The IPv6 award has been given by the Internet Society (ISOC). Colitti and Kline's IPv6 achievements started at their own initiative through the 80/20 rule. This rule allows Google employees to spend 20% of their worktime working on their own projects.

The Itojun Service Award is dedicated to Dr. Jun-ichiro "itojun" Hagino, whom died in 2007 at age of 37. He was also called the IPv6 samurai. It's the first time the Itojun Service has been awarded.