IIJ is the First Telecommunications Provider in Japan Authorized as an Indirect Provider for the Microsoft Azure CSP Program

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TOKYO-August 29, 2017-Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, NASDAQ: IIJI, TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced that it has signed an agreement for the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program-a part of Microsoft's Azure cloud platform-after being the first telecommunications provider in Japan to be authorized as an indirect provider in the program.

The CSP program is a global program that Microsoft has developed for its partner companies. Until now, IIJ has provided its enterprise clients with cloud-based solutions as a direct provider in the CSP program, by combining Microsoft Azure with the services and applications it offers through services such as its cloud service, IIJ GIO Service.

With this latest approval as an indirect provider, IIJ can help enterprises quickly enter into cloud-based businesses without worries about the structural issues associated with licenses, including complex setups and various support structures. IIJ will offer the following value propositions to enterprises considering businesses that use Microsoft Azure:

• Microsoft Azure licenses, which partner companies can offer in combination with their own solutions, leading to one-stop solutions
• Systems for invoicing customers for pay-as-you-go subscriptions
• A support structure for premier enterprise support

As the first telecommunications provider in Japan to be authorized as an indirect provider, IIJ had to demonstrate its track record as a Microsoft partner. Microsoft assessed IIJ's proven roster of enterprise businesses that use Microsoft Azure; numerous case studies regarding network provisioning and assessment using ExpressRoute (*); and IIJ's awards, including the Hybrid Cloud & Infrastructure Platform Award, which was awarded as part of the 2016 Microsoft Partner of the Year awards.

• (*) Azure ExpressRoute: This service allows for cross-connections between closed networks and Microsoft's public cloud platform, Microsoft Azure.

After receiving this authorization, IIJ will begin working toward enhancing its support structure for partner companies that are considering businesses using Microsoft Azure and toward supporting cloud-based business development.

Statement from Microsoft Japan

Microsoft Japan warmly welcomes IIJ's participation as an indirect provider in our CSP program. As a CSP direct provider, IIJ has thus far accumulated an ample track record with Microsoft's leading cloud services, Microsoft Azure and Office 365. IIJ's participation in this program will make it easier for its partner companies to take on new businesses that use Microsoft Azure, thus promising to raise cloud use among Japanese enterprises to another level.

Yoshinami Takahashi,
Managing Executive Officer and Partner Division Director
Microsoft Japan Corporation

IIJ will continue to promote improvements in its support structure for IIJ partners and enhanced collaboration with them, and to provide new forms of value for its customers' businesses.

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.

For inquiries, contact

IIJ Corporate Communications

• +81-3-5205-6310
• +81-3-5205-6377
• press@iij.ad.jp

• (*) All company names and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.