Other Internet Service Provider The Internet environment in Japan is changing rapidly. At the end of March 2004, out of more than 36 million Internet users currently in Japan, over 14 million are using a broadband connection. In this climate, <strong>Sony</strong> is taking steps, through its Internet service business So-net, to offer a comprehensive range of broadband connection and content services. For example, in April 2004, as part of a service that allows consumers to view Internet web sites on their home television, So-net has pioneered a new way to enjoy television viewing by launching a new service for the location free television Airboard LF-X1. By connecting the Airboard to the Internet, this service allows users to conveniently view a variety of content, including news, weather forecasts, program listings and horoscopes—even while they are watching television. So-net also supports NetAV*, a distinctive feature of Airboard, which allows users to remotely view television programs and DVD content broadcast from their homes, even when they are overseas. A web site service for <strong>Sony</strong>’s Airboard LF-X1 location free television *NetAV is a function made possible through So-net’s Dynamic DNS service (recommended). Content viewed through this service is intended for personal use only, and any other use, unless permission is obtained from the copyright holder, is strictly prohibited. Integrated Circuit (IC) Card Business FeliCa, <strong>Sony</strong>’s contactless IC card technology, is becoming an essential part of our everyday lives FeliCa is a contactless IC card that, when placed over an electronic reading device, facilitates the smooth exchange of information. “FeliCa” stems from the word “felicity,” which literally means “great happiness.” As its name suggests, FeliCa was designed to make daily activities more enjoyable and convenient. Because data on the card can be overwritten many times, the card can be used repeatedly. In addition, the card can store distinct information for, and be accessed independently by, various companies, making it a multiple-purpose card. It also boasts the fastest processing speed in the IC card industry. Through its mutual authentication and data encryption technology, it provides a secure environment for data transmission. Separate access rights can be established for different companies in the card’s memory, thus facilitating independent access by multiple companies. As evidence of the high value placed upon these features, FeliCa technology is currently being utilized by a wide range of mass transit systems in Japan, including the Suica commuter pass of East Japan Railway Co., Ltd. (JR East); the ICOCA commuter pass of West Japan Railway Co., Ltd. (JR West); and local bus services. FeliCa has also been adopted by public transportation systems in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and India. In particular, in Hong Kong, which was the first location worldwide to adopt FeliCa technology, cards based on FeliCa technology can be used in public phones and convenience stores. FeliCa technology has also been adopted for use in electronic payment systems for the purchase of food and beverages at stores and shopping centers, as well as for ID and access control for corporate offices and schools. In Japan, FeliCa is being employed in the Edy electronic money service, which is operated by bitWallet, Inc., and accepted at more than 9,000 convenience stores and other retail outlets nationwide. <strong>Sony</strong> Finance International, Inc., also uses FeliCa technology for its credit card, eLIO, which was developed exclusively for Internet shopping. Also, in summer 2004, NTT DoCoMo Inc., will begin selling cellular phones embedded with an IC chip based on FeliCa technology. Contactless IC card FeliCa Suica* prepaid commuter pass, valid on all JR East, Tokyo Monorail and Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit railway lines Approximately 9 million cards issued to date *Suica is a registered trademark of JR East. ez-link Card (Singapore) Used on railway, subway and buses in Singapore Approximately 6 million cards issued to date Octopus Card (Hong Kong) Octopus Watch (Hong Kong) ICOCA* prepaid commuter pass, valid on all JR West railway lines Approximately 1.3 million cards issued to date *ICOCA is a registered trademark of JR West. ANA Mileage Club Card, Edy card (All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.) Can be used to convert air miles into Edy electronic money Can be used on railway, subway, buses, ferries and other public transportation, as well as for the purchase of goods and as a form of ID Available in card or watch form More than 10 million cards issued to date * Octopus Card and Octopus Watch are registered trademarks of Octopus Cards Limited. 54
Europe—DVD Handycam <strong>Sony</strong>’s Advertising Around the World Latin America—Net MD Walkman To promote its products and brand, <strong>Sony</strong> conducts advertising around the world in a style that matches the cultures and customs of individual countries and regions. Japan—QRIO robot U.S.—Digital still camera China—DVD player Canada—Flat panel television 55
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