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DreamArts Achieves New Milestone in SmartDB Certification

DreamArts Inc., a leading cloud service provider for large enterprises with headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, and Hiroshima, has announced a significant milestone: the number of holders of the SmartDB Certified Specialist (SCS) qualification has surpassed 3,000. This certification recognizes individuals who possess the skills and experience necessary to promote and implement the democratization of digital technologies using SmartDB®, a no-code development platform. Since the launch of the certification program in February 2023, awareness has been growing, and by September 2024, approximately 1,700 new specialists were certified. The company aims to reach a target of 10,000 certified individuals by the end of 2025.

Addressing the Shortage of Digital Talent in Large Enterprises

As businesses rapidly adopt digital transformation (DX) to innovate their models, the shortage of qualified digital professionals has become a pressing issue. In response to the growing demand, DreamArts initiated the SCS program to support the development of digital talent specifically for large enterprises utilizing SmartDB®. This certification is seen as a way for companies to validate a certain level of knowledge and skills essential for digitalization efforts. More and more organizations are embracing SCS to bolster their workforce with qualified specialists capable of driving DX initiatives.

Accelerating Digital Transformation with SCS

SmartDB® is recognized as a powerful tool for achieving operational digitalization, and the SCS program has made a tremendous impact in facilitating this goal. The certification comprises three tiers: "Business Designer," who demonstrates mastery over SmartDB® functionalities; "Organizer," who aids in process streamlining and efficiency; and "Expert," who is capable of designing system integrations. Furthermore, there are six graded levels that recognize individuals with advanced skills and real-world application capabilities.

Since the program's inception, the number of certified individuals has steadily increased, surpassing 3,000 in just one year—a remarkable growth rate. Women make up about 39% of certification holders, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the 13% female ratio reported in the Information-Technology Promotion Agency’s 2011 survey. As female participation in the IT sector remains a key challenge, SCS is recognized as an important qualification supporting women's advancement in digital technology fields.

The surge in SCS holders is attributed to large enterprises acknowledging the program's importance and actively fostering the development of DX professionals. Many organizations have even implemented training sessions, such as boot camps, and introduced incentive programs to reward employees who achieve higher certification levels.

The Concept of Digital Democratization

DreamArts defines "digital democratization" as a state wherein business units can actively engage in solving challenges and creating value through DX without reliance on IT departments. This process of democratization is accomplished when:
1. Business units are responsible for evaluating the ROI of their DX investments.
2. Business units lead in defining business requirements and specifications.
3. Business units engage proactively in the implementation processes through citizen development.

The cultivation of digital talent, such as those certified by SCS, plays a crucial role in realizing this vision. The program is gaining recognition in large enterprises and is becoming essential for driving digital democratization. By expanding the network of certified specialists and SmartDB® users, DreamArts aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance collaborative efforts to empower organizations in their digital transformation journeys.

Looking Ahead

As part of its medium-term business plan announced in August 2025, DreamArts will continue to prioritize the development of citizen developers among its key strategies for promoting digital democratization. With ongoing initiatives through the SCS program, the company is committed to supporting the growth of DX talent and aims to exceed 10,000 certified individuals by 2026. DreamArts is dedicated to providing non-IT personnel with the tools to create and improve business applications, fostering a culture of continuous operational improvement that bolsters agile responses to digital challenges across the entire organization.

About SmartDB®

SmartDB® is recognized as the number one solution in the business digitalization cloud market, offering no-code development capabilities for both specific departmental tasks and company-wide processes. With a rich feature set centered on workflows and web databases, it provides robust integrations, detailed access controls, and high-security measures. Users across various industries, including major corporations like MUFG Bank and Daiwa House Group, benefit from SmartDB's adaptable environment, which utilizes Microsoft's Azure cloud platform to accommodate fluctuating demands and expanding content needs.

About DreamArts Inc.

DreamArts Inc. is committed to contributing to the development of people, organizations, and society under the corporate mission of creating joy through co-creation. By exemplifying co-creation, the company aids clients in achieving true solutions to their challenges. DreamArts develops and offers various cloud services, including SmartDB®, ShopRan® (for multi-store operations), and InsuiteX® (a business cockpit for large enterprises).