#Japan #Tokyo #IT Infrastructure #ISFnet #Kizuna Global

ISFnet Launches Kizuna Global Project

ISFnet, a prominent IT infrastructure company based in Tokyo, has announced a new international initiative called the Kizuna Global Project on November 19. This project aims to bolster Japanese IT companies operating overseas by providing crucial technology services to ensure their success.

The term Kizuna, which translates to 'bonds' or 'connections' in Japanese, identifies the project’s mission to foster strong relationships between people and businesses across borders. By adopting a Japanese name, ISFnet hopes to evoke a strong connection to Japan in the minds of international audiences.

The Kizuna Global Project will leverage ISFnet's experienced IT infrastructure engineers to offer a range of services including networking, cloud computing, and security solutions to various organizations including Japanese IT service providers, large system integrators, and telecommunications carriers operating globally.

Focus on IT Support for Japanese Companies

Initially, the project will focus on providing IT infrastructure support to Japanese companies active abroad and foreign businesses entering the Japanese market. As it develops, ISFnet plans to extend assistance to local enterprises, contributing to their operational efficiency and success.

In a rapidly globalizing economy, establishing robust business relationships with overseas clients is crucial for expanding ISFnet's portfolio of customers and partners. The company aims to reflect these international collaborations in its domestic operations, thereby enhancing its overall business footprint.

While numerous IT service providers and major system integrators exist within Japan, very few business partners are willing to dispatch engineers for overseas operations. Additionally, Japanese firms entering foreign markets often encounter challenges related to IT governance, security, and the need for support that meets their home office’s standards—a scenario mirrored by global companies operating in Japan.

Unique Expertise in Global IT Support

Since 2006, ISFnet has been sending IT infrastructure engineers to South Korea and Dalian, China, and has recently expanded its reach to Singapore in 2023. The company has successfully provided engineering services to over 10,700 clients, facing diverse challenges. ISFnet employs more than 200 bilingual engineers fluent in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese to ensure smooth communication and effective service delivery to its clients.

This experience has allowed ISFnet to establish a trust-based partnership with local companies as well as leading Japanese telecommunications carriers, securing contracts for IT operational support among various Japanese firms operating internationally.

Addressing Challenges for Japanese Companies Abroad

Japanese companies seeking to expand overseas face a multitude of challenges, such as language barriers, staffing shortages, IT governance issues, cost constraints, and security concerns. Often times, local subsidiaries struggle to meet the stringent IT standards set by their Japan-based headquarters, further complicating their operational frameworks.

Service Offerings of the Kizuna Global Project

The Kizuna Global Project aims to tackle these difficulties by offering the following services:

• - Design, construction, and operation of network, cloud, and security solutions that adhere to Japanese standards.
• - Facilitation of seamless communication through bilingual IT engineers.
• - Support in building and improving IT governance and security frameworks.

These services are designed to ensure that overseas operations can achieve IT environments comparable to those in Japan, greatly enhancing the reliability and efficiency of business activities through consistent support from Japan.

Future Outlook of the Kizuna Global Project

Unlike its competitors, the Kizuna Global Project distinguishes itself with its unique service model blending Japanese quality with local adaptability, primarily supported by bilingual professionals. In the mid-term, ISFnet plans to strengthen its presence in Singapore, South Korea, and Dalian, China, enhancing its capabilities in growth areas such as DX, cloud computing, 5G, and security, thereby accelerating its expansion in the APAC market.

Local offices will function as vital connectors for Japanese enterprises working abroad, leveraging high-value services and multilingual capabilities to create new business opportunities.

In the long term, ISFnet envisions using its overseas bases as hubs for the Kizuna Global Project to establish cooperative relationships with companies across Europe and Asia. This will involve developing mechanisms for value creation through partnerships and joint ventures over the next decade, aiming to build a sustainable global business framework.

Representative Comments

According to Yukiyoshi Watanabe, President of ISFnet, "The Kizuna Global Project is designed for mutual growth between Japanese firms and ISFnet in international markets. Our bilingual engineers deliver Japanese-quality IT infrastructure technology with local adaptability, providing greater reliability and value to Japanese companies flourishing abroad."

About ISFnet

ISFnet specializes in offering IT infrastructure solutions centered around cloud, server, and network security. With a workforce of approximately 2,300 engineers, the company has established its presence not only in Japan but also across 14 locations domestically and in China, South Korea, and Singapore. As a company focused on nurturing talent, ISFnet emphasizes the development of IT infrastructure engineers.

For more information, visit the ISFnet website.