#Japan #Tokyo #AvePoint #Microsoft 365 #Rakumo

Rakumo and AvePoint Japan Collaborate

In a significant move to enhance the Microsoft 365 application ecosystem, Rakumo Inc. and AvePoint Japan have forged a partnership aimed at developing and selling add-on SaaS products. This collaboration is set to cater to the increasing demand for productivity solutions in the corporate sector, particularly for organizations leveraging Microsoft’s cloud-based productivity tools.

The Partnership Background

Rakumo, established in 2004 and headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is renowned for its innovative SaaS tools that extend the capabilities of platforms like Google Workspace and Salesforce. With an extensive range of products including calendars, shared address books, workflows, and internal bulletin boards, Rakumo has significantly contributed to streamlining operations for businesses. Today, over 2,400 companies, accounting for more than 1.2 million licenses, utilize Rakumo’s solutions, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing productivity across various industries.

AvePoint Japan, which started offering services in 2008, has established itself as a key player in the realm of cloud data management, specifically for Japanese businesses. As a global partner of Microsoft, AvePoint provides comprehensive solutions encompassing data migration, operational management, and backup services in cloud environments. The company has distinguished itself with an impressive track record, having been awarded the Microsoft Japan Partner of the Year for three consecutive years since 2022, owing to its successful implementations for numerous governmental and large enterprise clients.

The collaboration between Rakumo and AvePoint Japan comes in response to the growing need among businesses to enhance productivity. The ultimate goal is to launch a new series of products designed specifically for the Microsoft 365 environment, named “rakumo for Microsoft 365.” This suite leverages Rakumo’s strong brand presence and market support, combined with feedback from its customers, to create tools that are easy to use and feature intuitive UI/UX designs.

Launch of “rakumo for Microsoft 365” Products

Under this strategic partnership, the initial offerings include "rakumo Calendar for Microsoft 365" and "rakumo Contact for Microsoft 365." These products were launched on September 1, making it possible for companies using Microsoft 365 to access Rakumo’s intuitively designed tools, which enhance workflow efficiency and productivity.

1. rakumo Calendar for Microsoft 365: This scheduling tool is specifically designed for Japanese organizations, featuring a hierarchy display that allows users to manage their schedules effortlessly. With functions like role-based display and customizable groups, it simplifies the process of schedule management and sharing.

2. rakumo Contact for Microsoft 365: This cloud-based employee directory and shared address book enables organizations to manage both internal and external contacts seamlessly. It eliminates the need for individuals to create personal address books, thus enhancing security by not retaining personal data on devices.

Endorsements from Industry Leaders

The collaboration has received endorsements from major players in the industry. SoftBank Corporation expressed its strong support for the partnership, noting that it will drive internal communication among organizations utilizing Microsoft 365. They believe that this collaboration will simplify the process of using Microsoft 365 for enterprises, thereby fostering greater productivity and digital transformation.

Similarly, Microsoft Japan provided an endorsement, emphasizing their confidence that the integration of both companies’ technological capabilities will result in significant contributions to productivity enhancement for Japanese enterprises. They highlighted the intuitive usability and robust features of the tools developed through this partnership, asserting their potential to bolster the efficiency of business operations.

Company Profiles

Rakumo Inc.

• - Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo, 3-2 Koji-machi, Kakimi Koji-machi Building, 6th Floor
• - Established: December 17, 2004
• - Capital: 396,884 thousand yen (as of December 2024)
• - CEO: Takaharu Shimizu
• - Website: Rakumo Corporate

AvePoint Japan

• - Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, 4-10-18 Keikyu Daiichi Building, 11th Floor
• - Founded: 2001 globally; expanded to Japan in 2008
• - Focus: Cloud implementation, operational management, and digital workplace solutions
• - Website: AvePoint Japan

This partnership marks a substantial step in the evolution of business productivity solutions in Japan, combining the strengths of Rakumo and AvePoint to better serve the market's needs in the Microsoft 365 landscape.