What NTT SmartConnect does

NTT SmartConnect Corporation is a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of NTT West (NTT西日本), established in March 2000 and headquartered in the Dojima district of Osaka, Japan. The company provides integrated ICT infrastructure services to over 10,000 corporate customers, anchored on a portfolio of six-plus data centers in Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Saitama, with the Dojima facility serving as a major Western Japan internet exchange hub connected to BBIX, JPIX, JPNAP, and MegaPort IX points. Its four core business lines are housing/colocation (mediaConnect), cloud computing (SmartConnect Cloud Platform Type-S, Type-V, Type-B; SmartConnect VPS/Managed Server; Smart Storage; Smile Server), enterprise video streaming (Smart STREAM, Hikari Web School), and a newer analytics/AI layer (wakucone plus, Generative AI Service on Azure OpenAI).

The technical platform is built around VMware-based virtualization under continuous VCSP certification, multi-cloud private connectivity to AWS/Azure/GCP/Oracle via Cloud Cross Connect, integrated UTM/WAF/DDoS security under SmartConnect Network & Security, and Acronis-powered backup. The company monetizes through subscription-based monthly recurring fees (rack rental, compute, storage, security, streaming, AI usage credits), supplemented by initial setup fees and enterprise consulting engagements, distributed via direct enterprise sales, NTT Group channel partners, a self-service SMB portal, and a Business Partner program for resellers/SIs. Customer segments span large enterprises, SMBs, government and municipalities (via ISMAP registration), healthcare, education, media/broadcasting, and e-commerce/retail (live commerce via foove+).

NTT SmartConnect positions itself as a "Value Platform Partner," combining high-density IX-connected infrastructure, ISMAP/ISO/SOC-certified compliance, NTT Group brand backing, and a growing software layer (AI services, live commerce, IT asset management). Recent strategic emphasis has shifted toward AI-driven productivity services (Generative AI Service, wakucone plus), live commerce enablement (foove+), and the upcoming DCI Service in the Osaka suburbs tied to NTT Group's AIOWN initiative, suggesting a transition from a pure infrastructure provider toward a higher-margin, software-inflected ICT platform.

Name

NTT SmartConnect

Legal name

NTT SmartConnect Corporation

Website

https://nttsmc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

NTT SmartConnect is a wholly-owned NTT West subsidiary providing data center housing, cloud computing, enterprise video streaming, and AI-driven ICT services to over 10,000 corporate customers across Japan, anchored on Osaka-based IX-connected data centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cloud Infrastructure Services

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

General-Purpose Compute (VMs & Bare Metal IaaS) (HDABAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cloud On-Ramps & Direct Connect Services (HDABALAA), Hybrid Cloud Connectivity & Interconnect (HDABAMAB), Cloud Connectivity & Interconnect (Cloud On-Ramps, IX, Cross-Connects) (HDAIAFAF), Telco Cloud & Edge for NaaS (Distributed Cloud, MEC, Edge CNFs) (HDAIAIAE)

Keywords

• Data center colocation
• Cloud infrastructure services
• Video streaming platform
• Multi-cloud connectivity
• Managed hosting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka-shi

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. ハウジングサービス (Housing/Data Center): Provides data center facility services including rack space, power, cooling, and network connectivity. Revenue generated through monthly recurring rack rental fees with various rack sizes (standard, half, quarter, eighth) and dedicated/shared configurations.
2. クラウドサービス (Cloud Platform): IaaS services including SmartConnect Cloud Platform (Type-S, Type-V, Type-B), VPS, and storage services. Revenue from subscription-based compute, storage, and network resource consumption with various pricing tiers.
3. ストリーミングサービス (Streaming): Video streaming services including SmartSTREAM for enterprise video delivery, live streaming, and education-focused Hikari Web School platform. Revenue from subscription plans and usage-based streaming volume charges.
4. foove+ ライブコマース: Live commerce platform service providing tools for product promotion through live streaming with integrated e-commerce functionality. Multiple plan tiers available with varying feature sets.
5. 生成AIサービス: Enterprise generative AI service using Azure OpenAI with tiered subscription plans based on concurrent connections, RAG capacity, and ID registration limits. Includes optional add-ons for additional capacity.
6. クラウド クロス コネクト: Multi-cloud connectivity service enabling private connections to public cloud providers. Revenue from initial setup fees plus monthly subscription charges based on connection bandwidth and type.
7. データ分析・活用サービス: Smart DataCooking data analytics package and wakucone+ IT management services providing operational visualization and security risk management. Subscription-based pricing with volume discounts available.
8. ネットワーク・セキュリティサービス: SmartConnect Network & Security providing UTM, WAF, DDoS protection, and VPN services. Revenue from monthly subscription fees based on service tier and bandwidth requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

NTT SmartConnect provides a comprehensive ICT services portfolio spanning four business areas: data center housing (mediaConnect), cloud computing infrastructure (SmartConnect Cloud Platform with Type-S dedicated VMware, Type-V shared pool, and Type-B bare metal variants), streaming media delivery (Smart STREAM, foove+ live commerce), and data analytics/AI services (wakucone plus, Generative AI Service built on Azure OpenAI). The company also offers Cloud Cross Connect for private multi-cloud connectivity to AWS, Azure, GCP, and Oracle Cloud. Services are delivered from six data center facilities in the Osaka metropolitan area with direct IX peering.

Product overview

NTT SmartConnect operates as a Value Platform Partner offering a comprehensive ICT services portfolio centered on four core business domains: data center housing (mediaConnect), cloud computing (SmartConnect Cloud Platform family), streaming media (Smart STREAM, foove+), and data analytics/AI (wakucone plus, Generative AI Service). The company, established in 2000 as an NTT West Group company, serves over 10,000 corporate customers from its Osaka-centric data center infrastructure. The product architecture consists of (1) Infrastructure Services — mediaConnect housing with direct IX connectivity and the new DCI fiber interconnect service; SmartConnect Cloud Platform with three IaaS variants (Type-S for dedicated VMware, Type-V for shared-resource public cloud, Type-B for bare metal) complemented by Cloud Cross Connect for multi-cloud private connectivity; SmartConnect Network & Security for integrated UTM/WAF/VPN security; Smart Storage and SmartConnect VPS/Managed Server for storage and virtualized hosting; and Smile Server for shared web hosting. (2) Streaming & Commerce — Smart STREAM for enterprise video streaming (live, on-demand, 4K, multi-angle, Hi-Res audio) and Hikari Web School for educational video; and foove+ as a live commerce platform with AI script generation, cross-border commerce, and analytics. (3) AI & Data Intelligence — the Generative AI Service leveraging Azure OpenAI with multi-model support (GPT, Gemini, Claude), RAG-based knowledge search, and workflow automation; wakucone plus combining IT asset management, security risk detection, and AI-powered business visualization via LANSCOPE integration. (4) Emerging Services — ManaVR Cloud for VR training, 3D Education Metaverse, Ima Doko Plus for event GPS management, Smart DataCooking for data analytics, HACCP IoT for food safety, Remote Stethoscope for telemedicine, and Backup Service powered by Acronis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• foove+: Live commerce service enabling real-time video shopping experiences
• wakucone plus
• SmartConnect Cloud Platform
• SmartConnect Network & Security
• Smart STREAM
• mediaConnect
• Smart Storage
• Smile Server

Products and services

• SmartConnect Cloud Platform IaaS/HaaS cloud platform providing virtual and physical dedicated server infrastructure in three variants: Type-S (dedicated VMware private cloud), Type-V (shared public cloud with VM/resource pool), and Type-B (bare metal/dedicated physical server). Target customers include enterprises requiring migration from on-premises environments.
• SmartConnect Network & Security Cloud-based network and security platform combining UTM (unified threat management), WAF, DDoS protection, load balancing, internet VPN, and web/mail filtering (i-FILTER/m-FILTER). Provides perimeter and internal network security for enterprises.
• Cloud Cross Connect

Quantifiable outcome

• 67% CO2 emissions reduction when migrating from on-premises to SmartConnect Cloud Platform (example for 154 servers)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

AI capability22 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• Broadcom (VMware)coreTechnology or IntegrationVCSP (VMware Cloud Service Provider) certified partner providing VMware-based cloud infrastructure services. Offers Distributed Firewall using VMware vDefend Firewall technology for micro-segmentation security. Company has maintained continuous VCSP certification.
• Microsoft (Azure/OpenAI)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Generative AI services built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Also offers Azure and Microsoft 365 license services. Enables secure AI deployment with LGWAN connectivity options for government customers.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or IntegrationAWS Direct Connect partner providing dedicated cloud connectivity through Cloud Cross Connect service. Offers AWS TransitGateway connections, AWS Public connections, and gateway setup assistance services.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)coreTechnology or IntegrationGoogle Cloud connectivity partner enabling private connections through Cloud Cross Connect. Provides secure access to GCP services without traversing public internet.
• Oracle CloudcoreTechnology or IntegrationOracle Cloud FastConnect partner providing private connectivity to Oracle Cloud services. Supports both shared and dedicated bandwidth options for Oracle Cloud access.
• BBIXcoreTechnology or IntegrationEstablished third BBIX connection point (BBIX Osaka Third Center) at Dojima Data Center in 2020. Provides IX services enhancing internet connectivity options for customers.
• JPIXcoreTechnology or IntegrationJapan Professional Internet Exchange partner providing IX connectivity at Sonezaki Data Center. Established connection point in March 2024 for Fukuoka Tenjin data center.
• JPNAPcoreTechnology or IntegrationJPNAP (Japan Network Access Point) IX connection services at both Sonezaki Data Center (established 2022) and Fukuoka data center (established January 2024).
• QTnetcoreTechnology or IntegrationFukuoka-based telecommunications provider partnership for DCI (Data Center Interconnect) services. Established mutual connection services between QTnet data center and NTT SmartConnect data centers in July 2023.
• MegaPortcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to launch Japan's first MegaIX service at Sonezaki Data Center in July 2025. Provides additional IX connectivity options for customers.
• Peering AsiacoreTechnology or IntegrationCo-host of Peering Asia 8.0 conference held in Osaka in October 2025. Active participant in APAC peering community promoting internetwork connectivity.
• MOTEX (LANSCOPE)coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partnership with MOTEX for LANSCOPE Endpoint Manager Cloud integration with wakucone+ IT asset management service. Provides comprehensive endpoint management capabilities.
• AcroniscoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud for backup services. Enables comprehensive backup and disaster recovery capabilities for customer systems.
• AMI (遠隔聴診サービス)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness partnership for remote stethoscope services. NTT SmartConnect provides the communication platform while AMI provides medical device expertise for telemedicine applications.
• Media LinksstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerIP video transmission solution partnership for remote production services. Collaboration with NTT West Japan Group and FOR-A (朋栄) for broadcasting workflow DX.
• OneAIstrategicTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partnership for AI avator interactive services and live commerce functionality expansion. Conducted proof of concept for AI-generated content in live commerce.
• any style (VTuber)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for VTuber-powered live commerce experiments. Conducted second proof-of-concept experiment in March 2025 with Shizuoka food theme.
• BENLYstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for cross-border marketplace live commerce experiments. Proof of concept initiated in February 2025 for international e-commerce live streaming.
• NTT Group CompaniescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroup-wide collaboration with NTT West Japan, NTT Anode Energy, NTT Business Solutions, and other NTT group companies for service delivery, sales distribution, and technology development including IOWN APN initiatives.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• SCSK Corporation: Major Japanese system integrator and cloud services subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation. Comparable given comprehensive cloud, managed services, and data center offerings to Japanese enterprise customers, with broader SI capabilities.
• Digital Realty (Japan operations): Global hyperscale data center provider with Japanese facilities. Comparable in colocation and connectivity services, though focused on larger enterprise/hyperscale customers rather than NTT SmartConnect's mid-market SMB segment.
• Fujitsu (Japan): Global Japanese IT services and cloud provider with extensive enterprise customer base. Comparable given cloud infrastructure and managed services portfolio, though operates as much broader IT services conglomerate.
• KDDI: Major Japanese telecommunications carrier with cloud (KDDI Cloud Platform Service), data center, and network services. Comparable given overlapping enterprise connectivity and cloud portfolio, though at vastly larger national scale.
• Equinix (Japan operations): Global data center and interconnection operator with significant Japanese presence (Tokyo, Osaka IBX facilities). Comparable given direct peering and cloud on-ramp positioning, though at much larger scale and broader international reach.

Direct peers

• Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ): Major Japanese network and cloud services provider offering IaaS, SaaS, security, and managed services. Comparable given overlapping enterprise cloud, security (UTM/WAF), and connectivity portfolio with Japanese enterprise/government focus.
• BroadBand Tower: Tokyo-based data center operator with cloud, AI/HPC, and managed services. Comparable peer in the Japanese data center + cloud segment, particularly for enterprise colocation and compute-intensive workloads.
• ARTERIA Networks: Japanese network services provider with dark fiber, VPN, and data center connectivity. Customer of NTT SmartConnect's Dojima Data Center per company disclosures. Comparable given similar enterprise network and IX services focus.
• Sakura Internet: Long-established Japanese cloud and hosting provider offering VPS, dedicated servers, and managed cloud services to enterprise and SMB customers. Most directly comparable domestic peer given similar product breadth (IaaS, hosting, cloud) and mid-market enterprise focus.
• IDC Frontier: Japanese data center and cloud services subsidiary of Yahoo Japan (LY Corporation). Provides colocation, cloud hosting, and managed services with similar enterprise/SMB positioning, comparable to NTT SmartConnect's housing and cloud platform offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ntt-smartconnect

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NTT SmartConnect