#Japan #Shizuoka #Authlete #Shizuoka Newspaper Group #AtS ID

Authlete and Shizuoka Newspaper Group: Enhancing Digital Services

In a notable collaboration, the Shizuoka Newspaper Group has officially integrated the Authlete platform to develop a streamlined common ID infrastructure known as AtS ID. This move represents a significant advance in enhancing the security features and user experience of their digital services. By utilizing Authlete’s unique expertise in API security standards through OAuth and OpenID Connect (OIDC), the Shizuoka Newspaper Group is set to deliver an integrated digital services experience to its users.

Background of the Shizuoka Newspaper Group

The Shizuoka Newspaper Group, based in Shizuoka City, Japan, plays a crucial role in disseminating information across various media, including newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms. As of April 2024, the group boasts impressive circulation figures of approximately 466,000 copies of the Shizuoka Newspaper, ranking it among the leading regional newspapers in Japan.

In recent years, the group has intensified its digital transformation efforts. They launched a subscription-based news site that not only features articles from the Shizuoka Newspaper but also publishes original content. Their commitment extends to a comprehensive internet portal that covers everything from gourmet guides to local events in Shizuoka Prefecture. Additionally, in 2023, the group released a free smartphone application, the Shizuoka Newspaper SBS Digital @S+, catering to local lifestyle information and news, which further connected readers to various community events and sports news.

The Challenge of Service Integration

While the Shizuoka Newspaper Group aimed to increase subscriptions and enhance digital service engagement, they recognized that a seamless integration of these services under one umbrella was imperative. Users needed to utilize a single ID across multiple services, yet the existing membership system catered only to the @S+ app, lacking external integration capabilities. To overcome this obstacle, a new common ID infrastructure was proposed, leading to the decision in the summer of 2023 to construct this framework, guided by the group’s systems integrator, SBS Information Systems.

Building the Common ID Infrastructure with Authlete

The development of the common ID framework involved transferring existing user data from the @S+ app and developing new user management and authentication functionalities. The interlinking of services adhered to the open standards set forth by OAuth and OIDC, which would ensure a secure and versatile user experience.

During the initial stages, solutions such as Auth0, Amazon Cognito, and Firebase Authentication were evaluated, alongside open-source offerings like Spring Authorization Server. However, the flexible services provided by Authlete, specifically geared towards OAuth and OIDC, won over the decision-makers.

As Koji Omura, Deputy General Manager of the Digital Solutions Department at SBS Information Systems shares, "The all-in-one solutions did not fully meet the desired requirements for user management and authentication needed in our common ID framework. The required customization posed potential challenges. While OSS offered flexibility, maintaining the security standards of evolving OAuth and OIDC implementations would be difficult without a dedicated expert. By adopting Authlete, we could meet our specifications, while also ensuring external security compliance."

Utilizing the Laravel framework, the implementation of OAuth and OIDC features progressed smoothly, culminating in the official launch of the AtS ID in September 2024. The new system has since functioned effectively, witnessing an increase in the membership base day by day. Omura states, "We aim to further enhance our services and improve user convenience in the future."

Future Prospects with Authlete

Takahiko Kawasaki, the CEO of Authlete, expressed pride in this collaboration: "We are honored to provide Authlete for the development of the common ID infrastructure for the Shizuoka Newspaper Group. By consistently offering a reliable and robust service, we will continue to support the expansion of AtS ID's member base and service offerings."

About Authlete

Authlete specializes in providing API security components that simplify and accelerate the implementation of authorization systems via OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect. Developed by experts involved in formulating international standard specifications, Authlete is OpenID certified and supports advanced security measures through FAPI, CIBA, and OpenID for Verifiable Credentials Issuance, among other specifications. Authlete's solutions are widely adopted by businesses ranging from startups to large corporations across various sectors, including finance, media, retail, and technology.

In summary, the Shizuoka Newspaper Group's partnership with Authlete marks a significant step towards enhancing digital service accessibility and security, paving the way for a more integrated user experience in the region's media landscape.