Abstract: When the user executes printing in a system to which plural printers are connected, the waiting time of each user is minimized, and the use of the plural printers is equalized. The print management device is connected to the terminal devices and the printers via a network, for example. The print management device saves the print jobs transmitted from each of the terminal devices. When receiving the print instruction from any one of the printers, the print management device transmits the print job corresponding thereto to the printer and makes the printer execute the printing. Also, the print management device collects and manages the print execution status of the printers. When receiving a new print instruction from the printer which is already executing the print job, the print management device calculates the waiting time of each of the printers and notifies the printer having the shortest waiting time.

Abstract: To provide a secure printing system configured such that even if a designated printer is unavailable, printing can be performed with another printer without regard to the difference in models.

Abstract: A data storage system including data sending/receiving nodes and a relay node, which is provided between the data sending/receiving nodes and a network, for relaying data between said data sending/receiving nodes and said network. The relay node has a meta-data memory for registering data processes which should be conducted in the relay node as meta-data, and a data processor for conducting data process in accordance with the processes defined by the meta-data registered in said meta-data registering memory. In the relay node, meta-data designated by said data sending/receiving node is selected from the meta-data registering memory, and data sent from said data sending/receiving node or data received by said data sending/receiving node is processed in accordance with the processes defined by the selected meta-data.

Abstract: A data storage system including data sending/receiving nodes and a relay node, which is provided between the data sending/receiving nodes and a network, for relaying data between said data sending/receiving nodes and said network. The relay node has a meta-data memory for registering data processes which should be conducted in the relay node as meta-data, and a data processor for conducting data process in accordance with the processes defined by the meta-data registered in said meta-data registering memory. In the relay node, meta-data designated by said data sending/receiving node is selected from the meta-data registering memory, and data sent from said data sending/receiving node or data received by said data sending/receiving node is processed in accordance with the processes defined by the selected meta-data.

Abstract: A service providing system which securely prevents application servers, where works are conducted, from illegal accesses. The system has a network, a service provider system for providing a service via the “net” work, a client who requests a service to the service provider system; the service provider system has a service server being connected to the network and one or more application servers which are connected to the network via the service server.