June 17, 2020
Macnica Networks Corp.

- Further accelerating initiatives in Zero Trust through the addition of cloud ID management to Macnica's product portfolio -

Macnica Networks Corp., which provides security, network, AI, and DX solutions (headquarters: 1-5-5 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Japan; President: Jun Ikeda; hereinafter "Macnica Networks") is pleased to announce the signing of a domestic primary distributor agreement with Okta, Inc. (Headquarters: San Francisco, USA; CEO: Todd McKinnon; hereinafter "Okta"). Macnica will provide solutions to the complexities of account management and the problems of security risks faced by companies where the use of cloud technology has become ingrained. Macnica will establish a system able to provide greater support for initiatives in the new security model known as Zero Trust.

1. Issues in the use of cloud services and breakdown of on-premises security models

In recent years, the implementation of cloud services has become common throughout many businesses and government offices, and the use of multiple services taken for granted. For users, the need to set an ID and password for each cloud service can be quite troublesome, and the use of simple passwords or the same password for each service has led to an increased risk of unauthorized login.

The implementation of cloud services has now made it standard for company data to be accessible not only from within the company, but also via external access by telecommuting employees and affiliates. The old security models that used a firewall as a barrier based on the judgment that in-house solutions are safe, but external solutions are not, and whose systems relied on an on-premises focus, are unable to handle these changes.

2. Resolving issues with Zero Trust by utilizing Okta

Under these circumstances, Zero Trust has once more become the focus of attention. This model is based on making integral judgments on access approval, per the access destination information which includes user, network, device, etc. Okta is a specialized manufacturer of cloud ID management solutions. Their solution enables the addition of authentication based not only on passwords but also a judgment on access approval through context information such as user, application, device, location, access, etc. Okta provides the key to Zero Trust implementation.

[Features of Okta]

3. Support from Macnica Networks for Zero Trust building

Macnica Networks has been handling products related to cloud ID management since 2012, when cloud ID management was only just beginning to emerge in Japan. By incorporating the user-judged elements essential for Zero Trust implementation into the company's product portfolio, Macnica can provide complete support for Zero Trust solution-building. Because Zero Trust is not something that can be completed with a single product, but rather is something established by linking several products, Macnica will utilize its numerous achievements and experiences to provide the following three services.

1Product alliance extending beyond products handled by Macnica

Macnica will use its expertise and its well-established verification environment for managing different products. With Okta as its core, Macnica will provide data linking among a variety of products, necessary for a Zero Trust collaboration model that offers the optimal solution for Zero Trust.

2Consulting alliance to help resolve business issues

Macnica will provide consistent support in verification, product selection, and requirements definition through each examination phase of Zero Trust solutions build, including its implementation and operation after deployment, to help resolve business issues.

3Professional service alliance for maximization of value

Macnica will conduct lectures on utilization methods and provide establishment support to maximize the value of implemented solutions, not only through the design and development phase but also through technical training and customer success after implementation.

Macnica is also soliciting alliance partnerships to establish a system for providing maximum support for customers' businesses through the services described above.

Okta's general manager for the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Graham Sowden, has given his endorsement for this announcement.
 

“Okta's vision is for any business to be able to use all types of technology. It is an honor to partner with Macnica Networks, which has such a high reputation as a solutions vendor in Japan, to help us achieve that goal. This agreement is a significant step in assisting Okta to continue to grow with international clients, and I look forward to a long-lasting and successful partnership.”
 

Through Okta's solutions and provision of services in collaboration with alliance partners, Macnica Networks will assist customers in implementing Zero Trust solutions.

Okta, Inc. Company Outline

Okta is the leading independent provider of identity management solutions. The Okta Identity Cloud enables organizations to securely connect the right people to the right technologies at the right time. There are over 6,500 providers with applications or infrastructure integrated into Okta Identity Cloud. Over 7,000 businesses use Okta to protect the identities of their personnel and customers.

*The company names and product names used herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective company.