The SaaS Source: August 2024
This month’s roundup of news in Japan’s SaaS industry covers key developments including advancements in AI-powered SaaS platforms, enhanced payment technologies and ongoing security challenges.
Japan Living Guarantee to Launch AI-Powered Ouchi Bot for Homebuilders
Japan Living Guarantee is upgrading its Ouchi Bot SaaS platform with generative AI to enhance customer interactions for homebuilders, according to a Nikkei XTECH report (in Japanese) from August 21. Ouchi Bot was initially launched in December 2023. The platform automates responses to homeowner inquiries, offering repair requests, inspections and contract details via a smartphone app. The AI additions will enable more flexible and natural conversations, reducing labor shortages in the housing industry. This update, expected in fall 2024, also allows customization based on specific housing company information. Following the business integration of Japan Living Guarantee and MediaSeek, the company will rebrand as Solvvy from November 2024.
Ivanti Expands SaaS Presence in Japan with Neurons Platform
Ivanti Software has launched the “Ivanti Neurons Platform” from data centers in Japan, enhancing its SaaS offerings for IT and security management, according to a Yahoo! Japan report from August 13. The platform’s local availability reduces latency and aids companies with data residency needs. Ivanti COO Dennis Kozak and SVP Alex Ray discussed the company’s focus on transitioning customers from on-premise to SaaS solutions, resulting in a 27% growth in annual recurring revenue. Ivanti’s Japan strategy includes strengthening direct and partner sales, expanding Neurons’ functionality and investing in the local market, while also addressing the need for closer collaboration between CIOs and CISOs to combat complex security threats.
Prazto Develops Custom Connections for Tableau Integration with Japanese SaaS
Also on August 13, Prazto announced the development of custom connectors that will enable Tableau, Salesforce Japan’s BI software, to directly connect with Japanese-made SaaS platforms. The new initiative plans to address limited compatibility issues between Tableau and Japanese-made SaaS. According to Impress IT (in Japanese), the platform is set to launch in October 2024. The new connectors will integrate with “freee Accounting,” “freee Human Resources and Labor,” and Cybouzu’s “kintone.” This solution eliminates the need for data storage in a data warehouse, allowing Tableau Desktop and Tableau Server to access SaaS data directly.
Security Shortcomings in Japanese SaaS Compared to Overseas
According to a report (in Japanese) from SBBT (System Business Business Technology), a recent comparison reveals that Japanese SaaS security investments lag behind those in digitally advanced countries such as the U.S. While overseas SaaS providers adopt cutting-edge security protocols, Japanese counterparts often fall short. According to an IPA survey, 71% of U.S. companies invest more than 50 million yen in security, compared to only 32% in Japan. As cloud services grow, so does the risk of cyber attacks, highlighting the need for robust SaaS security measures. Examining discrepancies in security measures, legal regulations and data storage practices has become increasingly important to address before the implementation of SaaS products.
