November 30, 1999
NTT Worldwide Telecommunications Corporation
AutoWeb Communications, Inc.
NTT Europe Limited
Sumisho Electronics Co., Ltd.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Global AutoWeb File Exchange Service (Global AFX Service) to Begin

 
NTT Worldwide Telecommunications Corporation (NTT-WT), U.S.-based AutoWeb Communications, Inc., NTT Europe Ltd. (NTT-E), and Sumisho Electronics Co., Ltd. (SSE) announced the establishment of Global AutoWeb File Exchange Service (Global AFX Service) between Japan, U.S., and Europe. Global AFX Service is designed for electronic exchange of automotive- and aerospace-related engineering data such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). File transfer service to/from Japan is jointly provided by SSE and NTT-WT while the former and the latter are providers of domestic and global services respectively.

Global AFX Service is an added new function to the conventional AutoWeb Service that facilitates electronic exchange of CAD/CAM data and textual based technical data (engineering standards) for the automotive and aerospace manufacturers in local area. Global AFX Service is a first step towards establishment of international and open network services that promote joint engineering worldwide. By seamlessly connecting the AutoWeb servers in Japan, U.S., and Europe, Global AFX Service will support global designing and manufacturing operations for automotive and aerospace industries that are recently spreading manufacturing activities at the global level. AutoWeb Service eventually aims to expand its scope into the global supply chain management not only in the automotive and aerospace industries but also in others such as electronic and machinery industries.

1. Characteristics of AutoWeb Service

1) Transfer of large-volume data with high efficiency and security

Manufacturers, which require transferring large volume engineering data, can enjoy the service to facilitate efficient concurrent engineering under high security. In comparison to some of the methods in use today such as Magnetic Media or Optical Disks sent by mail, AutoWeb Service minimizes loss-time in manufacturing process. Furthermore, AutoWeb Service notably maintains high security by using multiple methods: IP network physically separated from Internet, data encryption, and access-controls by one-time password and log checking.

2) Open network service

While conventional private networks limit communication to a small number of partners, AutoWeb Service enables users to exchange important electronic data with companies outside one's group. Joining AutoWeb Service immediately benefits a customer with chances to communicate with approx. 3,000 automotive and aerospace manufacturers that are already subscribing AutoWeb Service worldwide.

3) User-friendly Interface

AutoWeb Service uses a simple web-based Graphical User Interface that eliminates needs for any special knowledge of file transfers.

4) Expansion into supply-chain management (SCM) platform

AutoWeb Service plans to add or connect to additional application services that serve for collaboration work and various functions of electronic commerce such as receiving/issuing orders, submitting sales reports, and settling. AutoWeb Service aims to expand itself into platform service that supports supply chain management (SCM).

2. Abstract of Global AFX Service

1) File Transfer Process

[1] A sender transfers a file to an AutoWeb server either in Japan, USA, or Europe through ISDN, frame-relay, leased-line, or other special network such as Automotive Network Exchange (ANX) according to a sender's choice.
[2] When the file is sent to an AutoWeb server, it is automatically transferred to another AutoWeb server closest to a receiver. Then the receiver is notified via e-mail that the file has been received, and the receiver can download the file by accessing to the nearest AutoWeb server.
[3] The subscribers can use the web to confirm that the files have been sent/received.

2) Charges

The annual subscription fee in Japan is 120,000 yen. Subscribers also purchase a secure-ID card and client software as well as additional prepaid units that save memory space in an AutoWeb server. Units are sold in various amounts while per-unit cost decreases with increase in purchased unit size. The installed units are subtracted according to the volume of transferred data. For example, the cost of transferring a file between Japan and U.S. ranges from 200 yen per megabyte, depending on the purchased unit size. Both senders and receivers have to be the subscribers of Global AFX Services.

3) Starting date of Global AFX Service

USA: September 1, 1999
Japan and Europe: December 1 , 1999

4) Serviced areas

Japan, the Unite States, and Europe


Reference:About AutoWeb Communications, Inc.
Attachment:AutoWeb Global Platform Service

 

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