An information processing apparatus that includes an information processing unit; an information acquisition unit that acquires a set of operational information which varies along with operation of the information processing unit; a reception unit that receives an input operation for requesting an external service providing entity to provide a maintenance service for the information processing apparatus; a communication unit that includes a function of communicating with the service providing entity via a communication line, and that, in response to the input operation, transmits a signal for requesting the provision of the maintenance service, as well as the set of operational information, to the service providing entity.