The IT systems that uphold infrastructure and corporate activities consist of various software combinations. A reliable system structure is crucial, but simply building a system with reliable software does not necessarily ensure the system itself is reliable. In fact, only 30% of system failures are caused by software defects and the majority reasons lie elsewhere.

 Therefore, IPA strives to improve overall system reliability and software reliability, establish procedures that can be implemented early on in the planning and system maintenance stages, systemize design procedures (technology) for greater reliability, and nurture engineers proficient in these technologies.

 Today, networks are becoming more advanced; we can easily access the Internet from our mobile phones, and even our household appliances. IT systems are also evolving into complex integrated systems, which connect an infinite number of embedded software and information network systems. While mutual connectivity creates new worth, the safety of the entire system is not guaranteed no matter how reliable the individual products or software are. These are the kinds of new issues that IPA investigates.

 The development of networks has brought with it new demand for software security. For example, external attacks on railways, power stations, and other largescale systems will have serious repercussions for society as a whole. The need to be equipped against the new threat of external attacks is greater, since televisions and other appliances, which were once independent, are now connected to networks. In other areas such as automobiles, where interlinked software combines to operate devices, multifaceted verification processes are imperative to ensure safety. IPA conducts investigative research into issues involving such changes in overall software development, and makes the results publicly available.