The results obtained by searching for the apparatuses in a system are displayed by representing the hierarchical locations of the apparatuses, so that a user can easily identify the locations of the apparatuses. Further, based on a user of an apparatus to be searched for, the search for the apparatus is performed in accordance with its hierarchical location. And when a search for an apparatus is to be based on its hierarchical location, selected as the search results are map data that appropriately represent the hierarchical location of the apparatus.