Toyota to Construct Global Next-Generation High-
Speed IP Network with Support from Cisco

TOKYO - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) and Toyota Digital Cruise Inc., which supports global telecommunications networks of the Toyota group, announced today that with the full support of Cisco Systems K.K., a global provider of network equipment, the two companies will construct a global next-generation high-speed Internet protocol (IP) network compatible with todayês Internet economy.

As corporations rapidly globalize, there is an increasing need to construct globally optimal production, procurement, supply and sales structures. At the same time, while in-company information systems become increasingly advanced, there is a rising user demand for networks that can handle large volumes of data at high speed and with high reliability.

More than 10 years have passed since TMC installed its initial data network, and in conjunction with advances in technology, different regions and divisions have installed networks utilizing a variety of different communications protocols. This has resulted in increasingly complex systems and a range of problems including systems becoming obsolete.

Under these circumstances, TMC and Toyota Digital Cruise determined that there is a need to promote reconstruction of information technology (IT) on a global scale and to construct a next-generation high-speed IP network infrastructure from the perspective of reinforcing the in-company network infrastructure. With Cisco's support, the two companies will establish high-speed design standards for global communications right from the basic network design stages. Specifically, the companies will use the new construction standards proposed by Cisco as templates to construct a large-capacity backbone, maintain high service levels within the network and secure high levels of security through the use of a powerful backup system. The IP networks of all systems including development, logistics and sales will be integrated and data, video and sound will be integrated on the same network using Cisco's cutting-edge technologies. By doing this, uniform end-to-end network services will be achieved from the network core right down to the terminals.

As a result, a next-generation high-speed IP network will be reconstructed throughout the entire business value chain. These include main domestic plants, logistics bases and all offices and branches as well as overseas bases and cooperating affiliates. This will provide an environment that will enable more efficient and stable performance of existing business activities and will secure the system scalability needed to provide the necessary network which can respond to new business needs in a timely manner.

TMC hopes to establish globally optimal production, procurement, supply and sales structures by continuing to promote changes to business models that take full advantage of the Internet in this manner and strengthen its international competitiveness.

Contact: Shigeru Hayakawa / Shino Yamada (03) 3817-9158 / 9174