#Japan #Tokyo #API Management #Scalar #Kong

Kong and Scalar Partnership Announcement

Kong Inc., based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has officially partnered with Scalar Inc., a leader in advanced technology products for data management located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. This partnership is set to strengthen Kong's capacity in providing API management and connectivity solutions for the era of AI in the Japanese market. In return, Scalar will act as a reseller partner for Kong's products, facilitating the integration of API strategies with cutting-edge data infrastructure to accelerate digital transformation (DX) for businesses.

Background: The Role of APIs in Digital Transformation

In recent years, APIs have emerged as essential components not merely as a technical interface but as fundamental technologies supporting data integration, application connectivity, and AI system interactions. Kong is committed to supporting companies in Japan and abroad to adopt an API-first development culture through its comprehensive platform for API management and AI connectivity.

Meanwhile, Scalar, under the vision of 'Creating the Future of Data Management,' has developed key technologies like the Universal HTAP engine, ScalarDB, for transaction and analytical query execution, and ScalarDL, advanced software for detecting data tampering. These technologies aim to enhance data integrity and authenticity, playing a vital role in supporting systems in a data-driven society and addressing challenges associated with data reliability.

As AI agents and automation systems become commonplace, the reliability of the data pipelines and API connections becomes crucial for achieving desired outcomes. The integration of API/MCP (Model-Context-Protocol) with data platform technology proves to be invaluable in propelling DX in the age of AI.

Value Provided by the Partnership

With this partnership, Kong and Scalar will comprehensively support businesses in their digital transformation initiatives. Their offerings will range from establishing technological foundations centered around APIs and data to developing internal talent capable of leveraging these technologies effectively. The specific values include:

1. Driving DX through API and Data Integration
By combining Kong's API management with Scalar's distributed data platform, enterprises can build a secure, scalable API infrastructure alongside a reliable data management foundation.

2. Realizing Connectivity in the AI Era
APIs and connection technologies that integrate multiple services and data sources in real-time are essential behind AI agents. The collaboration between Kong and Scalar aims to offer comprehensive support for API integration and data reliability as a connectivity foundation for AI.

3. Supporting Internal Development Talent
Scalar will launch services to cultivate internal development talent geared towards fostering expertise in Kong’s platform. This initiative ensures that businesses can internally manage their API strategies while continually enhancing their technical capabilities.

Scalar's New Service: AI-driven Development Support

Scalar's new service aims to help companies establish a system where they can design and operate API infrastructures using microservices. This internal development support service will leverage Scalar's extensive knowledge of distributed systems and data foundations to create a framework for learning API design and development through AI-driven methodologies. By utilizing existing systems within companies, developers will analyze current systems via AI, identify issues, develop a roadmap for microservices and API integration, and implement an actual API through AI-driven development.

Through hands-on learning that mimics real business scenarios, developers will acquire concrete skills in AI-driven development, enabling their companies to advance their API strategies independently of external vendors. This service is in its initial trial phase, with the first customer already engaged and talent development ongoing.

Future Prospects

Kong and Scalar are determined to robustly support Japanese enterprises in their digital transformation through this partnership. Both companies will establish a comprehensive support framework encompassing API implementation, operational support, data integration, and AI utilization to help boost business competitiveness. Moving forward, they aim to co-develop solutions tailored to optimal connection strategies based on emerging use cases that balance API and data reliability.

Scalar's CEO, Wataru Fukatsu, expressed, "We are thrilled to provide next-generation DX foundations through collaboration with Kong. Combining Scalar's distributed data foundation technology and API development know-how with Kong's API connectivity increases the reliability and flexibility of the systems businesses can adopt. We are committed to supporting firms in realizing their AI utilization and digital strategies."

Meanwhile, Daiki Ariizumi, President of Kong, stated, "The partnership with Scalar elevates our API-first vision to new heights. In this AI era, the importance of APIs and connectivity solutions is paramount. By merging our advanced data platform, we believe we can deliver valuable proposals for our clients and continue to bolster API and data foundation enhancements in the Japanese market."

In conclusion, both Kong and Scalar are set to forge a transformative path for businesses looking to embrace API management and data solutions essential for success in the modern digital landscape.