There are many factors to consider when choosing a cloud service. These choices can become even more complicated with the growing speed of digital transformation (DX, and the restructuring of management and business processes through digital technology). The amount of data being transferred and shared between companies will only increase over time.
One popular choice is Tsukaeru.net’s Tsukaeru FileBako cloud service. Its starting capacity of 1TB and easy-to-use interface, as well as the option to upgrade as necessary, provides welcome peace of mind. However, since it can be difficult to truly grasp how much 1TB actually is, let's take a look at what capacity really means.
1TB (terabyte) is 1000 GB (strictly speaking, 1024 GB). As described in the example below, 1TB of video recording time is equivalent to approximately 166 hours of Full HD video.
Currently, regardless of company size or industry, the volume of business data is becoming larger and larger, making the introduction of a cloud storage service a must. In this regard, Tsukaeru FileBako cloud storage service offers a worry-free solution with 1TB of storage (larger amounts available) and an unlimited number of users.
It is difficult to install large hard disk drives (HDD) in laptops, as compared to desktop computers. For HDDs, the most common sizes are 128GB (gigabyte), 256GB, 516GB, and 1TB (terabyte). When measuring data, the basic unit is one byte, and technically speaking, the next unit is 1024 times larger. However, to more easily remember, it is safe to generalize that it is 1000 times larger.
・1,000B(byte)=1KB(kilobyte)
・1,000KB=1MB(megabyte)
・1,000MB=1GB(gigabyte)
・1,000GB=1TB(terabyte)
Even though you may be aware that 1TB of capacity is quite large, it may be difficult to visualize it with just the numbers of bytes. The following chart provides more concrete examples by converting that capacity into familiar media storage capacity.
・Approximately 250,000 JPEG image files of 4MB each
・Approximately 10 smartphones of 100 GB each
・Approximately 166 hours for full HD video files; approximately 65 hours for 4k video recording
・Approximately 200,000 MP3 music files of 5 MB each
・Approximately 10,000 paperbacks of 100MB each
With hopefully a better idea of how big a 1TB drive is, let's take a look at some different options.
The chart below shows the capacity, cost, and limitations of similar cloud storage services to Tsukaeru FileBako. While each service may offer a variety of plans, the comparison is based on a standard corporate plan.
While the chart above shows general information about cloud storage services, it is important to remember that the current trend, especially among the larger industry players, is to offer various pricing systems including unlimited services. However, in most cases, the cost is set on a per user basis.
At first glance, it might appear that bigger is better. However, many companies find that they do not need that much capacity once they start using the service. Another issue is if a company tries to save money by sharing one account between different users, there are security concerns, such as data deletion with no record of who did it.
In addition, one of the most attractive features of online storage, the ability to centrally manage access and editing privileges for each folder and user, is lost with a shared account. As a result, important data may end up only on the manager's personal computer.
On the other hand, with an unlimited number of users, such as with Tsukaeru FileBako, it is possible to divide folders among all employees and business partners at no extra charge and share the capacity without wasting space. With the basic 1TB plan, which is sufficient for small and medium-sized business users, you can create an account for each user. It is also easy to organize and delete user accounts that are no longer needed, providing flexibility in terms of management and security.
You can learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako benefits and security details in this article.
It is obvious from looking at the different issues and options available that it is important to choose the cloud storage service that best fits your business, the number of users, and the volume and type of data to be handled.
Tsukaeru FileBako provides cloud storage service for an unlimited number of users, and a one-year contract for the Standard plan will save you 14,740 JPY per month (tax included).
The large capacity of 1TB also makes it suitable for architectural firms, design and video production companies, and other companies with relatively large amounts of data to be processed by individual employees.
For even larger amounts of data, consider the Advanced plan, which was just released in April 2022. Not only offering a huge 3TB capacity, it has the following four new features.
The Advanced plan is available for 52,624 JPY per month (tax included) with a one-year contract.
Both the Standard and Advanced plans have an unlimited number of users, so whether you have 100 or 1,000 users, the cost remains the same. Data capacity can also be increased with no limit, according to the growth of your company and the amount of data handled (additional capacity of 1TB/ 7,480 JPY including tax), providing a flexible solution and peace of mind no matter the situation. As the system can also be operated from the website management screen as if you were using your regular Windows or Mac, there is no need for costly employee training.
To experience it for yourself, click here to learn about our free, 14-day trial!
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
More and more industries are turning to cloud storage for their data storage needs. These organizations point to its ease of use, overall savings, and ease of implementation, but there are other things that also come into play after implementation. As you consider implementing cloud storage and which service to choose, it is important to familiarize yourself with the details. This helps avoid unexpected difficulties, misunderstandings, and differing expectations.
In this article, we tackle nine of the most frequently asked questions about Tsukaeru FileBako from Tsukaeru.net.
Let’s start, though, with an explanation of online storage in general.
Online storage (cloud storage) is a service that stores data on the Internet. By comparison, on-premise storage requires an in-house information system and servers. Both of these are physical items that must exist within your organization.
While on-premise data storage systems are relatively easy to customize to meet the specific needs of your organization, they can be expensive to implement and require anywhere from weeks to months to bring into operation. They also require knowledgeable and skilled onsite personnel to manage and troubleshoot them if a problem occurs.
Cloud storage is the opposite. It is not located nor operated in-house and is slightly less customizable than on-premise storage. However, it is superior in terms of personnel requirements, the time required for setup and maintenance, and overall cost. Online or cloud storage is also advantageous in terms of data protection in case of cyber attacks and disasters, natural and manmade, both of which have become more of a threat in recent years.
However, these pros and cons are only general comparisons. When it comes time for your company to choose a service, it’s important to know which questions to ask to ensure that you will enjoy the maximum advantage and minimize the disadvantages. It’s also important to know what kind of answers you need to hear to make the best choice for your company.
The number of users for our service is unlimited. This means that you can create accounts for all of your employees for a flat fee. You can also make this service available to your business partners as needed, which is a further advantage. This gives your company more flexibility when collaborating on projects or communicating about work.
Services that charge by the number of users often result in a fee each time an account is added. A result of this is that companies are not able to take full advantage of the increased capacity and flexibility a cloud storage system can offer. By offering a service with an unlimited number of users, costs are reduced while capacity is maximized.
In addition, our cloud storage system allows companies to designate different types of users such as administrator, internal, or external. User privileges can also be tailored for your company's needs on a project-by-project basis. For example, some users may have Read-only access, meaning they can see the information but cannot change it. Others may have Write access privileges, which means they can read and change information as needed. This allows each employee not only to have their own account, but the settings allow companies to decide how to organize the accounts to their advantage.
Tsukaeru FileBako allows you to easily create links to share files regardless of their size. Simply copy and paste it into an email or chat message and share away! Recipients simply need to click the link to download the data. Users also have the option to set passwords for files that are deemed particularly sensitive, which is another choice companies can make depending on the business partner and project.
In addition, since the number of users is unlimited, one useful option is to set up accounts with external users you communicate with frequently. This gives your company the flexibility to quickly and effectively share information and collaborate.
There is no limit to the number of folders or files you can create or save within the capacity set by the contract. The default storage capacity for our users is 1TB, or 1,000GB. This is large enough to store approximately 1 million office files (1MB per file) or 100,000 one-minute video captures (10MB per file).
For more information on capacity comparisons, please consult this article.
Just like there is no limit on the number of folders or files you can create or save, there is no limit to the amount of space available for each file as long as it falls within 1TB. For convenience and flexibility, large files can also be uploaded and shared by attaching a link in an email or chat message.
Yes, you can! In a business scene where remote is becoming increasingly more common and speed is becoming more important, the ability to access data from different locations as well as different devices is pivotal.
Tsukaeru FileBako allows users to easily access, check, upload, and download files using their smartphones. For example, this makes it possible for data to be instantly shared with company headquarters from scattered or distant manufacturing and construction sites.
If your device is iOS, you simply need to download the Rushfiles application from the App Store. If your device is Android, just download the Rushfiles application from the Google Play Store. Then, log in and start using our cloud storage service on your smartphone.
Yes, you can. Our cloud storage service has a log monitoring function that allows administrators to view and manage each user's deletion history, upload history, login history, and more. This allows your organization to trace progress or discover where a problem may have started and learn how to counter it in the future.
Yes, you can! In recent years, the concepts of white labeling and Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) have become more and more common. This allows organizations to customize the appearance of our service so that it seamlessly fits in with their branding strategies and efforts.
Currently, Tsukaeru.net has about 150 partners stretching from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and about 90% of them are tailoring their own Tsukaeru FileBako storage service to match their brands. Companies wishing to do so simply submit the information, and we customize the logo and corporate colors for you. Delivery of the finished product takes anywhere from one to one and a half months. The pricing and contract period of the cloud storage service using the company branding option can be decided based on your sales strategies and plans.
The Business Plan for corporate customers has a basic capacity setting of 1TB and an unlimited number of users. Additional capacity can be added at any time, with an additional 1TB costing 7,480 yen per month (tax included). If paid monthly, the cost is 18,480 yen per month (including tax). However, the majority of our customers choose an annual contract, which results in a lower price.
Yes, the web version of our cloud storage service allows you and your users to change the language on the login screen as needed. With 24 languages available, this makes it easy to communicate with business partners around the world.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Tsukaeru FileBako cloud storage service. However, as helpful as it is to consider each of these questions carefully, the best test of whether or not it meets your needs is to try it out. We offer a free trial for exactly that reason. Contact us today to learn how to get started.
We will help you establish the cloud storage service in your company with our full support system. You can contact us by phone, email, or chat, and we are available 24 hours a day for emergencies such as server problems.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
Every year, the number of companies using cloud storage is increasing. According to the "2021 White Paper on Information and Communications (2021 edition) from the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts, and Telecommunications," the percentage of companies using cloud services in 2020 was 68.7% (39.4% for "company-wide use" and 29.3% for "use in some offices or departments"), up by four percentage points from 64.7% in 2019.
In regards to cloud services, there is a strong perception that "cloud services = online file servers." However, there is a great deal more to cloud services than that. In this article, we will compare cloud storage with file servers and explain how cloud storage can provide a comprehensive solution to current data-related issues that many companies face.
Traditionally, file servers are used to share documents and data within companies and organizations. However, it has gradually become clear that file servers have limitations when it comes to accommodating remote work and other time- and location-independent work situations.
For example, according to a survey conducted by Keymans Net, an IT product information site for businesses, from December 2021 to January 2022, 38.8% of respondents answered that they only use file servers in the workplace, down approximately 14 percentage points from 52.3% the previous year. In contrast, 48.8% reported they use cloud storage in conjunction with files servers, up by nine percentage points from 39.8% in the same year.
For corporate needs, here are some of the limitations and challenges that file servers face:
Conventional file servers basically do not allow for collaborative editing of a single file at the same time. For example, if two people are working on the same Excel file and numerical values in a cell need to be changed, they have to go through the tedious steps of one person editing first, then saving it and closing the file, and then the other person opens the spreadsheet and repeats the process. With online tools that allow free collaborative editing, such as Google Spreadsheet and Office Online, becoming more widely used, this kind of workflow can be stressful and unproductive.
With file servers, access from outside the office or from mobile devices can require complex preparations and can result in a complicated system to use. As a result, many users who want to check documents while they are out of the office end up copying them to local storage in advance, which can have a negative impact on business productivity. This is becoming even more of a serious shortcoming now that remote work has become commonplace.
Unlike cloud storage, file servers require companies to provide their own in-house servers, which can be time-consuming to manage and operate. If a serious problem occurs, and a quick response is essential, this could easily overwhelm a company's IT engineers. With cloud storage becoming a more common option, it makes less sense for companies to spend time and money operating their own servers.
As you know, cloud storage is a service that provides online storage for files and data. However, it is important to note that “cloud” does not simply mean “cloud = online file server.”
By transitioning to cloud storage, many of the issues discussed above can be avoided, and various benefits in terms of cost and security can be gained. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using cloud storage.
File servers can be very costly to install, and unexpected costs can occur due to breakdowns and other problems. In comparison, cloud storage requires only a monthly fee, making budget calculation and reducing unnecessary expenses much easier. This makes Tsukaeru FileBako from Tsukaeru.net an attractive option as it can be installed for only 10,780 JPY per month (tax included, three-year contract).
Cloud storage is a much safer option than maintaining in-house servers as they are professionally managed by experts in server management and security measures. Furthermore, the physical server is located away from the company, playing an important role in Business Continuity Planning (BCP) preparation in the event of a disaster.
According to the “White Paper on Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism 2021” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, in addition to being a disaster-prone country in general, Japan is especially at risk of earthquakes, with 20% of the world’s major earthquakes occurring in this small country. In addition, flooding from torrential rain is becoming more severe and frequent. The cost of flood damage in 2019 was 2.18 trillion JPY, the largest amount of non-tsunami flood damage in a single year since record-keeping began.
The above white paper also describes future risks, such as Nankai Trough earthquakes and earthquakes directly under the Tokyo metropolitan area, a warning that companies cannot simply ignore. The time has come for all companies to prepare and implement BCP.
Tsukaeru.net’s Tsukaeru FileBako is more than just an online file server. It is a file server-type cloud storage service that offers a comprehensive solution for a variety of potential problems, with low-cost fees, advanced security, a wide range of functions, and ease of use. Below are some of the unique features of Tsukaeru FileBako.
With Tsukaeru FileBako, it is easy to create a shared link from the right-click menu to share files both inside and outside the company. In addition, shared links can be created with passwords, as well as expiration dates, for additional security.
It is also possible to create folders to share files only with specific users. In this situation, a group can be created in advance for easier sharing, or individual users can be selected and added as desired.
Since the number of users is unlimited, not only full-timers but irregular part-timers or outside business partners can be freely invited as needed without additional costs.
Adding users is also very easy, and permissions can be set for access or creating shared folders.
This functionality allows the entire team, both internal and external, to securely share files, dramatically increasing work efficiency.
Click here for details about Tsukaeru FileBako!
Tsukaeru FileBako can be described as a “virtual drive” that virtualizes a conventional external disk, i.e., the online data can be used in the same way as a USB memory stick. Since important data can be easily stored in the cloud instead of on a physical device, it can be accessed in exactly the same way as a conventional file server. Common tasks, such as moving and copying files, creating new folders, etc., are all completed through an intuitive interface that is simple and easy to use. There is no need to synchronize as with other services, and since the cache retention period can be specified for each user’s PC client, even laptops with low-capacity SSDs can always access all company files and data without having to log in to a web browser.
With Tsukaeru FileBako, files can be restored for up to 999 days. This useful function is handy for restoring old versions before they were edited. Additionally, even if data is accidentally deleted, it will be saved in the Trash folder for seven days and can be restored within the retention period.
Tsukaeru FileBako, with all of the above features, can be installed with a default capacity of 1 TB, starting at 10,780 JPY per month (tax included, three-year contract). A free trial is also available, so please feel free to contact us below for more information.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
In recent years, the concept of a white label product is becoming more and more common. “White label” refers to the process of a company selling, as their own product or brand, a product that is actually made by another company, called the “original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
As you may already be aware, white label products are everywhere in our lives. A common example in Japan is the “Seven Premium” products that can be found in Seven-Eleven convenience stores. This wide variety of products, ranging from sweets to bread to snacks and drinks, are white label products that are produced by other companies but sold and marketed by Seven-Elevens as its own brand. Incidentally, the iPhone that many people use is actually not produced by Apple, making it a white label product as well.
In the same way, our Tsukaeru FileBako service can be used by everyone as their own brand.
Tsukaeru FileBako is a cloud storage service that stores data on a server connected to the Internet.
So, what are the benefits of making Tsukaeru FileBako your own brand?
Currently, Tsukaeru has partnerships with approximately 150 companies from Hokkaido in the north and Okinawa in the south. About 90% of them provide Tsukaeru FileBako on an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) basis; in other words, they distribute it as their own brand.
While each company has its own products, materials, and services, they all share a common goal. The objective is not just to sell products and services, but to impress customers through what is offered. This is now called UX (User eXperience) and is the goal of all companies.
In the case of the Seven Premium products mentioned earlier, the number has already exceeded 4,000 (4,150 in FY2019), and they have become a popular choice for many people. Customers are not just buying the products because they are delicious or convenient, but because they derive comfort and ease and are willing to pay for that experience. This sense of satisfaction that comes from these products is the main reason for Seven Premium’s success.
In the same way, branding Tsukaeru FileBako will provide your customers with an “A+” experience with your service. As cloud storage services have become a popular way to handle data, many customers have come to value their use for all kinds of business operations. The specific features will be discussed later, but by branding your own Tsukaeru FileBako, your customers will enjoy an easy-to-use, simple-to-understand, and safe experience every time they use it.
If you apply to become an OEM (distributor) of Tsukaeru FileBako, we can deliver it to your company in approximately one to one and half months. The service will be customized with your company’s logo and corporate colors. After delivery, you can decide how to market and sell the branded Tsukaeru FileBako service, i.e., pricing and contract period, according to your company’s sales strategy.
The most important question you can ask is whether or not Tsukaeru FileBako can really provide the best UX for your customers. In the following section, let’s take a look to see if it is the best choice to brand as your own.
One important element in website and application development is the use of the same patterns, colors, and labels, no matter which page is open, as well as a uniform design of buttons and icons. This creates a UX interface that makes it user-friendly and for users to find what they need.
In this respect, Tsukaeru FileBako does not require a dedicated interface, and since shared folders are handled by Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac, you can use it seamlessly and effortlessly in your daily operations.
In addition, the service can be easily used not only on office PCs but also on mobile devices outside the office. With Tsukaeru FileBako, data can be shared and synchronized between those in the field and those in the office via the mobile application. It can also be linked to multifunctional devices, allowing automatic uploads of scanned and faxed data.
Furthermore, with unlimited users, the price is the same for 100 or 1,000 users. And as your company grows, the number of users can be increased without additional fees. Since permissions can be set for each user, it is easy to manage access and share information, not only with employees but also with customers and business partners.
One of the most important UX elements is peace of mind. In the case of food products, terms such as “place of origin,” “no pesticides,” and “eco-friendliness,” and in the case of electronics, “resistance to breakage,” “easy to use by anyone,” and “technical support” give users a sense of security. However, what about cloud services? Not surprisingly, the first thing that end-users focus on is “security.”
Tsukaeru FileBako uses AES 256-bit encryption, one of the strongest encryption technologies available. Two-factor authentication is also available. In addition, our service is well protected against ransomware, which has caused enormous damage to small- and medium-sized businesses in recent years.
Creating your own brand through the use of Tsukaeru FileBako is also attractive for creating something commonly known as a "stock business" (similar to recurring revenue model) in Japan. This is a business model in which you are paid continuously until the end of the contract period. It is not a model based on selling out, but rather one that leads to a steady and stable income, allowing you to accumulate assets (stock). It could be described as a type of a “subscription business,” a recently popular business model.
Today’s business environment is characterized by VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). By incorporating “stock business” into your business model, you can easily predict and plan for your earnings, thereby gaining valuable peace of mind.
Furthermore, if you ever have any questions or problems with Tsukaeru FileBako, our support center is always available to help you via phone, chat, or email.
According to the 2021 edition of the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ White Paper on Information and Communications, 68.7% of companies used cloud storage in 2020, up 4.0 percentage points from 2019. In addition, 87.1% of companies indicated that cloud services were “effective” (32.5% – very effective and 54.6% – “somewhat effective”), a trend that is expected to increase in the future.
While many executives understand the need for DX (Digital Transformation) to create new business models with digital technology, it is obvious that efforts to achieve this are still insufficient. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) cites the fact that existing systems are often built for each business organizational unit and do not allow for cross-company data utilization as one of the factors hindering DX. If the issues are not resolved, METI points out that this could cost up to 12 trillion JPY in economic losses could occur every year after 2025, referred to as the “2025 cliff.” There is a wide range of possible solutions to this problem, and cloud storage services will play an essential role.
According to the METI White Paper mentioned earlier, the most common use of cloud services was for “file storage and data sharing.” Moving forward, it is expected that many companies will follow suit and introduce cloud services to keep up with this trend.
Now may be the perfect opportunity to brand Tsukaeru FileBako to improve UX for your customer.
Please feel free to contact us below for more details, including implementation costs.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
With the infection rates of COVID-19 seemingly settling down, the expectation is that more and more people will start to go on sales and business trips again, slowly returning to their pre-pandemic business lives. However, when traveling, there are times when you cannot pull out your laptop to access the information you need. This is where smartphones come in handy.
With the proliferation of cloud-based file sharing and increasingly powerful mobile devices, it is becoming possible to handle more and more complicated tasks on the go. However, many people are reluctant to do so due to security concerns.
In our most recent blog, we will look at the current status of smartphone usage for doing business and discuss the benefits of working with cloud-based mobile applications.
According to a survey of company employees in Japan conducted in 2017, while laptops were often provided by their companies, there were few instances where smartphones were also provided. In the majority of cases where smartphones are used for business purposes, employees use their own personal devices for work, a concept called “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device).
In Japan, many people have security concerns with BYOD in a work context. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had no choice when switching to remote work. Already dealing with the initial cost of providing laptops, these companies were unable or unwilling to provide smartphones in addition. Another concern was requiring employees to juggle two mobile devices at the same time: one for personal use and one for business.
For these reasons, BYOD is being adopted overseas more so than in Japan and has led to improved productivity and services. For example, Wal-Mart, the largest supermarket chain in the U.S., introduced BYOD in October 2018. By downloading a dedicated app to their smartphones, employees can report to work, manage their schedules, and search for products using a voice assistant, leading to improved work efficiency.
Takafumi Horie, the Japanese entrepreneur who founded Livedoor, says, “I don’t need a computer anymore. I can work and earn money wherever I am with my smartphone.” He does everything from contacting people to writing manuscripts using only his smartphone. Of course, not everyone can earn as much as he does, but with the rapid development of digital technology and communication systems, it is becoming possible to work with restrictions based on time and space. The number and type of tasks that can now be completed with mobile devices have increased dramatically over the years, and in particular, cloud-based file-sharing services have made it possible to easily access and exchange large amounts of data, something which is difficult to do with email.
While it is possible for nomadic workers to work from their smartphones, there are still many hurdles for companies to overcome when implementing such systems. Considering the security risks involved, it is easy to understand why companies are cautious about adopting cloud-based file-sharing services.
According to the 2021 White Paper on Information and Communications by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 68.7% of companies in Japan used cloud services in 2020, up four percentage points from 64.7% in 2019. Between 2016 and 2020, up to 70% of companies have started using cloud services, indicating that corporate awareness of cloud services has changed significantly.
According to the above white paper, 87.1% of the companies that use cloud services reported that it was “very effective” or “effective to some extent,” indicating that they could see the benefits regardless of concerns about security or other issues.
So, how did the companies use cloud services? In looking at the results, it can be seen that “File storage/data sharing” was the most popular at 59.4%, followed by “Email” (50.3%), and “Internal information sharing/portal” (44.8%). More advanced usage functions, such as “Sale support” (17.6%), “Production management” (10.2%), and “Billing and payment systems” (8.0%) remained at low levels. In other words, the results show that Japanese companies are actively exploring how they can improve their business efficiency with cloud-based tools such as file-sharing.
While there are many cloud-based file-sharing services, Tuskaeru FileBako from Tsukaeru.net is a popular choice of many small- and medium-sized companies because of its ease of use and low implementation cost. In addition, the ability to use the service on mobile devices is an attractive benefit for those companies engaged in remote work and similar activities.
With the RushFiles app, available both on the Apple Store and Google Play, users can log in and immediately start using Tsukaeru FileBako on their smartphones and mobile devices.
When you’re on the road and need to quickly share files or check their contents, your smartphone can be your best option. For the same price, there is no limit to the number of users, whether 100 or 1,000, and no additional costs if the number needs to increase. With a default capacity of 1 TB, the monthly price starts at 10,780 JPY (tax included, three-year contract).
To experience the benefits of cloud-based file sharing on smartphones and mobile devices, please contact us below for a free trial of Tsukaeru.net’s Tsukaeru FileBako service.
Click here to learn more about Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
Recently, the term “DX” (Digital Transformation) has been appearing frequently in discussions about how the business world is changing. While many of us may have an idea of the importance of digital technology for businesses, the differences between DX and IT may not be that clear.
In this article, we will discuss DX in order to deepen your understanding of the concept and show how it can be applied to your company’s growth strategy, using specific examples.
According to a survey conducted in Japan in July 2021 by INDUSTRIAL-X, a DX support services company, more than half (52.2%) of 500 managers (or higher positions) surveyed said they did not know what DX was. Of those surveyed, 30.2% had heard of the term, and only 17.6% actually knew what it was.
Despite many companies introducing remote work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and relying more than ever on IT, it is obvious that awareness of DX and its importance is extremely low in the business community.
So, what exactly is DX, anyway?
According to the “DX Promotion Guidelines Ver. 1.0” published by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) in December 2018, it is defined as “the transformation of products, services, and business models based on the needs of customers and society, as well as the transformation of business operations themselves, organizations, processes, and corporate culture and climate, in response to rapid changes in the business environment, using data and digital technologies to establish a competitive advantage.”
Based on this definition, you can see that DX is when a company uses IT to fundamentally transform its organization.
However, according to the above-mentioned survey, nearly two-thirds (59.4%) of the total respondents, answered that they had "no intention" to implement DX. The reasons given were "I don't know how to proceed or what approach to take" (25.6%), "I don't know the effects or objectives" (21.7%), and "I don't know what I want to achieve" (19.7%), indicating that a lack of understanding of DX is hindering its promotion in the first place.
Nevertheless, according to a METI report, the shortage of IT personnel in Japan is expected to expand to approximately 430,000 by 2025 if DX continues to be ignored. Furthermore, it is estimated that older systems with outdated technology will account for 60% of the total, resulting in an annual economic loss of up to 12 trillion JPY between 2025 and 2030. Conversely, if DX was widely implemented now, it is predicted to boost real GDP by about 130 trillion JPY by 2030.
According to the same INDUSTRIAL-X survey, the most common answers for the purpose of DX initiatives were “cost reduction” (48.5%) and “quality and operation improvement” (30.5%). Despite the METI stated purpose of “establishing a competitive advantage,” it is clear that many people view DX in much the same way as IT: for the purpose of improving operational efficiency.
The goal of DX is transformation through the use of data and digital technology. However, if IT is introduced solely to improve business efficiency, it is not DX. In other words, DX is the goal, and the use of IT to achieve that goal is merely a means to an end.
The METI DX Promotion Guidelines, mentioned above, also state that “in order to achieve DX, it is essential to have a management strategy for transforming the business using digital technology, a strong commitment from management, and a structure and system within the company that includes a change in the mindset to implement the strategy. The most important thing is to have a clear vision of “What do you want to change and how?” by using data and digital technology.
Matsushiro Industrial Co., Ltd. is a well-established company that has been producing electronic components, precision sheet metal, and paint since 1958 and has been a leader in manufacturing in Nagano Prefecture for many years. In order to fundamentally improve their business processes, the company started using Tsukaeru FileBako from Tsukaeru.net to easily exchange files and use cloud storage for their data needs. Matsushiro Industrial Co. Ltd. is an excellent example of a company that has embraced DX by boldly adopting new values and technology, while at the same time valuing the accumulation and succession of technology and know-how.
Click here for the full Matsushiro Industrial Co. Ltd. case study (only in Japanese).
Raymay Fujii Co. Ltd. is another excellent example of DX. Founded in Kumamoto in 1890, it has built a network of offices covering the entire Kyushu region and is a “complex company that supports a wide range of intellectual production services” that is developing a wide range of businesses as a trading company and stationery manufacturer.
The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake was a turning point for the company in terms of realizing the importance of cloud computing and the quality of service. After the earthquake, because many employees were unable to go to their physical offices, there was an urgent need to create a system that would allow them to work remotely. However, the cloud server that they initially installed was unstable and unreliable, as the system went down every time there was an OS update. Switching to Tsukaeru FileBako, they were “blown away” not only by the high stability but also the low cost and ease of use. In this situation, cloud storage played a vital role in helping Raymay Fujii Co. Ltd. continue its 130-year evolution as a business.
Click here for the full Raymay Fujii Co. Ltd. case study (only in Japanese).
One industry that has seen a remarkable shift to DX is the sports industry. This is especially true in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB), with the introduction of a system that tracks the speed and rotation of pitches, the launch angle and estimated distance of batters, and the movements of players on the baseball field.
In the past, the strength of a team was largely determined by each player’s ability and the coach’s experience. However, IT has now made it possible to collect vast amounts of information in real-time, and how that information is analyzed and utilized can change the outcome of a game. As a result, there is a need for experts who can analyze data with a high degree of accuracy and create a system to share the results within the team.
For example, one of the reasons for the success of the Japanese national team in the 2019 World Cup Rugby tournament was due to data analysts who quantified and analyzed game video footage, each player’s speed and power, and scrum formations in order to gain the upper hand on the rugby pitch.
Tsukaeru.net has signed a partnership agreement with the Shinshu Brave Warrior professional basketball team based in Nagano City and Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture. Providing not only high-quality and stable cloud services, Tsukaeru.net will also support the team’s DX implementation from a technical perspective by making full use of the cloud service.
Click here for press release (only in Japanese).
Tsukaeru.net’s easy to use and inexpensive Tsukaeru FileBako has been chosen by many small- and medium-sized companies to help them with DX implementation.
One reason why Tsukaeru FileBako is so easy to use is that there is no need to use a special interface, allowing you to simply upload and download data through the Explorer browser in Windows. Also, with unlimited users, the fee is the same whether you have 100 or 1,000 users. There is no need to worry about user billing or issuing privileges even if employee numbers increase. Furthermore, access permissions can be set for each folder, allowing safe and secure communication with external parties, such as business partners. With a default capacity of 1TB, the monthly price starts at 10,780 JPY (tax included, three-year contract).
A free trial service is also available, so if you are thinking of introducing a cloud storage service, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.
Click here for more information on Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
More and more companies are embracing the cloud services due to its convenience and ease of use, and as file sharing is becoming an essential service for safe and easy data exchange, cloud computing is gaining even more popularity.
However, while cloud services offer many benefits to businesses, security can still be a major problem. Despite the obvious advantages of using the cloud, there are understandably some people with concerns about security and usability who are not ready to take the plunge. Therefore, when getting ready to implement cloud computing, it is extremely important to choose a reliable service provider. In this article, we will focus on three key points regarding security that you should always consider when choosing a cloud-based storage service.
When you use a cloud service, your data will be stored in the data center of the service provider. In terms of security, it is very important to check what safety and security measures are being taken in the data center.
One specific way to do this is to refer to the "Data Center Facility Standards" defined by the Japan Data Center Council. This set of standards was created to meet global realities but has been revised to address specific situations in Japan, such as its high levels of seismic activity. The standards are divided into four tiers (Tier 1 to Tier 4) and can be used to assess the service level of the data center.
As for data center location, you may wonder if domestic or international data centers are better. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In the case of Tsukaeru.net’s domestic data center, it is located in Nagano Prefecture, which is considered to be less susceptible to natural disasters due to its location and geographical features. Also, it is classified as the Tier 3 level standard in the aforementioned Data Center Facility Standards.
・A higher level of safety is ensured against disasters, such as earthquakes and fires, than in regular buildings.
・Redundant facilities are in place that can continue to provide computing services even if some facilities are temporarily shut down, such as for equipment maintenance.
・Access control to the building and server room is implemented.
・Operation reliability for assumed end users is 99.98% or higher.
Data transfer speed can also be affected by the location of the data center. Although the actual specs can differ depending on each cloud service, as your data is actually stored in one physical location, the distance between you and your data can be an important factor in terms of speed and usability.
In this regard, the Tuskaeru.net data center is ideally located in Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture in central Japan, where our head office is also based.
In the cloud storage industry, there are a variety of ways that businesses manage their data storage and server maintenance. In order to avoid the risk of information leaks or compromise, it is recommended to choose a service that has the full range of information security measures and network redundancy.
Tsukaeru.net customer service is always available by telephone or chat from 10:00 to 17:00 (JST) to address your questions and concerns. Of course, you can contact us by email at any time.
In addition, in case of server downtime as a result of server trouble or hardware failure, emergency calls are accepted 24 hours a day.
In addition, Tsukaeru.net has achieved stable operations with the highest standards of security policy, utilizing more than 20 years of experience in providing hosting services, such as network redundancy and in-house power generation facilities, in addition to thorough security measures certified by ISO27001 (ISMS).
Encryption is an essential part of cloud service security. Instead of transferring data in its “raw” state, it is encrypted with one or more mathematical techniques and a password to maintain data confidentiality. As it is one of the strongest ways to keep your data safe, it is highly recommended to choose a service with the most up to date encryption.
In a nutshell, AES is one of the various methods of "encryption.” AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a new encryption technology that was approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001 that has become the current standard encryption algorithm for communication data.
AES uses "symmetric key cryptography," in which the same encryption key to encrypt and decrypt (undo what has been encrypted) is applied. In this case, the longer the cryptographic key data used for encryption and decryption, the more secure it is. The length of the cryptographic key is called the "key length" and is generally expressed in "bits."
The previous standard was called DES (Data Encryption Standard), which had a shorter key length of 56 bits and was vulnerable to brute force attacks. In comparison, AES has a longer key length than DES, with a choice of 128, 192, or 256 bits. In other words, AES itself is the most secure encryption technology as of 2021, and AES-256, which has the longest key length, is the strongest encryption method at present.
Tsuskaeu FileBako, a file sharing service for corporations provided by Tsukaeru.net, uses AES-256 encryption to ensure the best protection and privacy for our clients. In addition, it also employs two-factor authentication and SSL for the web management screen, providing even greater security to keep your valuable data safe.
Choosing a reliable and secure service provider can be one of the most important steps when implementing a cloud computing system. With a service that provides a solid data management system, you get all the advantages and convenience of the cloud without having to worry about security.
Tsukaeru FileBako manages data with a system that puts security front and center. Our servers are operated and maintained by skilled and dedicated staff at our own domestic data center, and your data is protected with the latest encryption technology from storage to transfer. While not only focusing on security, this service also offers an unlimited number of users and a large, 1TB capacity for as low as 10,780 JPY per month (tax included, 3-year contract), a high cost performance ratio that makes it a popular choice for many businesses.
To find out about our exciting free trial offer, please contact us using the link below.
Click here for more information on Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
Synology integration is an option that allows the automatic synchronization of data between Tsukaeru FileBako cloud storage and a NAS (Network-attached storage) device once every five minute. This combination makes it possible to create a data management system that protects your data, whether stored online or on hardware.
The demand for online file sharing is increasing as remote work becomes the new normal around the globe. Tsukaeru’s FileBako, a cloud-based, virtual drive service that allows users to upload data to and share it with an unlimited number of users, has been adopted by many companies due to its excellent cost performance and security. We have now developed a new synchronization option called Synology integration, designed to make Tsukaeru’s FileBako service even more convenient and secure to use. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of its background, new feature overviews, and setup process.
Tsukaeru FileBako is an amazing service that allows users to upload documents, images, videos, and other data to a cloud-based virtual drive. In addition, there is no limit to the number of users who can use the system to share data, and it can be used with various operating systems. Its low price also makes implementation easy and affordable for small- and medium-sized businesses.
・Unlimited number of users and unlimited use of 1TB
Additional capacity is available as a paid option
・Saves computer space
Download only the data you need to save space on your local device
・AD (Active directory) integration
Centralized ID/password control and remote management (paid option)
・Can be used with Windows Explorer and Mac Finder
・Available as a browser version and mobile app, allowing easy data sharing in the field or on the road
・Mail gateway function
Automatically uploads scanned data from multifunction devices, such as a scanner, to FileBako (paid option)
・Reliable security measures
AES 256-bit encryption, the world’s most secure encryption algorithm, two-factor authentication, and SSL for the web management screen ensure security
・Fast and reliable customer support
Support is available 24 hours a day by phone, email, chat, etc. in case of emergencies such as server downtime
NAS stands for “Network-attached storage” and is an external data storage device that is specialized for use over a network. Compared to regular file servers, it offers lower installation costs and does not require personnel for management and maintenance. Synology Inc., which Tsukaeru has partnered with through the KSG Corporation, is a Taiwanese NAS manufacturer with global operations. Its 50% share of the European and US NAS markets make it a trusted and popular brand.
Both the Tsukaeru FileBako cloud service and Synology’s NAS are both popular choices, but each has their weaknesses, such as possible network failure with the former and downtime due to physical failures, disasters, or restoring backups with the latter. To provide even more peace of mind, we have jointly developed Synology integration, a new option that became available as of July 15, 2021.
1. [Customer side] Tsukaeru FileBako account creation
2. [Tsukaeru, KSG] NAS device setup and delivery
3. [Customer side] NAS device activation (after delivery)
・KSG Corporation will ship the NAS device pre-set for use with Tsukaeru FileBako
・Hardware maintenance (9:00-17:00 weekdays, on-site the next business day for five years)
・Remote recovery option (9:00-17:00 weekdays for five years)
The Synology integration option synchronizes data between cloud storage and the NAS device in the on-premise environment every five minutes, creating a solid, safe, and secure system.
Tsukaeru Filebako and Synology integration together create an extremely convenient and secure combination. However, the only way to truly understand how it can meet your needs is to experience it for yourself.
With that in mind, we are happy to offer a free, 14-day trial period for Tsukaeru FileBako so you can see how it works.
*Synology integration is an option. To learn more, please contact one of our representatives for more details or to set up an online meeting to discuss it in person.
Click here for more information on Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
More and more companies are considering cloud storage because of its lower implementation costs and easier data sharing as compared to maintaining and managing their own servers. However, security is still the biggest worry. If this concern is not addressed, companies are unlikely to take the plunge with confidence.
In this article, we will examine how data security works and then take a deep dive into cloud storage safety.
While the term "cloud" has become common in business, many people may still only have a vague idea of what it means. First, let's take a look at what cloud storage means, and then explore the characteristics and risks of cyber attacks.
In the context of computers, smartphones, and tablet devices, storage is the built-in system and hardware for storing and managing data. External storage can be connected if the internal storage is insufficient, and it can also be used for backup and storage of previous data.
Cloud storage allows users to remotely access and use stored data and applications via the Internet. One feature is that users can purchase only as much as they need. Another is that because the cloud service provider maintains and manages the storage, users do not need extra professional staff.
Cloud storage can be low cost to install and easy to use, but are there any security concerns? Next, we will cover some of the typical cyber attacks to which the cloud is susceptible.
A Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, also known as a "bucket brigade attack," involves a cyber attacker intervening between a user and a service to steal or alter the data being exchanged. Even though it is a relatively old cyber attack method, recently, there has been a surge in its use.
How can a cyber attacker steal encrypted communication content? For example, suppose that two parties are using public key cryptography for communication. A cyber attacker intercepts one party’s message with a public key and sends a message with his own public key to the other party. The recipient, thinking the message is from the first party, sends data encrypted with the attacker's public key. The attacker receives the message in the middle and decrypts the data with his own private key. The attacker can then send a message to the first party that appears to be from the second party, with both parties being unaware that their encrypted communication has been compromised.
Cloud service providers store a huge amount of data, including personal details, intellectual property, and confidential business and financial information. Such data is a treasure trove for hackers, making it a tempting target for unauthorized file access and hacking.
In fact, according to the "Status of Notifications of Computer Viruses and Unauthorized Access" report released by the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA) in February 2021, the largest percentage of damage from unauthorized access reported in 2020 was to web servers (26.7%), followed by client PCs (13.1%). For many of us, the memories are still fresh of companies using cloud services, such as Rakuten, PayPay, Aeon, ANA, etc., that have fallen victim to unauthorized access since December 2020.
Let's take a look at the security measures implemented by Tsukaeru FileBako to protect cloud data from MITM attacks and unauthorized access by hackers as described above.
First of all, to protect your data from MITM attacks, all communications through Tsukaeru FileBako are based on SSL/TLS.
Technology that encrypts communications over the Internet, SSL/TLS prevents third parties from stealing or altering data. Websites protected by SSL/TLS have URLs that begin with "https" and are characterized by a key mark in the browser's address bar.
In SSL/TLS communication, an "SSL server certificate" is issued to guarantee that all communication between the server and the client is encrypted. By guaranteeing the website authenticity with a server certificate, MITM attacks mentioned above can be prevented.
According to a February 2020 McAfee survey of 1,000 companies in 11 countries, 91% of the cloud services used by companies did not encrypt the data they held. As the use of cloud services expands, so does the risk of unauthorized access, and FileBako is fully capable of encrypting data.
Tsukaeru FileBako runs on client terminals, but all communication is AES encrypted to ensure security. The PC platform also uses Microsoft's encryption engine to protect files.
All files are obfuscated in a renamed and expanded format so that hackers and attackers cannot find the files even if they try to break in. AES encryption is also used to encrypt data on customers’ servers, but only 256-bit keys, the highest level of encryption technology, are used to encrypt files.
The password used to log in to Tsukaeru FileBako is hashed using a salt (a random string of characters added before the password is hashed) and saved to the system.
After login, client/server communication is conducted through APIs using tokens generated by the domain administrator, and no user names or passwords are used in API communication.
As explained above, Tsukaeru FileBako has all the security measures to counter your cloud service concerns.
Files stored in the cloud can be edited and organized in a familiar way, and unlimited files and folders can be shared with other users using web links. Also, there are flexible storage options depending on the amount of data needed.
Unlimited users are available from 9,800 JPY/month (10,780 JPY/month including tax), and a 14-day free trial is available to experience how easy it is to use.
Click here for more information on Tsukaeru FileBako.
Call toll-free: 0120-961-166
Office hours: 10:00-17:00
According to a white paper on information and communications (FY 2020) by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 64.7% of companies use at least some form of cloud services, a dramatic increase from 44.5% in 2015. As this percentage is expected to continue increasing in the future, in our most recent article, we will examine the reasons that cloud computing has become an indispensable business tool, its background, and the basics of how to use it.
The fundamental concept of cloud computing, to put it simply, is file sharing. While almost everyone has read or heard the phrase before, let's reconsider what it means.
File sharing, as the name implies, refers to the sharing of a file or folder between multiple users (such as other computers) for editing. Although file sharing has been used for some time in offices, it was mainly done on Windows, Mac, and other operating systems, and mainly shared within local area networks (LAN).
However, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, cloud computing is becoming the primary method of sharing files, and the demand will continue to grow for the following two reasons:
In the past, the most common way to send a file was as an email attachment sent via LAN. However, large and larger files, such as images and videos, are shared for collaboration and can easily exceed the size limit for email attachments.
When using the cloud to share, there is no file size limit. Files can be saved on the computer in the cloud and a link sent to another person via email or chat message, allowing them to access it.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, the April 2021 remote work implementation rate for companies in Tokyo (with 30 or more employees) was 56.6%. Remote work, which was quickly introduced in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a decrease in physical office-based work and an increase in online collaborative work. Accessing the company server for file sharing or exchanging files via USB memory stick or external hard drive in the office is easy when employees are in the office. However, remote work requires different solutions, and cloud storage and file sharing services are becoming essential, regardless of the device or location. Also, new ways of working, such as "Workcation," a combination of vacation and work, are becoming popular. In order to be able to work anytime and anywhere with just a laptop, the use of the cloud is absolutely essential.
As discussed above, the cloud allows file sharing regardless of the file size, the number of users, or location. The most attractive feature is that it frees you from the time and space limitations of the past and provides much more flexibility. Here are some other advantages of cloud file sharing:
When sharing files via email or USB flash drive, any edits or updates must be returned with the same system. With repeated changes and exchanges, it is possible to lose track of the most current files, and mistakes can occur. However, with files stored in the cloud, all users will always have access to the latest version.
Preparing, building, and maintaining internal servers requires not only money but also human resources. As the amount of data increases, it will be even more expensive to add more servers. In this regard, cloud services can be implemented at a low cost and with less time and effort of in-house maintenance and inspection. In addition, if a service with unlimited users (additional capacity can be purchased anytime) is chosen, you can flexibly adjust plans as your business grows and continue using secure and safe services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the ability of companies to respond to emergencies, which is especially relevant in Japan, where natural disasters are more common, it is important to always be prepared with an effective business continuity plan (BCP). If you rely on your own file server, there is always a possibility of data loss or damage to physical assets in the event of a disaster. However, a cloud service can be a much safer option especially if the data center is located in an area with a low risk of disaster.
While there are many advantages to cloud file sharing, there are some issues to consider:
Security is a common worry in regards to cloud file sharing. With company LANs, networks are built with a limited range and access. However, with cloud computing and its connection to the Internet, there is a small possibility that data and systems could be compromised. In this regard, cloud service providers implement various security measures including encryption or strong authorization systems. It’s important to compare the options and choose a service with stronger security measures.
By building and maintaining your own servers, it is possible to design and customize them in detail, and if a problem occurs, your in-house staff can immediately investigate and respond appropriately. However, with cloud computing service providers and their scope of service, detailed responses and complete customization to meet the specific needs and circumstances of clients may not be available.
Tsukaeru FileBako maximizes the advantages of cloud file sharing while minimizing the disadvantages.
With a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you can quickly and easily start remote working with the ability to access all your files and data from any location. Everything can be edited and organized in the cloud, and unlimited files and folders can be shared with other users using web links. There are also flexible storage options depending on your needs. Tsukaeru provides excellent security measures, including two-factor authentication, encryption, logging, and an ISO certified data center to protect your valuable data and systems.
For unlimited users, the cost starts at 9,800 JPY (10,780 JPY including tax), and our 14-day free trial allows you to try out Tsukaeru FileBako worry free!
“First Time Contract” campaign for Tsukaeru FileBako is now in effect until June 30 (Wednesday)!
The longer the contract, the more you save – with discounts of up to 300,000 JPY or more!
For more details about the campaign, please contact us via the “Contact Us”button below.
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