The vernacular Internet address is a next-generation development introduced by Netpia in 1997 using in-house technology. It recognizes vernacular language while following the existing Internet address name server system. Netpia unveiled its vernacular Internet address system server method (rDNS) at "APRICOT 1999 Singapore" as a first step to exploring the overseas market and where it demonstrated a simultaneous Korean-Chinese-Japanese Internet address system. Through such initiatives the company introduced its advanced technology to the global, as well as the domestic market.

Netpia obtained official approval from the ICANN Shared Registry in January 2000 through which .com, .net, domains are registered and began offering an international Hangeul domain registration service. At this point, Netpia concluded a business alliance with 10 Korean ISPs, including Hanaro Telecom, KT, and Nownuri.

Along with this, it began providing an Internet Thai language address system to NIPA in Thailand and jointly developed Chinese Internet addresses with CNNIC. Recently, it is delivering exhibition services to clients in Greece, Mongolia, Bulgaria and Malaysia.

Through commercialization of the Hangeul Internet address service in 1999, Netpia created the world's first successful model for this type of business. Based on this success, it went on to develop and supply vernacular Internet addresses in 80 languages in 95 countries.

Lee Sung-yong, head of the Netpia marketing team said, "At present, customers can use a Hangeul Internet address at anywhere in the world and use any vernacular language to compose an Internet address. Accordingly, Internet/e-mail users in one-third of all non-English speaking countries as well as those in English-speaking countries can now use Internet addresses in their vernacular language." Because Netpia offers its service to so many countries, its customers are able to pursue 95 percent of their e-commerce in their vernacular language, he explained.

Netpia recently participated in the Busan IT and won recognition for its advanced technology from entrepreneurs, domestic and foreign government officials, and visitors to the event. In particular, the vernacular Internet address system developed by Netpia was selected as an item for deliberation on the official agenda of the general meeting of the ITU-T World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly (WTSA) held in Brazil. Netpia subsequently received a proposal for promoting the global standardization of vernacular Internet addresses using its system as a standard.

In addition, the issue of vernacular Internet addresses was discussed at international conferences held by bodies such as the Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Last year, Netpia was officially invited by the United Nations to raise the issue at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Netpia also included a numeric option in 2002 to its vernacular Internet address service, and then its Hangeul e-mail address commercialization and Hangeul Internet address and map services in 2003. The company commercialized its Hangeul e-mail address service last year. At present, it is available through most Web sites, including Outlook Express. About 200,000 customers use Hangeul Internet addresses at present.

Gauging that the number of Internet users utilizing the Hangeul e-mail address service will increase in the future, Netpia is aiming to forge partnerships with the larger domestic portal operators.

Netpia will continue developing its Hangeul technology to help not only users of the Korean alphabet worldwide, but also everyone in non-English speaking countries wishing to have an e-mail address in their vernacular language. In tandem, the company will actively seek cooperation with global portal companies.

Netpia offers its vernacular Internet address service in the U.S. and Europe through its locally incorporated operations. In other parts of the world, including Japan, the work is carried out through branches. The company has a revenue goal of 5 billion won for this year, and is confident of its achievement if current trends persist.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand visited Netpia head office in Seoul Oct. 4, and expressed interest in the NLIA (Native Language Internet Address) demonstration organized by the company. A growing number of overseas senior government officials have also expressed keen interest in the service, brightening Netpia's exports prospects.

Netpia can boast that the vernacular Internet address system it has developed is the first instance of a development of original technology related to the Internet. Netpia plans to continue its technology development effort to the point of investing over 10 percent of its turnover in the R&D. It will also strive to secure global competitiveness by actively pursuing international, as well as domestic patent rights for its innovations. Out of 26 applications for patent registration made by Netpia, 10 have been accepted so far.

Over the past seven years has Netpia exerted its best efforts to develop technology and construct a "Hangeul Internet address" environment for native Korean speakers since this is the most convenient means by which they can use e-mail or access the Internet. Netpia expects the project to earn 15 billion won in sales this year.

Netpia attributes its rapid growth to the passion and commitment of its executives toward the vernacular Internet address project.

In preparation for the advent of the era of "ubiquitous" technology, Netpia plans to continuously develop technology in such a way as to enable the use of vernacular Internet address and vernacular e-mail address in mobile phones, PDA, and notebook computers.

Netpia envisages its vernacular Internet address and e-mail address systems coming to represent Korean information technology at large and on this type of "brand awareness" emerge as a world supplier.

For further information on Netpia, contact company president Lee Pan-jung by browsing at www.netpia.com

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