China will host the 2008 Olympics, providing a classic scenario of challenge and opportunity in terms of the country's ability to support the gargantuan amount of information that will be collected and communicated daily. With the world's media working from and reporting on China, the country does not want to be embarrassed by an insufficient IT infrastructure.

"I am hoping that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will serve as a successful demonstration of the application of new IT technologies, and the progress of IT industries in China in recent years," says Professor Li. "One of the slogans of the event is 'High- Tech Olympics.'"

Among the new technologies that will be deployed are a wireless mobile IPv6 network, intelligent transportation planning and monitoring—including RFID ticketing for the entire transport system-and a virtual reality-based Olympic Museum.