CRN


 

Cloud distributor rhipe is setting up a Japanese business in partnership with Microsoft Japan's partner of the year six years in a row.

rhipe Japan will be established as a joint venture between rhipe and Japan Business Systems (JBS), a 29-year-old Microsoft partner with more than 2000 employees. The IT systems integrator and solutions provider speciailises in data and AI, Office 365, Dynamics 365 and Azure capabilities.

JBS will own 20 percent of the joint-venture, and will take on responsibility for local personnel, office space, localisation, market knowledge and operational support at launch.

rhipe will own the other 80 percent, taking responsibility for business planning, market launch and back-office operations, as well as use of rhipe's platform for recurring subscription management (PRISM).

The new business unit is aiming to launch Q2 FY20. rhipe is also aiming for rhipe Japan to become a Microsoft CSP partner.

“The announcement of this JV with JBS is a significant step in rhipe’s ongoing expansion," said rhipe chief executive Dominic O'Hanlon.

"Japan represents one of the largest markets in the world of Microsoft, yet the migration away from on-premise to cloud-based computing is relatively immature compared to many other countries.

"We know that rhipe’s PRISM platform and product marketing capabilities will provide a fresh approach to assisting Microsoft Japan in reaching new customers, particularly in small and medium sized reseller businesses. The combination of rhipe with the highly respected market position, technical capabilities, and strong relationships that JPS has in Japan is a very exciting prospect for all three companies”.

rhipe has a presence in much of the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.