When a retrieve request of a service is issued, a service retrieving apparatus according to the present invention sets a retrieve range of services within a wide-area network based upon both a service retrieving request source and a service use condition in accordance with both a geographical view point and communication conditions of networks. The service retrieving apparatus is installed in each of plural networks which constitute the wide-area network, detects a service server contained in each of these networks, and acquires service information. The acquired service information is also notified to the service retrieving apparatus of other networks.