Equinix Fabric® provides fast, reliable cloud connectivity with advanced security for leading Japanese internet bank

Accelerating secure cloud connectivity

See how SBI Sumishin Net Bank Ltd., the internet specialized bank, enabled a secure connection to the public cloud through Equinix Fabric. 

Vision: Implementing a better network with zero downtime 

Staying abreast of the latest developments in digital banking is critical to SBI Sumishin Net Bank’s (SBI Sumishin) ability to offer competitive products and services to its customers. The bank had been quick to differentiate itself in the market through the adoption of innovations including artificial intelligence (AI), and now wanted to switch from an on-premises system to the cloud—partly, to reduce costs, but also as part of its digital transformation strategy. 

As a financial institution, SBI Sumishin would be required to meet stringent network security requirements in connecting to the cloud. These included encrypting all communications and ensuring the security of data centers. A seamless switchover and short lead time were critical, with the definition of success being the provision of consistent services with no downtime. 

“When making the move to the cloud, lead time was a big concern for us,” says Hiroshi Watanabe, Group Head of System Administration, SBI Sumishin. 

Minimal lead time with no downtime 

In order to stay ahead of the competition, SBI Sumishin deployed a multicloud strategy and set the goal of moving the majority of its systems to the cloud. The company needed to transfer two key systems to the cloud—its commercial system, which would be moved to Amazon Web Services (AWS), and its internal office system, which would shift to Microsoft Azure. This setup would enable SBI Sumishin to meet the advanced security requirements of its sector, while benefiting from fast, reliable cloud connectivity. The bank also needed to easily set up new cross connects to cloud providers at the click of a button, enabling instant scale-up of bandwidth during peak times. 

SBI Sumishin considered working directly with a communications carrier to connect to the cloud, but this option could not meet its strict security requirements. Equinix was selected because it could offer a secure direct connection to the cloud with a short lead time. With Equinix, SBI Sumishin can now connect directly to AWS within the Equinix data center environment using Equinix Cross Connect, and to Microsoft Azure and Office 365 via Equinix Fabric.

Seeing is believing 

As part of the selection process, the bank’s team was able to visit the IBX data center in person to review the equipment and physical security systems in place. Equinix’s data center footprint in both Tokyo and Osaka was also an advantage, as it enables the bank to ensure business continuity by switching between sites when needed. 

Watanabe says, “As a company that prides itself on utilizing state-of-the- art innovation, shifting our systems to the cloud”—as the company did with help from Equinix—“was the logical next step.” 

Benefits

Reliable cloud connectivity 

Equinix Fabric helps SBI Sumishin leverage the cloud with reliable, consistent connectivity. 

Secure communications 

With Equinix, the bank can secure communications using direct connections to cloud services. 

Rapid deployment 

The ability to open lines quickly on demand from service portals reduces setup time from months to seconds. 

Reliable, secure infrastructure 

The International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data center environment helps deliver high security and business continuity.