#Japan #Niigata #Next-Gen Tech #OM Network #Generation Y

Bridging Generations in Technology at OM Network

OM Network is currently undertaking a project to validate its next-generation technological foundation. The existing infrastructure has provided value to many customers through its stable operation over the years. However, as time has passed since the system's establishment, the dynamics of technological trends have shifted significantly. Recognizing this, the company has initiated a project focused on validating a technology foundation that looks towards the future. At the forefront of this venture are the young employees, supported by the seasoned expertise and experience of veteran staff, as they work collaboratively to validate the foundation.

Why Now? Background of the Technology Validation

Two primary reasons underpin the decision to initiate the technology validation:

1. Assessing the Current Foundation

A thorough investigation and analysis of the long-standing technology stack was imperative to identify its strengths and challenges. Factors such as shifts in technology trends, reassessments of operational costs, and heightened security requirements necessitated a precise understanding of the present standing—this knowledge serves as the foundation for making informed future decisions.

2. The New Possibilities With Generative AI

The advent of generative AI in development environments brings forth tremendous potential. Leveraging technologies like code generation, test automation, and documentation support could significantly enhance development productivity. However, to maximize these benefits, it’s essential for the infrastructure itself to possess a structure that aligns well with generative AI.

The Value of Technology Inheritance

An important facet of this validation project lies in the opportunity for technology inheritance. Young employees play a central role in the verification process, as they will ultimately be responsible for operating and evolving this foundational technology in the future. Engaging younger staff from the conceptual stage and allowing them to take an active role in validation holds substantial significance.

Simultaneously, the project is not solely in the hands of the younger generation. Veteran employees share their accumulated technical knowledge and operational expertise to support the young staff in their decision-making processes. Through daily communication throughout the project, the experiences of veterans are transmitted to the younger generation. At the same time, the flexibility and innovative perspectives of youths offer veterans newfound insights. This intergenerational exchange of knowledge contributes significantly to the overall enhancement of the organization’s technical capabilities.

Anticipated Changes with the New Foundation

The migration to a new foundation is expected to yield the following transformations:

• - Significant Acceleration of Development Speed: With the latest development environment and assistance from generative AI, the release cycle for new features will shorten, establishing a framework that can promptly meet customer demands.

• - Reduction in Operational Load: Advances in automation technologies and monitoring foundations will allow for predictive detection of anomalies and automated recovery processes. Operational staff will be liberated from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more critical business activities.

• - Ensuring Flexibility and Scalability: A scalable architecture capable of adapting to new business requirements and technological trends will be realized, enabling a smooth response to future additions of functionality and organizational expansion.

• - Enhancements in Quality and Security: By adhering to the latest security standards and standardizing automated testing and code quality management processes, the ability to deliver safer and higher-quality products will be significantly improved.

Voices from the Project Members

Insights from Young Employees

Generative AI Validation Lead: "We are exploring how to more deeply integrate generative AI into our products. To our surprise, the AI has been understanding our intentions much better than we expected, sparking anticipation for a new operating experience. It’s crucial not to impose limits on what AI can achieve and to remain challengingly engaged with evolving AI technologies."

AWS Foundation Validation Lead: "I'm thankful to be assigned to an infrastructure field I was interested in. It's rewarding to feel that my knowledge is gradually expanding, as there are several services in the validation process that suggest 'current tasks could become much easier.' Nevertheless, I remain cautious and thorough in not overlooking any configurations that might pose significant risks."

Mobile App Validation Lead: "I’m thrilled to take on the challenge of validating the new foundation, especially since there are few experts on mobile domains within our company. While researching along the way can be challenging, the sense that I’m paving the way is exhilarating. I believe this validation is a crucial step towards the future, and I feel honored to be a part of it, aiming to grow the knowledge I gain here into a personal strength."

Perspectives from Veteran Employees

"Learning new technologies remains enjoyable even at my age. I encourage the young staff to explore new techniques and advance efficiency. Our role as veterans is to support them from behind by providing practical experiences that are absent from textbooks and by sharing insights gained from maintenance operations."

The technical validation of the new foundation is not merely a preparation for a technological overhaul. It represents a significant investment in the future and in nurturing the talent that will guide it. With young employees sketching a vision for the future and veterans supporting its realization, OM Network's next decade is quietly beginning to unfold.