and Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, NASDAQ: IIJIE), one of Japan's leading total network service solutions providers today announced the introduction of IP Anycast technology to the 'a.dns.jp' operated by JPRS and the 'd.dns.jp' operated by IIJ, among all JP DNS servers (a.dns.jp - f.dns.jp) operated by 6 organizations. The introduction of the new technology aims to improve the reliability of the JP DNS. IP Anycast technology(*) enables the distribution of multiple DNS servers with the same name to various sites and provides a better quality of service, better load handling, and improved fault tolerance.

IP Anycast technology allows an IP address that is usually assigned to a specific node on the Internet (a server and a router etc.) to be assigned to multiple nodes that provide the same service. The introduction of this technology to the JP DNS enables the assignment of one IP address to multiple DNS servers. For IP Anycast technology implementation, 'a.dns.jp' selected BGP routing method, and 'd.dns.jp' selected IGP routing method. In both methods, the DNS server closest to the user by means of network topology or network distance is used automatically. No matter which method is employed, the user experiences improved efficiency and better service quality. Geographical distribution can increase tolerance to external attacks, which will boost DNS server reliability. This technology is being introduced to root servers following the distributed denial of service attacks in October 2002. Currently 5 of the 13 root servers are using this technology.

This introduction of IP Anycast technology to the JP DNS is just one of the measures to stabilize the JP DNS that was promoted by JP DNS Operators Group. This group improved processing efficiency by standardizing the JP DNS server names (a.dns.jp through f.dns.jp) and distributing the servers, geographically and on the network, to improve load balancing. IP Anycast technology was introduced to create a more robust system that is more fault-tolerant. The changes to the DNS server IP addresses that are necessary to use IP Anycast technology were submitted to IANA by JPRS, the administrative organization for the entire JP DNS, and the JP DNS has entered a new age of stability once the changes has been reflected on the entire network by January 27 (Pacific Time).

JPRS and IIJ will continue working with other JP DNS operators to respond to the needs of the Internet community and the society at large by improving JP DNS reliability and operational stability.

Glossary

(*) IP Anycast Technology

A load balancing and routing technology that enables multiple hosts to provide a service or function to a single IP address normally assigned to one host on the Internet. Servers that use IP Anycast share a single IP address, and user requests are routed to the nearest server on the network.

About JPRS

JPRS was incorporated on December 26, 2000 to carry out responsibility of the management and administration of the .JP top-level domain and to operate the domain name system. As a company dedicated to maintaining the Internet infrastructure, Japan Registry Service (JPRS) contributes to the development of the Internet and the building of a better future for everyone.

About IIJ

Founded in 1992, Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, NASDAQ: IIJIE) is one of Japan's leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. The company has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan, and between Japan and the United States. IIJ and its group of companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. Services range from the delivery of new generation network services over an optical-fiber infrastructure that is optimized for data communications, to the construction of pan-Asian IP backbone networks. The company also offers high-quality systems integration and security services, internet access, hosting/housing, and content design.

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Internet Initiative Japan Inc. with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports on Forms 20-F and 6-K, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.