After the establishment of APNOMS in 1997, networks and services and management technologies have experienced dramatic progress. In the network area, next generation networks (NGNs) are a hot topic, and service convergence has become a key issue. In the computer area, ubiquitous and pervasive computing have become enabling technologies. In the user area, sensor networks are expected to be the new infrastructures that will improve many different environments and enrich people¡¯s lives. In each area, many researchers and designers are striving to invent new architecture that will enable and improve these new technologies. Combinations of architecture and relevant technologies will be the foundation of the ubiquitous information society, and then, all devices in words and artifacts will be networked through new applications that will support diversified life styles. Under these circumstances, networks, devices, and services will require management, causing the scale and complexity to expand enormously.

The organizing committee of APNOMS2005 selected ¡°Toward Managed Ubiquitous Information Society¡± as the main theme of this conference. The conference consists of keynote speeches, a panel of distinguished experts, special sessions, technical sessions, poster

sessions, and an exhibition. I believe that management technologies will play a key role in the success of establishing a ubiquitous information society, because it will spread to all areas, and people with varying levels of ICT literacy should be able to enjoy the benefits without undue stress and difficulties. Without a well-organized management scheme, the ubiquitous information society will never be fully realized.

On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the participants in the Okinawa conference. I sincerely hope that all of you will help make this symposium the most productive and useful ever, and have a very enjoyable time here in Okinawa. It is our hope that everyone will be able to enrich their own knowledge base and leave here with new and exciting ideas and inspirations.

Finally, I would like to thank all contributors to this symposium, who worked so hard to make this all possible. In particular, I very much appreciate the efforts of all committee members, who devoted their time to preparing and organizing this symposium to make it a success.

Nobuo Fujii
General Chair
NTT, Japan