A database system has a contention monitor which determines when the level of contention for accessing or inserting records in the database rises above a threshold, and inhibits non-critical access to the database to reduce the level of contention. In illustrated embodiments, the user uses wireless technology to access the network. Management is performed so that an application of the plurality of applications corresponding to a directory of the predetermined directories is selected in accordance with an item of the items of identification information given to the directory of the predetermined directories, when the directory of the predetermined directories is selected. The method also includes imprinting a structure into the surface coating.