Okayama City Leverages SeP for Enhanced Security and Cost Reduction During Transition to Cloud-Based Operations

SeP Implementation for Secure Cloud Transition in Okayama City

Humming Heads Co., Ltd., located in Edogawa, Tokyo, has recently showcased how Okayama City has successfully utilized its security tool, the Security Platform (SeP), to tackle information leakage issues during its transition to a cloud-based operational model. As part of this initiative, the city migrated its primary business terminals from an LGWAN connection to an internet-based system, which posed a significant security challenge that SeP was designed to address.

The push for cloud adaptation among local governments is underscored by the “Government Cloud” initiative, which aims to centralize core operations on cloud infrastructure by the end of the fiscal year 2025. In this context, Okayama City's transition to a beta model signifies an alignment with this larger governmental strategy aimed at adopting digital transformation and cloud technology efficiently. However, the overall progress towards this transition across various municipalities remains sluggish, with only 6% of local governments operating primarily through the newer beta model - a stark contrast to the 82% still using the alpha model.

Several factors contribute to this slow adoption rate, including high transition costs, operational burdens, and concerns over security when migrating operations to internet-based systems. Okayama City's successful integration of SeP into its operations can serve as a model for other municipalities looking to balance security and efficiency.

While planning the transition, Okayama City's assessment indicated that around 1,000 additional terminals would be necessary to maintain operations on the LGWAN connection. However, with anticipated changes due to the move to the new city hall and a shift towards hot-desking, the municipality recognized the impracticality of managing multiple dedicated devices for various functions.

To tackle this, Okayama City adopted a distinct operational setup utilizing SeP's separate option, allowing for the configuration of a single terminal to switch between required operational environments. Ultimately, this innovative approach enabled the city to reduce the necessity for dedicated devices to approximately 100, resulting in a remarkable reduction of over 900 terminals.

Furthermore, when it came to device disposal, the city leveraged the “Storage Encryption Option” for physical hardware management, utilizing data erasure tools that align with operational guidelines for device disposal. This strategy not only streamlined the cumbersome process of disposing of used devices but also significantly elevated the organization’s security posture regarding data protection.

By expanding the use of SeP's separate options to cover a broader range of operations, Okayama City is poised to continue enhancing its security infrastructure while simultaneously reducing operational costs. The integration of SeP has undoubtedly established a robust framework that aligns with the government's digital transformation objectives while fostering operational excellence. For more detailed insights on this pioneering case, interested parties can refer to Humming Heads’ case study on Okayama City.

Note: The information provided here is based on data available as of March 2026 and is subject to change without prior notice. Windows, among other trademarks mentioned, is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.