Press Release
 

May 30, 2001

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


NTT Communications Launches "ShareStage"


NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) will launch an online information sharing service called ShareStage on June 11, the company announced today.

ShareStage will provide an online information processing stage under its "store, accumulate and share" concept. Key functions are: Disk, Bookmark and Auto Log-in.


•Disk Function
This function allows users to store all types of files, movies and documents over the Internet. Moreover, such files can be accessed from home, the office or anywhere else. Three types of disks will be available for effective data management and sharing. They are:
- MyDisk: for saving personal files
- GroupDisk: for sharing files within a group
- OpenDisk: for disclosing files to anyone

•Bookmark Function
By saving bookmarks at ShareStage, users can access websites any time and anywhere, and while using any terminal. Three types of bookmarks are available for effective bookmark management and information sharing.
- MyBookmark: for saving personal bookmarks
- GroupBookmark: for sharing bookmarks within a group
- OpenBookmark: for disclosing bookmarks to anyone

•Auto Log-in Function
This function will automatically input user ID and password, which are often forgotten when viewing websites that require member registration. In addition, when accessing websites that require personal information, items such as names, address and email address will be input automatically.

•Group Management Function
Files and bookmarks can be shared within a group. A group can be created simply by almost anyone and can then be managed by the user to invite new members and to establish access rights to files and bookmarks.

Recommendation Function (planned)
By profiling user activities (favorite sites, hobbies and interests), ShareStage will distribute content to match user interests.

ShareStage will be offered not only as a B2C service through NTT Com's site (http://www.sharestage.com) but also as a B2B2C service initially through universities' web sites. In the near future, it will be expanded as a B2B2C service by packaging necessary components for portal sites and Internet service providers.

ShareStage’s functions and operability are the result of a beta-site trial between NTT Com and Chuo University.

Features

1. Transforms information into shared wisdom
ShareStage supports knowledge sharing between groups, such as families, friends, and business partners. It also creates a place for knowledge sharing and interaction between people who have the same interests.

2. Allows a wider range of people to communicate
ShareStage will provide basic functions that enhance communications by allowing the user to send out personal information and share information. This will be done in a seamless manner, allowing communications to take place virtually anywhere and at any time. Furthermore, stored data will be secure, regardless of the device being used to access the service.

3. Supports the development of the telecom industry through creating flexible, hybrid business models
In providing this service to colleges and other partner organizations, NTT Communications will be aiding the development of the entire telecom industry

Charges

When using the ShareStage site at (www.sharestage.com), 50MB of disk space will be provided free of charge. Over that limit, users will be charged 390 yen per month for every additional 50 MB. Bookmark and Auto Log-in functions are free.

When universities, ISPs and portal sites use the service for their own purposes, charges for each will be discussed separately.

Future Development

With the "store, accumulate and share" concept at its core, it is hoped that ShareStage will develop into a significant function and service that will spur productive communication activities, including C2X communications, in the era of broadband usage. Specifically, the service will be developed by:
1) distributing sites and content using the recommendation engine
2) adding an application function to create photo albums
3) achieving compatibility with mobile phones, and
4) connecting with NTT Com’s e-Call to offer a unified messaging service.

As of June 11, NTT Com will provide ShareStage to Chuo University. The university will allocate user IDs to some 30,000 students and faculty staff, who will use ShareStage for classes, seminars, and club activities. The move is aimed at improving education, communication and data management, as well as promoting information technology.