#Japan #Tokyo #Microsoft 365 #Smart Guard #Advanced Solutions

Advanced Solutions Co. Secures Trademark for Smart Guard

On June 28, Advanced Solutions Co., headquartered in the Chuo Ward of Tokyo, completed the trademark registration for its email miscommunication prevention solution named Smart Guard, tailored for Microsoft 365 and Outlook environments. This innovative tool aims to mitigate the risks of information leaks due to human error by enabling users to double-check recipient addresses and enhancing visibility for external recipients during email communications.

The Team Behind Smart Guard

The company's leadership, under President Hiroaki Oikawa, a 15-time Microsoft MVP awardee, is supported by a team of professional engineers well-versed in Microsoft technologies. This expertise allows them to offer substantial improvements in business operations, system development, and cloud utilization focused primarily on Microsoft 365. Smart Guard is already making strides in large corporations, serving as a critical component in their information security strategies.

Emphasizing Security in the Digital Era

With the recent trademark registration, Advanced Solutions is reinforcing the brand foundation of Smart Guard. The tool is designed for companies that need email miscommunication prevention, ultimately aiming to broaden its recognition and improve its functionalities. Ensuring information security has become increasingly vital, as businesses must not only guard against external attacks but also address internal risks arising from human errors. In 2024, it was noted that the number of cases involving leaks and losses of personal data in publicly listed companies surged to 189 incidents. Among these, while the majority stemmed from virus infections and unauthorized access, there were 41 cases attributed to miscommunication, which comprised 21.6% of the total. Errors such as incorrectly using CC/BCC or system misconfigurations pose continuous challenges that companies must address diligently.

The Necessity of Smart Guard

For organizations utilizing Microsoft 365 and Outlook, daily email interactions form the backbone of their operations. However, simple mistakes like misaddressing emails or overlooking external recipients can escalate the risks of information breaches. Smart Guard offers a solution to these risks by providing reminders within Outlook, thereby encouraging users to verify details before sending emails.

How Smart Guard Works

As a middleware tool for email miscommunication prevention, Smart Guard introduces several critical features:

1. Recipient Confirmation Screen: When the send button is clicked in Outlook, a confirmation screen appears to allow users to double-check recipients before sending, effectively reducing the risks of accidental misaddresses.
2. Domain-Based External Recipient Visibility: This feature displays recipients categorized by domains, making it easier for users to identify external recipients and prevent overlooking critical mail.
3. Alerts for External Users in Group Emails: If an external user is included in a group mail, an alert will trigger, reducing the risk that such emails might go unnoticed.
4. Utilization of Accumulated Data from Microsoft 365: Smart Guard harnesses existing data within Microsoft 365 to provide functionalities that go beyond conventional checks, including sending restrictions.
5. Compatibility with New Outlook and Web-Based Outlook: The tool is designed to be compliant with new versions of Outlook and the web version, catering to companies seeking to reevaluate their email miscommunication prevention strategies as they evolve.

Target Users for Smart Guard

Smart Guard is particularly beneficial for:

• - Companies fully utilizing Microsoft 365 and Outlook.
• - Organizations keen on minimizing risks related to information breaches from email miscommunication.
• - IT departments interested in systematizing email verification protocols for external recipients.
• - Management aiming to strengthen information security measures as a business risk.
• - Enterprises looking to upgrade their existing email security solutions alongside new Outlook and web solutions.

Pricing Structure

The pricing for Smart Guard varies depending on the size of the adopting company and the nature of their contracts. Detailed information about the pricing structure can be found on the official product page. Additionally, Smart Guard is available for implementation via marketplace listings as well.

About Advanced Solutions

Advanced Solutions Co. specializes in enhancing business operations, system development, and cloud support utilizing Microsoft products. They manage projects from requirement definitions to implementation and operations, addressing a broad array of corporate challenges faced by companies employing Microsoft solutions. With an MVP awarded president and a team of experts, they ensure a comprehensive approach to improving information security, operational efficiency, and internal system enhancements. For further inquiries about implementing Smart Guard and other Microsoft solutions, please reach out through the contact link provided.