National research and development program on interoperable database system

The National Research and Development Program on interoperable database system has been in operation since 1986 for a six year period for establishing fundamental technology on distributed, multimedia, and reliable database systems on interoperable computer networks. The project supports some fifteen elementary research topics, as well as development of OSI implementation or functional standards by INTAP. The author includes a brief overview and background of the project with special emphasis on its impact on interoperability and open information technology, the objectives and status of the major topics under the project, and open systems related activities in Japan