Who's Next
Who's Next (株式会社フーズネクスト) is a Japanese IT services firm that provides custom web application development, enterprise network infrastructure (VPN, VDI, FortiGate security), and WordPress/EC-CUBE website production for enterprise and SMB clients across Ishikawa Prefecture and the Tokyo metropolitan area, leveraging its own in-house data center alongside AWS and Azure.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersKomatsu, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Who's Next does
Who's Next (株式会社フーズネクスト) is a Japanese IT services firm founded in September 1999 and headquartered in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, with a secondary office in Tokyo's Chuo-ku. The company operates a 15 million yen registered capital private corporation under Representative Director Hirata Yoko, and runs a sales-led B2B model targeting enterprise and mid-market clients in Ishikawa and the broader Japanese market. Its GTM motion is relationship-driven direct sales with no self-serve or product-led channel; engineers participate in client planning meetings, positioning the firm as an embedded information systems partner rather than a traditional outsourcer.
The firm delivers three service pillars: (1) custom web application, IoT integration, business system, and smartphone app development; (2) enterprise network infrastructure including LAN/WAN, VPN, FortiGate next-generation firewalls, and multi-platform VDI/remote work deployments (Citrix, VMware Horizon, Microsoft VDI, Amazon WorkSpaces); and (3) website and e-commerce production using WordPress CMS and EC-CUBE. A notable technical differentiator is the company's own in-house data center, which it operates alongside AWS and Microsoft Azure, enabling bundled development-plus-hosting engagements and server-maintenance outsourcing for clients lacking internal IT staff. The technology stack is open-source-centric (Linux/Apache/PHP/MySQL) with Python, C#, Java, Objective-C, and Swift used for specialized development.
The business model is professional services and managed services revenue: project-based development work, retainer-style network monitoring and security, and ongoing hosting/operations tied to the data center. Pricing is custom and not publicly disclosed. Customer mix spans large enterprise accounts (technology partners such as Colt Technology Services, IIJ, Citrix Systems Japan, JPRS, and SoftBank BB) and an SMB tail served through website and EC-CUBE e-commerce work. The firm does not appear publicly listed, has no disclosed subsidiaries or funding rounds, and shows no social media or paid acquisition presence — relying on its corporate website, organic SEO, and direct inquiry as its primary channels.
Who's Next firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Who's Next
- Legal name
- 株式会社フーズネクスト
- Website
- https://who-s-next.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Who's Next (株式会社フーズネクスト) is a Japanese IT services firm that provides custom web application development, enterprise network infrastructure (VPN, VDI, FortiGate security), and WordPress/EC-CUBE website production for enterprise and SMB clients across Ishikawa Prefecture and the Tokyo metropolitan area, leveraging its own in-house data center alongside AWS and Azure.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Who's Next industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Services (Web Development, Network Infrastructure, Website Production)
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Computer Facilities Management Services (541513)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Communications Services, Nec (4899)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Systems Integration & Implementation Services (BPAEAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Network, Infrastructure & Data Center Integration (BPAEAAAK), Service Desk & ITSM Outsourcing (BPAEAMAF)
Keywords
Where Who's Next is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Komatsu
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
Who's Next business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Web System Development: Custom development of web applications, IoT systems, and cloud-based platforms for enterprise clients. Services span from requirements definition and design through development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. Revenue is project-based, with long-term client relationships driven by system hosting in the company's own data center.
- Network Infrastructure Services: Design, deployment, and management of enterprise LAN/WAN, VPN networks, and remote work infrastructure. Includes FortiGate firewall deployment, network monitoring, and ongoing operational support. Typically billed as project or retainer contracts.
- Website Production: End-to-end website creation including planning, design, development, and operational support. WordPress-based CMS sites and EC-CUBE e-commerce platforms are primary offerings. Ongoing content management and SEO/advertising services may generate recurring revenue.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Who's Next product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Who's Next is a Japanese IT solutions company providing three integrated service lines: (1) custom web application development including IoT-linked systems, business management systems, and smartphone apps; (2) enterprise network infrastructure including LAN/WAN, VPN, remote work (VDI), and FortiGate security; and (3) website production via WordPress and EC-CUBE e-commerce platforms. The company operates its own data center enabling bundled development, hosting, and operational support as a quasi-internal IT department for clients.
Product overview
Who's Next is an IT solutions company offering three core service lines: (1) Web Application Development covering custom web apps, IoT integration systems, business systems, and smartphone apps; (2) Network Infrastructure covering internal network construction, remote work solutions, VPN, and security with FortiGate; and (3) Website Creation using WordPress for no-code management and EC-CUBE for e-commerce. All services can leverage their proprietary data center for hosting. The company positions itself as an integrated information systems department for clients rather than just a development vendor.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Web Application Development (Webシステム開発) Custom end-to-end web application development for enterprise clients, covering frontend interfaces through backend order, payment, shipping, and sales management systems.
- IoT Integration Systems (IoT連携システム) IoT-linked systems that connect devices and sensors with web-based management and analytics platforms for enterprise clients.
- Smartphone App Development (スマートフォンアプリ開発) Design and development of iPhone and Android mobile applications for enterprise and commercial customers.
- Enterprise Network Construction (社内ネットワーク構築) Design, construction, and ongoing management of enterprise internal LAN and WAN networks, including cloud platform integration.
- Telework/Remote Work Network Solutions (テレワーク対応ネットワーク) Network solutions supporting remote work, including remote desktop access, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) via VMware Horizon, Citrix, Microsoft VDI, and Amazon WorkSpaces, and data center-hosted VDI configurations.
- VPN Construction (VPN構築) Secure VPN network construction with authentication and encryption for safe business communications.
- Network Monitoring and Security (ネットワーク監視・セキュリティ) Network security services featuring FortiGate next-generation firewall for threat protection, antivirus, and application control, with network monitoring and ongoing operational support.
- WordPress Website Creation (WordPress制作) End-to-end website creation using WordPress CMS, including planning, design, system development, operations, and SEO/traffic generation support, enabling clients to update content without programming knowledge.
- EC-CUBE E-commerce Site Development (EC-CUBE/ECサイト構築) E-commerce site development using EC-CUBE, Japan's leading open-source shopping platform, enabling flexible customization beyond the limitations of generic marketplaces such as Rakuten or Yahoo Shopping.
- Data Center Services (データセンターサービス) Server hosting and management in Who's Next's owned data center, providing physical isolation and maintenance-free operations for clients.
Companies that use Who's Next
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Who's Next technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration23 records
Feature5 records
Who's Next partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators1 record
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Who's Next competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ): Leading Japanese internet connectivity and network solutions provider listed as a Who's Next partner. Comparable in network and remote-work infrastructure offerings, though operating as a major carrier at public-company scale.
- ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC): Major Japanese system integrator offering enterprise IT infrastructure, network services, and managed operations. Comparable across network infrastructure and managed services lines, with multi-billion yen scale.
- BIPROGY Inc. Large Japanese system integrator providing enterprise system integration, network services, and managed operations. Comparable across the full IT services stack, though at substantially larger scale than Who's Next.
- TIS Inc. Large Japanese IT services group providing systems integration, outsourcing, and consulting across industries. Comparable in service breadth and target customer base, though operating at far greater scale.
Direct peers
- NIPPON SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT Co., Ltd. Japanese systems integrator focused on custom software development, infrastructure, and ongoing operations. Comparable to Who's Next in its emphasis on long-term client relationships and bundled development-plus-operations engagements.
- System Support Inc. Japanese mid-sized IT services firm providing systems integration, infrastructure, and managed services to enterprise clients. Comparable to Who's Next in offering a bundled development-and-operations model with strong customer relationships, and operates with similar geographic and segment scope.
- Digital Information Technology Corporation (DIT): Tokyo-based IT services firm offering custom system development, infrastructure, and DX consulting. Comparable to Who's Next across web application development and managed services, though at a larger scale.
- Focus Systems Corporation: Mid-sized Japanese IT services company delivering systems development, infrastructure, and security solutions. Comparable in its broad service portfolio spanning development, network/security, and managed operations.
Emerging players
- Sakura Internet Inc. Operates a meaningful data center footprint in Japan alongside cloud hosting services. Comparable to Who's Next in offering hosted server services, though at substantially larger scale with a public cloud focus.
- Classmethod Inc. AWS-focused cloud integrator offering managed services and consulting to Japanese enterprises. Comparable to Who's Next's AWS/Azure deployment offering, though narrower in cloud-platform scope.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Who's Next social profiles
Digital presenceWho's Next financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Who's Next leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Who's Next funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Who's Next M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Who's Next
What does Who's Next do?
Who's Next is a Japanese IT solutions company providing three integrated service lines: (1) custom web application development including IoT-linked systems, business management systems, and smartphone apps; (2) enterprise network infrastructure including LAN/WAN, VPN, remote work (VDI), and FortiGate security; and (3) website production via WordPress and EC-CUBE e-commerce platforms. The company operates its own data center enabling bundled development, hosting, and operational support as a quasi-internal IT department for clients.
Is Who's Next a public or private company?
Who's Next is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Who's Next founded?
Who's Next was founded in 1999. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Who's Next based?
Who's Next is headquartered in Komatsu, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Who's Next make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Web System Development is the primary driver. The others are network Infrastructure Services and website Production.
Who are Who's Next's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ), ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC), BIPROGY Inc. and TIS Inc.. Direct peers are NIPPON SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT Co., Ltd., System Support Inc., Digital Information Technology Corporation (DIT) and Focus Systems Corporation. Emerging players are Sakura Internet Inc. and Classmethod Inc..
Does Who's Next have an API?
No public API is recorded for Who's Next.
What industry is Who's Next in?
Who's Next's product category is IT Services (Web Development, Network Infrastructure, Website Production). Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAAAB, Systems Integration & Implementation Services, with a secondary code of BPAEAAAK, Network, Infrastructure & Data Center Integration. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7373.