IIJ to Become Palo Alto Networks Partner for SP Interconnect First Certified in the Asia-Pacific Region

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TOKYO - April 15, 2024 - Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (TSE Prime: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced that it has been certified as the first SP Interconnect partner in the Asia-Pacific region for Prisma® Access, a cloud-based security platform provided by Palo Alto Networks Inc. (headquartered in California, USA). IIJ will begin offering a new interconnect function between Prisma Access and the IIJ backbone in April 2024.
SP Interconnect is Palo Alto Networks' partner program for network service providers to interconnect Prisma Access with the service provider's infrastructure. This interconnection will enable customers who purchase and use Prisma Access from IIJ Group to access the Internet from one of the largest and most reliable backbones in Japan, operated by IIJ.

Background

In recent years, the demand for SASE products has been increasing as customers' work styles have changed dramatically with the expansion of cloud computing and the spread of remote work. Prisma Access, in particular, is being adopted by global companies and is provided on the facilities of an overseas cloud services provider. As such, the Internet connection is usually made through the backbone of the overseas cloud service provider. In a communication problem, the customers need to isolate and respond to it through the overseas cloud services provider, which requires much time to solve.

IIJ Group has been awarded the Palo Alto Networks' SASE Partner of the Year for four consecutive years since 2020 and it has received high praise for its provision and support of Prisma Access. The new SP Interconnect support will enable Prisma Access to connect to the Internet via the IIJ backbone with stable quality and allow the quick investigation and resolution of any problems.

Main Features

Providing Internet access via the IIJ backbone and IP addresses owned by IIJ

Customers who purchase Prisma Access from the IIJ Group can connect to the Internet via the IIJ backbone, and the source global IP address will be assigned from the IP addresses owned by IIJ. When standard Prisma Access is used, IP addresses owned by overseas cloud service providers, who are often outside of Japan, are assigned. This can cause problems when websites restrict the region from which connections are made. However, SP Interconnect support allows customers to smoothly access to sites that restrict connections from IP addresses outside Japan.

One-stop service from network construction to support

In introducing Prisma Access, the IIJ Group will provide one-stop service from network proposal, including Internet connection, to construction and support. In the event of a communication failure when using Prisma Access, the IIJ network can provide prompt support because communication is completed over the IIJ network.

Concept Image

The IIJ Group will continue to promote the integration of Prisma Access with various digital workplace (DWP)--related services to achieve multi-cloud connectivity, enhanced endpoint security, and data platform integration.

• For more information on Prisma Access-related solutions, please visit:
  https://www.iijglobal.co.jp/service/global-sase/ (in Japanese only)

Endorsement

We are delighted to welcome IIJ as the first SP-InterConnect partner for Prisma Access in the Asia-Pacific region. As the business environment changes with the digitalization of business and the accelerating shift to cloud and hybrid work, Palo Alto Networks' SASE has become an integral part of our customers' transformation efforts. Through IIJ's extensive experience and customer network, we look forward to working with them to implement Palo Alto Networks' advanced and comprehensive security solutions to help drive their growth strategy.

Hiroshi Alley
Chairman and President of Palo Alto Networks Inc (Japan)

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.

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.