2018 News

Press Release

IIJ Global to Launch "Cato Cloud," a Next-Generation Security Cloud Service that Supports Enterprise Global Expansion
Partnership with Cato Networks and Macnica Networks to Provide Low-Cost Secured Cloud Service, with Connectivity in 40 Locations Worldwide

TOKYO—May 22, 2018— IIJ Global Solutions Inc. (IIJ Global)—provider of WAN services for corporate clients and wholly owned subsidiary of Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, NASDAQ: IIJI, TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers—today announced its September 4, 2018, launch of Cato Cloud, a cloud-based service that provides interoffice VPN functionality, the latest security functions, and a secure remote access environment. This service, which targets Japanese enterprises developing overseas, is the product of IIJ Global's partnership with Israel-based Cato Networks (Cato) and its exclusive Japanese agent, Macnica Networks.

As a result of an aging demographic profile and the decline in manpower that Japan has faced in recent years, more Japanese enterprises are establishing overseas offices and increasing their efforts in emerging markets, especially in the manufacturing industry. In such circumstances, these corporations are endeavoring to realize a global IT infrastructure that is agile, flexible, and secure.

Cato Cloud is a next-generation security cloud service provided by Cato, which is headquartered in Israel. The service provides VPN and secure Internet access between all of an enterprise's locations and cloud platforms by automatically connecting to one of many points of presence (PoPs) established across 40 locations worldwide. These connections are made either via the Cato Socket service adapter that Cato provides to all user locations or via devices with Cato's client application installed. In addition, the service comes with next-generation firewall, anti-malware, and IPS functions. The graphical administrator screen allows for the centralized management of all functions and usage conditions, thereby reducing the burden and costs of infrastructure operations.
Registration will begin on July 24, 2018, and the service will be available starting on September 4, 2018.

Cato Cloud Service Highlights

Providing a high degree of convenience worldwide

Cato has established PoPs in 40 locations worldwide, allowing users to access the service from their nearest PoPs. Furthermore, Cato Cloud has a highly available cloud platform that guarantees 99.999% uptime, and its PoPs are always operational.

No need to install UTM devices or other appliances at each location

Cato Cloud includes next-generation firewall, secure web gateway, and other security functions, so users do not need to install specific appliances at all locations. This dramatically reduces operational costs, including those for purchasing devices and maintenance.

Easy availability of the secure remote access environment

The client application—available for Windows, iOS, and Android devices—automatically selects the nearest PoP and connects to Cato Cloud. This allows for secure access to corporate data centers and cloud services that are connected to the corporate network via VPN.

Reference Price

Users choose from PoP connection subscriptions of 25 Mbps connections from one location in Japan, 5 Mbps connections from one location in China, and 25 Mbps connections from one location in Singapore. The subscription fees include remote access for 10 users in each country, as well as IPS and anti-malware functions.

  • Initial fees
    From JPY 720,000
  • Annual fees
    From JPY 4,200,000
  • *These fees do not include Internet line connection costs and user fees for each location.

The following options (each with their own estimates), covering all stages from installation through operation, are available via IIJ Global's Global Network Outsourcing Service (GNOS).

  • Local device installation precheck (one-time fee)
  • PoC support (one-time fee)
  • Consulting (one-time fee)
  • Installation management (one-time fee)
  • On-site socket installation (one-time fee)
  • Professional support (annual fee)

Service Concept

For more details, see the following service website:

About IIJ Global

IIJ Global Solutions Inc. (IIJ Global) was established in September 2010 as an IIJ Group company by acquisition of AT&T Japan's local Network Outsourcing service business. IIJ Global provides WAN Connectivity Services and Total Network Outsourcing Services from designing to building and managing corporate networks for enterprises. Not only limited to domestic but also offers Global network services. For more information about IIJ Global, visit the IIJ Global Website at https://www.iijglobal.co.jp/en/.

About IIJ

Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japan's leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ's services include high-quality Internet connectivity services, systems integration, cloud computing services, security services and mobile services. Moreover, IIJ has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia. IIJ listed on the U.S. NASDAQ Stock Market in 1999 and on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2006. For more information about IIJ, visit the IIJ Web site at https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/.

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents furnished by Internet Initiative Japan Inc. with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports on Forms 20-F and 6-K, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

Inquiry

For inquiries, contact
IIJ Group Corporate Communications
For inquiries about the service and system installation, contact
IIJ Global Solutions Inc.
  • All product names and proper names used in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.