#Japan #Yokohama #Classmethod #Kong Konnect #OK Corporation

OK Corporation Chooses Kong Konnect for API Integration in Multi-Cloud

In a landmark decision, Kong Inc., a leader in API and AI connectivity technologies headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has announced that OK Corporation, based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, has adopted "Kong Konnect" as its API integration platform for a multi-cloud environment. The deployment was facilitated by Classmethod Inc., a partner company of Kong.

Background: Embracing Digital Transformation Since 1958

Founded in 1958, OK Corporation has long championed high-quality products at everyday low prices, extending its operations predominantly in the Kanto area. As a discount supermarket chain, OK Corporation is currently driving a substantial shift to cloud-based systems and modernization of its vital operational frameworks. The company aims to enhance customer convenience while promoting operational efficiency by integrating various cloud services. However, as the shift towards API-centric, real-time collaboration escalates, maintaining overarching governance and maximizing development efficiency are now critical challenges.

In response to these factors, the selection of Kong Konnect was made to provide a unified management and visualization platform for APIs across multi-cloud settings and to standardize security policies.

Structure Overview

Diagrams and images can be included here to illustrate the structural implementation and API flow.

Operational Overview

The first project to implement this new system is the "Christmas Cake Reservation System," set to go live in winter 2025. By controlling communications across different cloud environments through Kong, they aim to ensure stable operations and secure connections during peak periods. Future expansions will include its application to essential operational systems such as store management, fresh food, and groceries, with the goal of establishing a company-wide API management platform.

Reasons for Selecting Kong

OK Corporation’s choice of Kong was driven by several key factors:

• - Multi-Cloud Integration Management: The ability to manage APIs dispersed across multiple cloud environments from a single console allows for consistent control and oversight.
• - Increased Development Speed: With the support of the Developer Portal, developers can easily access API information, thus promoting reuse and shortening lead times for service provision.
• - Strengthened Governance through Standardization: By consolidating various authentication logics into Kong, the organization can uphold higher security standards at the corporate level.
• - High Compatibility with IaC: The code-based management of API foundation construction aligns with OK’s emphasis on modern infrastructure operations, allowing for rapid and accurate deployments.
• - Procurement via AWS Marketplace: Acquiring Kong through AWS Marketplace capitalizes on existing cloud service contracts, facilitating smooth procurement processes.

Expected Benefits from Implementation

With the introduction of Kong Konnect, several benefits are anticipated:

• - Visibility of API Usage: The ability to analyze data on traffic and user trends will aid in optimizing resources and formulating future digital strategies.
• - Reduction in Operational Management Costs: By centralizing previously dispersed management tasks, an efficient and sustainable operational framework can be established.
• - Enhanced Development Speed: The centralized platform will enable development teams to focus on service development, thereby reducing time-to-market.
• - Unified Security Policies: Centralized control of authentication and authorization minimizes human error and ensures consistent security standards across the organization.
• - Scalability for Future AI Applications: Ensuring that AI applications and agents can safely utilize APIs sets the foundation for advanced data use in the future.
• - Promotion of API Reuse via Developer Portal: Encouraging the reuse of existing APIs is expected to improve efficiency in new application development and accelerate overall development speed.

Future Outlook

OK Corporation aims to gradually expand the application of its API management platform centered around Kong, further driving digital transformation throughout the company.

• - Constructing a Company-Wide API Platform: The gradual rollout of systems related to stores, fresh food, and groceries will establish a reliable infrastructure capable of rapid and secure data and service integration.
• - Optimization of Multi-Cloud Environments and Strengthened Governance: The ongoing integration of dispersed systems will facilitate more in-depth visibility and control, enhancing transparency and security.
• - Evolution to a Next-Generation Infrastructure for the AI Era: As generative AI and AI agents are integrated, a secure structure for data utilization, cost management, and governance will be established to rapidly incorporate cutting-edge technologies into business, thereby enhancing customer experiences.

Kenji Arakawa, Deputy Head of IT at OK Corporation, remarked, "We view the centralized management of APIs in a multi-cloud setting as a crucial component of our management strategy. With Kong's implementation, we anticipate unifying our API management to achieve a balance between development speed and security. Our goal is to expand this platform for company-wide API management to improve customer experiences further."

Nobuo Takeda, Director of Game Solutions and Business Efficiency Solutions at Classmethod Inc., expressed satisfaction in supporting OK Corporation's deployment of Kong Konnect. "We are pleased to aid in the seamless procurement through AWS Marketplace. Classmethod leverages expertise in cloud-native environments to enhance API management and security governance in a multi-cloud framework alongside Kong Konnect."

Daisuke Arizume, President of Kong Inc. stated, "We are honored to support OK Corporation's initiative for comprehensive API integration in their multi-cloud environment. APIs are not just mere connectivity tools; they are foundational for data utilization and AI capabilities. With Kong Konnect, we are confident in enabling the control and visualization of a decentralized infrastructure to build a secure and scalable digital foundation. We will continuously support OK's sustainable growth and enhancement of customer experiences in the realm of API and AI connectivity."

About OK Corporation

OK Corporation, recognized for its commitment to high quality and everyday low prices, operates over 160 stores across Tokyo and surrounding areas, delivering quality products selected carefully from a broad range. We emphasize providing everyday low prices, eliminating the need for promotional specific days. We ensure quality and affordability, especially in fresh produce, and aim to be the market leader in national brand pricing.

For more about OK Corporation or to explore products, visit their website.

About Classmethod Inc.

Classmethod Inc. positions itself as a technological partner supporting firms in their digital transformation (DX) across cloud-native fields, data analysis, mobile tech, IoT, and AI/machine learning. Recognized as a top-level partner for AWS since 2015, they have consistently earned accolades within the community, supporting nearly 5,000 companies and engaging with over 35,000 AWS accounts.

About Kong

Kong leads in API and AI connectivity technology, providing trusted solutions for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 firms to startups. With Kong Konnect, they enable secure connections and efficient management of APIs and AI models on a single integrated platform. For detailed information, please visit Kong’s official site.