法人別リリース

ACCESS to Collaborate with LeapMind to Implement AI on Numerous IoT Devices with Low Power ...

ACCESS — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 14:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Oct. 10, 2018 /Kyodo JBN/ --
ACCESS CO., LTD.
ACCESS to Collaborate with LeapMind to Implement AI
on Numerous IoT Devices with Low Power Consumption
- Linking NetFront (TM) EdgeAI with DeLTA-Lite to Provide Integration Solution for Embedded Deep Learning on Small Edge Devices, Including Low Power Consumption SoC FPGAs -

ACCESS CO., LTD. (https://www.access-company.com/en/) announced on October 10 that LeapMind Inc. (https://leapmind.io/en/) based in Tokyo has entered into a collaboration agreement with ACCESS as an artificial intelligence (AI) technology partner for NetFront (TM) EdgeAI, a comprehensive solution that integrates edge-computing technology with AI technology to achieve high-speed, real-time AI processing on edge devices.

The number of IoT devices is increasing globally. It is predicted that approximately 30 billion IoT devices (*1) will be connected by 2020, ranging from high-spec and high-end devices such as connected cars to low-end devices with limited power consumption and footprints such as surveillance monitors, small cameras and drones. The market expects AI technology to be combined with the ever-increasing number and types of IoT devices to drive take-up and effectiveness. Demand is expected to be particularly high for the provision of tools to implement AI technology to achieve real-time image recognition on IoT edge devices and manage them in an efficient, secure and safe manner.

In light of this, ACCESS and LeapMind have entered into a collaboration agreement to provide a solution that combines ACCESS’ advanced technology for managing edge devices in the cloud remotely with LeapMind’s advanced model compression technology. LeapMind’s advanced model compression technology equips small computing environments, including low power consumption SoC FPGAs, with deep-learning inference algorithms.

Specifically, the combination of ACCESS’ NetFront (TM) EdgeAI with LeapMind’s DeLTA-Lite will be provided as a comprehensive solution for building deep-learning models, distributing them to each edge device and updating them, thereby helping companies efficiently deploy and operate IoT solutions. Targeting low-cost, low-power consumption edge devices, this solution makes it possible to implement recognition features on various edge devices such as small cameras that were not previously able to utilize deep learning.

Image1: Combining ACCESS’ NetFront (TM) EdgeAI with LeapMind’s DeLTA-Lite
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M101129/201810048811/_prw_PI1fl_iA05iMBm.png

Soichi Matsuda, CEO of LeapMind, said: “I am sure that this collaboration with ACCESS will accelerate the implementation of Deep Learning of Things (DoT), in which deep learning technology is applied to all kinds of objects. Going forward, LeapMind will strive to make complex and complicated deep learning ‘compact and simple’ and embed it to the real world.”

Michi Uematsu, CTO of ACCESS, said: “This collaboration with LeapMind makes it possible to actively implement AI technology on embedded devices. ACCESS has been continuously transforming society by providing Internet technology to various embedded devices. By providing IoT devices powered by LeapMind’s AI technology for embedded devices and ACCESS’s edge-computing technology for embedded devices, we will keep improving everyone’s daily life.”

ACCESS and LeapMind will provide this integrated solution to several companies in advance as a pilot test and will offer it officially by the end of the year to factories, warehouses, logistics, security and other fields that are working to equip their numerous IoT devices with AI.

Image2: Examples of solutions that combine the two companies’ technologies
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M101129/201810048811/_prw_PI2lg_14h0E063.png

Roles of the two companies
ACCESS
Provide NetFront (TM) EdgeAI, a solution for dramatically reducing processes in the cloud and achieving fast, real-time processing that is not dependent on any network environment, by equipping edge devices with AI features.

LeapMind
Provide DeLTA-Lite, a solution for building embedded deep learning models that does not require programming.

Products provided
NetFront EdgeAI: Composed of NetFront (TM) Agent and ACCESS Connect (TM). NetFront Agent is one of the world’s smallest managed computing engines and was developed based on the proprietary engine of NetFront (TM) Browser, a well-established product that has been implemented in more than 1.5 billion devices around the world. ACCESS Connect is a one-stop platform that provides backend systems required for developing and operating IoT services.
Learn more about NetFront Agent:
https://www.access-company.com/en/products/iotdevice/netfront-agent/

DeLTA-Lite: A web-based solution for building embedded deep learning models that does not require programming. This makes it possible to run deep learning models on palm-sized devices by simply preparing training data and hardware for implementing it. With DeLTA-Lite, you do not need to write a program code, thereby shortening the time to complete the process from building a model to verifying it on hardware.
Learn more about DeLTA-Lite: https://delta.leapmind.io/lite/en/

(*1) Edited based on the source: “White Paper by Information and Communications in Japan Year 2017.”
http://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/whitepaper/ja/h29/html/nc133100.html
(Japanese)

About ACCESS
Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Index, 4813) has provided advanced IT solutions centered around mobile and network software technologies to telecom carriers, consumer electronics manufacturers, broadcasting and publishing companies, the automotive industry, and energy infrastructure providers around the world. The company develops mobile software solutions that have been installed on over 1.5 billion devices, and network software solutions that have been used by over 300 telecommunication equipment manufacturers. Utilizing its network virtualization technology skills and knowledge, the company is currently focusing on the development and commercialization of Internet of Things (IoT) and media solutions that combine embedded and cloud technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States to support and expand its business globally. Learn more about ACCESS at https://www.access-company.com/en/

About LeapMind Inc.
LeapMind conducts research and development of deep learning solutions for embedded devices and achieve Deep Learning of Things (DoT), in which deep learning is applied to all types of objects. By improving neural network models and conducting independent algorithm research for both software and hardware, the company has developed key technologies to run deep learning on edge devices even in a small computing environment with a limited power capacity, such as low power consumption FPGAs. LeapMind leverages this unique technology to provide one-stop solutions for building models, compressing/optimizing them, and implementing them on edge and embedded devices.
https://leapmind.io/en/
https://delta.leapmind.io/lite/en/

(C) 2018 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
ACCESS, the ACCESS logo, NetFront, and the ACCESS Connect logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. in the United States, Japan and/or other countries. All other trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

ACCESS Seoul Develops and Starts Distribution of "Disney Book Cafe" for Smartphones/Tablets and TV

ACCESS — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 11:00:12 +0900

TOKYO and SEOUL, Apr. 12, 2016 /Kyodo JBN/ --
ACCESS CO., LTD
ACCESS Seoul Develops and Starts Distribution of "Disney Book Cafe" for Smartphones/Tablets and TV
- 70 Popular Works to Be Distributed Bilingually, Available for iOS/Android and KT OllehTV -

ACCESS Co., Ltd., a global provider of advanced software technologies to the automotive, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT) and digital TV markets, announced on April 12 that its South Korean subsidiary, ACCESS Seoul Co., Ltd., has developed and plans to start distribution of "Disney Book Cafe," an official Disney eBook for iOS smartphones/tablets starting on April 20, 2016. ACCESS Seoul has also developed "Disney Book Cafe" for KT OllehTV, KT's IPTV service, which will be available from this spring.

ACCESS Seoul developed and started distribution of "Disney Book Cafe" for Android OS last December as the first official Disney eBook in the Korean language. Now children in South Korea can enjoy Disney Book Cafe on both iOS and Android as well as KT OllehTV, the IPTV service by South Korea's largest IT solution company.

Disney Book Cafe is offered as bilingual (Korean and English) eBooks for children and available for smartphones/tablets and IPTV, with more than 70 popular Disney titles from classic to latest feature animation. Titles were selected by ACCESS Seoul specifically for the South Korean market and ACCESS Seoul plans to expand the collection with new titles every week.

Disney Book Cafe apps for iOS and Android come with many convenient functions, and use technology and expertise based on ACCESS' digital publishing platform "PUBLUS (TM)," which supports the EPUB format. Using Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL), text and sound can be played synchronously. Even children who are not yet reading books can immerse themselves deep into the world of Disney titles, as subtitles and voices are played each time a page is turned.(*) It can also be used as a tool for learning English.

(*) Disney Book Cafe comes in two versions, one with sound and the other without. The one with sound is priced at 4,800 KRW (480 Coins) while the one without sound is priced at 3,500 KRW (350 Coins).

In addition, within Disney Book Cafe apps, titles purchased can be managed together using the bookshelf function. In-app purchases are made using pre-purchased coins, which can be bought using Google gift cards and similar cards, so parents and guardians can safely let children choose and buy their own titles. Furthermore, Disney Book Cafe can be shared with friends on social media (Facebook, KakaoStory, KakaoTalk) to earn free coins.

ACCESS Seoul has acquired the license for localizing and distributing digital content based on Disney titles in the South Korean market, and has already started localizing and distributing Korean-language versions of Disney game apps (originally in English). The release of the eBook app is part of this licensed business, and ACCESS Seoul plans to continue the timely release of an enriching genre of Disney titles spanning eBooks, and games.

About ACCESS
Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Index, 4813) has provided advanced IT solutions centered around mobile and network software technologies to telecom carriers, consumer electronics manufacturers, broadcasting and publishing companies, the automotive industry and energy infrastructure providers around the world. The company develops mobile software solutions that have been installed on over 1.5 billion devices, and network software solutions that have been used by over 300 telecommunication equipment manufacturers. Utilizing its network virtualization technology skills and knowledge, the company is currently focusing on the development and commercialization of Internet of Things (IoT) and media solutions that combine embedded and cloud technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States to support and expand its business globally. Learn more about ACCESS at www.access-company.com.

(C) 2016 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
ACCESS, the ACCESS logo, and PUBLUS are registered trademarks or trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. in the United States, Japan and/or other countries. All other trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

ACCESS Seoul Acquires Digital Content Rights for Disney Titles in South Korea

ACCESS — Thu, 21 May 2015 11:00:51 +0900

TOKYO, May 21 /Kyodo JBN/ --
ACCESS CO., LTD.
ACCESS Seoul Acquires Digital Content Rights for Disney Titles in South Korea
- ACCESS Seoul Will Localize, Develop, and Publish Edutainment, eBooks, Games and Other Content in South Korea -

ACCESS Co., Ltd. (http://gl.access-company.com/), announced that its South Korean subsidiary, ACCESS Seoul Co., Ltd., has acquired a license from The Walt Disney Company (Korea) Limited for the localization, development, and publication of digital content based on Disney titles in the South Korean market.

According to the terms of this license agreement, ACCESS Seoul will select products to release in the South Korean market from the English-language digital content based on the approximately 160 titles released by Disney each year. ACCESS Seoul will develop Korean-language versions of these titles, which it will distribute directly as a publisher to business-to-consumer markets for smartphones, tablets, and PCs.

In the first wave of these offerings in the middle of July 2015, ACCESS Seoul plans to begin publishing of Korean-language versions of smartphone/tablet edutainment apps targeted at the 4-to-10 year age group for both iOS and Android. ACCESS Seoul is also developing Korean-language versions of eBooks based on Disney titles, which it will begin to publish this summer.

ACCESS Seoul will be continuing to release a variety of products based on the latest Disney titles in a range of genres -- edutainment, eBooks and games.

About ACCESS
Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers' Index, 4813) has provided advanced IT solutions centered around mobile and network software technologies to telecom carriers, consumer electronics manufacturers, broadcasting, publishing companies, the automotive industry, and energy infrastructure companies around the world. The company has developed mobile software that has been installed on over one billion devices, and network software that has been used by over 250 telecommunication equipment manufacturers. Utilizing its network virtualization technology skills and knowledge, the company is currently focusing on the development and commercialization of Internet of Things (IoT) and media solutions that combine
embedded and cloud technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States to support and expand its business globally. Learn more about ACCESS at http://gl.access-company.com/.

* ACCESS and the ACCESS logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. in the United States, Japan and/or other countries.
* All other trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

ACCESS' PUBLUS (TM) EPUB-Compatible Electronic Publishing Solution Selected for Language Reader

ACCESS — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:00:28 +0900

TOKYO, Jan. 23 /Kyodo JBN/ --
ACCESS CO., LTD.
ACCESS' PUBLUS (TM) EPUB-Compatible Electronic Publishing Solution Selected for Language Reader, NHK Publishing's New Language Service
ACCESS CO., LTD. (http://gl.access-company.com/ ), a global provider of advanced software solutions to the mobile, beyond-PC and digital TV markets, announced on January 22 its PUBLUS (TM) electronic publishing solution was selected for Language Reader, a new electronic book service from NHK Publishing, Inc (NHK Publishing). For the first release of Language Reader, all five volumes of "NHK Enjoy Simple English Readers" will be released on January 26, 2015.

"Language Reader" from NHK Publishing (compatible with iOS 7 and higher)
(Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M101129/201501227092/_prw_OI1fl_dhgwo2Ld.jpg)

* All of the above are conceptual figures.

Language Reader is an electronic book service NHK Publishing will launch to provide language study books for iPhones and iPads. In addition to conventional e-book functions, Language Reader also provides an "audio playback speed adjustment function" that allows users to adjust the replay speed of language study books with embedded speech data. The function allows the playback speed to be easily adjusted within the range of 0.5 times to 3 times the standard speed, and while the speed is increased, it is designed to boost the sense that the text is being read slowly, making it easier to understand. Language Reader is also equipped with other playback functions that facilitate language learning, including a function for playback with the screen off, brief rewind to listen to a segment again, and repeated playback of a segment.
NHK Publishing developed the Language Reader for provision to the public as a store-type application that offers EPUB content with embedded speech data to language learners in an optimal format, incorporating the speech speed adjustment function, developed by the NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories, in PUBLUS with cooperation from the NHK Engineering System.

PUBLUS is an electronic publishing platform that provides comprehensive support for devices ranging from terminals to server systems including EPUB-compatible electronic book viewers, content distribution, and sales management systems. It features advanced rendering of EPUB contents and outstanding operability on all devices, including smart phones, tablets, and PC, and with all major operating systems (iOS, Android, and others). PUBLUS has been adopted by leading educational publishing companies and electronic book service operators in Japan and overseas for e-book services and e-book terminals. PUBLUS was selected as the Language Reader service platform due to ACCESS' track record and technological capabilities with EPUB-compatible digital educational materials.

ACCESS will continuously expand the functionality of PUBLUS and evolve it as a useful digital publishing service platform for both publishers and end users.
For more information on PUBLUS, access the following site: http://publus.jp/

About the first release of Language Reader

All five volumes of "NHK Enjoy Simple English Readers" series (aired from April to September in 2014) will be released as an audio E-book designed for extensive reading and listening. It's a revolutionary educational material which you can learn basic skills of English by listening and reading about 500 simple words in each story.
-- Short Stories :One-shot short comedy in dialougue style.
-- Heroes and Giants :A story of great people from home and abroad, such as,
Licholn, Picasso, J.K Rowling and more.
-- Japanese Folklore :Feel the rhythm of English and heart of Japan with Japanese folklore, such as "Hanasaka Jiisan (The Story of the Old Man Who Made Withered Trees to Blossom) , "Issun-Boshi (The one inch Samurai)"
-- Introducing Japan :Practical dialogues that talk and introduce Japanese culture such as hot spring, bullet train and Mt. Fuji
-- New Romeo and Juliet :Parody of "Romeo and Juliet."
The price is 1,100 yen (tax included). Only "New Romeo and Juliet" is purchasable in 900 yen (tax included).

For more details about, please refer to the information from NHK Publishing.

About ACCESS

Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. has provided advanced software solutions and services that enable operators, device manufacturers, content owners and consumers to make the most of today's multi-screen, connected world. It provides software for mobiles, smartphones and tablets, connected TVs and set-top boxes in the connected home, automotive, digital publishing and networking markets. ACCESS solutions have shipped in over one billion devices around the world. Its product portfolio includes the NetFront (TM) software series and the ZebOS (TM) network platform, providing customers faster time-to-market, flexibility and customizability; the PUBLUS (TM) for cloud-based, cross-platform digital publishing. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Mothers' Index, 4813) and operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States. Learn more about ACCESS at www.access-company.com.

(C) 2014 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
ACCESS, the ACCESS logo, NetFront, PUBLUS are registered trademarks or trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. in the United States, Japan and/or other countries. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. ZebOS is either a registered trademark or trademark of IP Infusion Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

Source: ACCESS CO., LTD.

ACCESS Announces PUBLUS (TM) Reader v2.0 EPUB (R) 3 Viewer

ACCESS — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 13:00:09 +0900

TOKYO, Oct. 29 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Source: ACCESS CO., LTD.
ACCESS Announces PUBLUS (TM) Reader v2.0
EPUB (R) 3 Viewer
- World's First Commercial EPUB 3 Viewer with Readium SDK to Be Adopted by BOOKWALKER eBook Store -

ACCESS CO., LTD., a global provider of advanced software technologies to the mobile, beyond-PC and digital TV markets, announced on October 29 PUBLUS (TM) Reader v2.0, an iOS-supported EPUB (R) 3 viewer incorporating the Readium SDK from the Readium Foundation, a consortium committed to establishing electronic publishing standards. Going forward, ACCESS plans to enhance the environment for next-generation rich-content viewing utilizing PUBLUS Reader v2.0 with the Readium SDK.

Within this year, PUBLUS Reader v2.0 initially will be incorporated in the viewer provided by BOOKWALKER, an eBook store managed by BOOKWALKER CO., LTD. The store already incorporates PUBLUS (TM) Reader v1.0 (formerly called NetFront (TM) BookReader EPUB Edition), ACCESS' EPUB viewer app supporting both iOS and Android. BOOKWALKER now expects to strengthen scalability for future eBook store services with PUBLUS Reader v2.0, the world's first commercial EPUB 3 viewer to adopt the Readium SDK, an EPUB 3 rendering engine optimized for native apps on tablets and other devices.

PUBLUS Reader v2.0 achieves exceptionally broad compatibility with iBooks by using iOS' standard WebKit engine as its EPUB 3 engine. It is envisioned that publishers of EPUB 3 content will benefit from highly reduced validation costs, until now a heavy burden, thanks to PUBLUS Reader v2.0.

"The commercial adoption of the Readium SDK in ACCESS' new viewer is a groundbreaking step towards the global expansion of EPUB," said Bill McCoy, executive director of the International Digital Publishing Forum and president of the Readium Foundation. "ACCESS' active development of Readium technologies as a member of the Readium Foundation is helping to accelerate the global popularity of EPUB."

"ACCESS is developing advanced software solutions incorporating open-source-based technologies to rapidly provide end users worldwide with increasingly convenient eBook viewing environments," said Kunihiro Ishiguro, CTO, ACCESS. "We are delighted to help commercialize Readium for the expanded availability and usage of EPUB solutions."

ACCESS also plans to offer Android- and Windows-compatible versions of its PUBLUS (TM) Reader by collaborating in the development of multi-platform support for the Readium SDK.

A demonstration video of PUBLUS Reader v2.0 can be viewed at http://gl.access-company.com/products/dpub/publus_reader/publus_reader_for_browser/

About ACCESS Commitment to Readium Foundation
The Readium Foundation is a non-profit membership corporation operated by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) to promote the expansion of EPUB 3. Incorporated in March 2012, it was preceded by the Readium Project working group. The foundation, in addition to managing Readium licenses, is driving the development and adoption of the Readium SDK viewer platform and the Readium Web viewer for browsers and plug-ins. ACCESS, which had contributed to the development of Readium as a member of the Readium Project by providing its unique PUBLUS Reader engine, is now supporting the enhancement of SDK technology for commercial use as a member of Readium Foundation. For more, visit:

--ACCESS Joins Readium Foundation, Open Source Consortium for Digital Publishing (March 27, 2013)
http://gl.access-company.com/news_event/archives/2013/130327/

--ACCESS' NetFront (TM) BookReader Technology Integrated into Readium EPUB 3 Reference Platform (July 4, 2012)
http://gl.access-company.com/news_event/archives/2012/120712-3/

For more about the Readium Foundation, Readium Web and Readium SDK, visit http://readium.org.

About PUBLUS Reader (former NetFront BookReader EPUB Edition)
PUBLUS Reader is a multi-platform reader incorporating ACCESS' mobile software expertise to meet the demanding technological requirements of Japanese characters and page layout. The reader, which supports both EPUB 3 and EPUB 2.0.1, reproduces complex page layouts and Japanese characters, including vertical layouts and logographic Kanji characters, and incorporates Furigana annotation. It is based on the WebKit browser engine and supports a wide range of HTML5 and JavaScript content. PUBLUS Reader enables users to enjoy rich eBook content embedded with video, audio and applications. ACCESS provides PUBLUS Reader as an EPUB standard viewer in both browser and app versions.
For more information about PUBLUS Reader, visit
http://gl.access-company.com/products/dpub/publus_reader/.

About ACCESS
ACCESS CO., LTD. is a global provider of advanced software solutions and services that enable operators, device manufacturers, content owners and consumers to make the most of today's multi-screen, connected world. It provides software for mobiles, smartphones and tablets, connected TVs and set-top boxes in the connected home, automotive, digital publishing and networking markets. ACCESS solutions have shipped in over one billion devices around the world. Its product portfolio includes the NetFront (TM) software series, providing customers with faster time-to-market, flexibility and customizability; the PUBLUS (TM) for cloud-based, cross-platform digital publishing and the NetAd mobile advertising platform. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Mothers' Index, 4813) and operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States. Learn more about ACCESS at www.access-company.com

(C) 2013 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
All trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

Source: ACCESS CO., LTD.

ACCESS to Enhance Smartphone Services in Vietnam with VMS MobiFone

ACCESS — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 11:00:30 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 30 /Kyodo JBN/ --
ACCESS CO., LTD.
ACCESS to Enhance Smartphone Services in Vietnam with VMS MobiFone,
Nation's Largest 3G Mobile Carrier
ACCESS CO., LTD.,( http://gl.access-company.com/ ) a global provider of advanced software technologies to the mobile, beyond-PC and digital TV markets, announced on September 30 that ACCESS will collaborate with Violet Communications Corporation, Vietnam's leading value-added mobile service provider, to enhance smartphone services offered by VMS MobiFone. Violet Corp is 100% subsidiary of Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services Company (VMS MobiFone), which is the country's largest 3G mobile carrier.

Vietnam's fast-growing economy boasts the second-highest rate of smartphone users (30 percent) among total mobile phone users in the ASEAN region, following only Singapore (*1). VMS MobiFone established Violet Communications to develop and deliver smartphone-dedicated services in 2012.

ACCESS develops and offers multi-platform smartphone solutions including iOS and Android, leveraging its vast experience with its proprietary NetFront (TM) technologies, which are deployed in over one billion devices globally. In Southeast Asia, ACCESS already provides PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk, the largest telecommunications and network services provider in Indonesia, with the NetAd mobile advertising solution and the EPUB(R)-compatible PUBLUS (TM) (*2) total solution for digital publishing. Based on its proven achievements in the Indonesian market, ACCESS is now expanding into other Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam, a critical step in the company's regional growth strategy.

As part of the first phase of collaboration, VMS MobiFone's Android smartphone users will start on September 30 to benefit from the ACCESS-developed Ostore, the first mobile app store launched by a Vietnamese mobile carrier. Ostore is launching with more than 4000 apps. Also launching the same day is Omob, a platform for delivering mobile ads through apps available at Ostore, which is based on ACCESS' unique NetAd solution. Violet Communications will operate both Ostore and Omob with technical support from ACCESS.

ACCESS and Violet Communications also have reached an agreement to jointly provide eBook services based on ACCESS' PUBLUS as the next step. PUBLUS is an EPUB-compatible digital publishing platform that provides comprehensive support, covering everything from terminals to server systems, for eBook viewers, content distribution, ad distribution systems, sales management systems and more. It has been adopted by numerous major publishers, telecom carriers and eBook merchants in Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the United States and Brazil. For more details about PUBLUS, please visit http://gl.access-company.com/products/dpub/accessdpub/.

"Collaboration with ACCESS is a very important step in VMS MobiFone's efforts to drive its smartphone strategy and monetize smartphone services in Vietnam," said Truong Trong Thang, CEO, Violet Communications. "With the launch of Ostore for apps and Omob for mobile advertising, Violet Communications aims to enhance its smartphone services and create a mobile ecosystem in which smartphone users can enjoy the world's latest mobile services plus app developers and content owners can offer their services proactively in Vietnam," Thang concluded.

"We are very pleased to be collaborating with Violet Communications, Vietnam's smartphone services leader and a member of the VMS MobiFone group. ACCESS will help VMS MobiFone develop the mobile industry in Vietnam by providing advanced multiplatform mobile solutions, which we have been offering in the global market for many years. Not only in Vietnam and Indonesia, ACCESS will extend our collaboration with Southeast Asia carriers to provide world latest smartphone technology," said Nobuya Murofushi, ACCESS president and CEO.

(*1) Nielsen: SMARTPHONE OWNERSHIP ON THE RISE IN ASIA PACIFIC, WHILST ADVERTISERS STRUGGLE TO ENGAGE WITH CONSUMERS VIA MOBILE ADS: http://jp.en.nielsen.com/site/documents/SPImr-jun12_FINAL.pdf

(*2) PUBLUS was formerly named ACCESS (TM) Digital Publishing Ecosystem.

About Violet Communications
Violet Communications Corporation is a leading value-added service company in Vietnam, established by Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services Company VMS MobiFone in April 2012. The company provides software solutions such as Call Center, SMS gateway and IVR, Web system and Wap Portal developments, terminal equipment, information and entertainment on mobile, internet and TV network, interactive services with mobile equipment, interactive advertising via mobile, consulting strategy for marketing and services for VAS technical systems operation. Learn more about Violet Communications at www.violetcorp.com.vn/en.

About ACCESS
ACCESS CO., LTD. is a global provider of advanced software solutions and services that enable operators, device manufacturers, content owners and consumers to make the most of today's multi-screen, connected world. It provides software for mobiles, smartphones and tablets, connected TVs and set-top boxes in the connected home, automotive, digital publishing and networking markets. ACCESS solutions have shipped in over one billion devices around the world. Its product portfolio includes the NetFront (TM) Software Series and the ZebOS (R) network platform, providing customers faster time-to-market, flexibility and customizability; the PUBLUS (TM) for cloud-based, cross-platform digital publishing and the NetAd mobile advertising platform. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Mothers' Index, 4813) and operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States. Learn more about ACCESS at http://gl.access-company.com/.

(C) 2013 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
All trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

Source: ACCESS CO., LTD.

ACCESS Digital Publishing Ecosystem Develops QBaca, Indonesia's First eBook Store Supporting EPUB

ACCESS — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:00:22 +0900

TOKYO, Nov. 9 /Kyodo JBN --
ACCESS CO., LTD.
ACCESS (TM) Digital Publishing Ecosystem Develops QBaca, Indonesia's First eBook Store Supporting EPUB
- Promoting Widespread Usage of EPUB, ACCESS Provides Digital Publishing Platform That Supports EPUB 3 to Telkom Group -

ACCESS CO., LTD., a global provider of advanced software solutions to the mobile, beyond-PC and digital TV markets, announced on November 9 that it has developed and is now providing "QBaca," an eBook service platform, to PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia,Tbk (Telkom), Indonesia's largest comprehensive telecommunication carrier. QBaca, which is based on ACCESS (TM) Digital Publishing Ecosystem, a digital publishing solution supporting the EPUB (R) 3 format, is Telkom's first eBook store and Indonesia's first eBook service to support EPUB. QBaca is available on Android smartphones and tablets in Indonesia starting on November 9 and will be available on iOS devices by the end of this year.

Over the past few years, the usage of portable devices and the Internet has rapidly increased in Indonesia. Consequently, demand for electronic services that can support multimedia devices such as smartphones is expected to increase. Telkom, with its subsidiary, Telkomsel, the largest mobile phone operator in Indonesia, has more than 120 million mobile phone subscribers. Telkom views this market trend as a positive opportunity, and regards the expansion of electronic content services as one pillar of its business strategy. As one facet of this, Telkom has launched Indonesia's first eBook store supporting EPUB 3, the latest version of the eBook standard promoted by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF), which is gaining prominence across the world.

"There is currently a wide range of eBook standards. EPUB, which is the global standard for eBooks, is an excellent format because of its expandability. We have been able to swiftly launch an eBook service that supports EPUB 3 in Indonesia through ACCESS' technical strength and expertise in the field of electronic publishing," said Achmad Sugiarto, Executive General Manager for Telkom's Multimedia Division. "ACCESS is a global leader in the field of software technologies and is a strong partner for the development of Telkom's business."

ACCESS Digital Publishing Ecosystem, the digital publishing platform developed and provided by ACCESS, provides comprehensive support from terminals to server systems, including eBook viewers, content distribution, ad distribution systems, sales management systems and more. Released last year, ACCESS Digital Publishing Ecosystem has been adopted by many major publishers in Japan and other countries such as Korea, the United States, and Brazil.

"We are very honored to begin offering ACCESS' electronic publishing solutions that support EPUB 3 in Indonesia. The Telkom Group and ACCESS have already engaged in joint development for the mobile ad business," said Nobuya Murofushi, president and CEO, ACCESS. "We expect that the recent provision of our technology will further propel our partnership, and will also bring about synergistic effects for the overall business of both companies. Going forward, ACCESS will support the provision of innovative services by the Telkom Group."

Last year, ACCESS also released NetFtront (TM) BookReader v1.0 EPUB Edition, an EPUB 3-compatible eBook viewer for smartphones and tablets. The viewer, which conforms to the latest version of EPUB 3 in addition to EPUB 2.0.1, has an exemplary ability to display vertical writing -- which wasn't possible with the traditional EPUB format -- including the Japanese language. The viewer is based on the WebKit browser engine and also supports HTML5, which makes it possible to reproduce eBook content such as novels, comics, magazines, etc. with a rich variety of next-generation online content brilliantly on devices like smartphones. This EPUB 3 viewer technology is also installed in the Readium EPUB 3 Reference Platform, the IDPF's EPUB 3 viewer, and is being established as a de facto industry standard. It has been adopted by major eBook merchants and publishers in Japan, and has also been offered commercially since this summer.

QBaca is an eBook service that supports EPUB 3 and is offered as a store-type eBook app for end-users. It is based on ACCESS Digital Publishing Ecosystem, while the viewer is equipped with NetFtront (TM) BookReader v1.0 EPUB Edition. The eBook content mainly includes novels initially published by three major Indonesian publishers. QBaca includes exemplary viewer features that support EPUB 3 and HTML5, as well as functions for searching and cloud bookshelf. The search function makes it possible to search data, including by title or author. In this way, users can search and display their preferred books with just one touch. Furthermore, the cloud bookshelf function for managing individual bookshelves on a network makes it possible to search and display books saved in individual bookshelves according to order in which they are read or purchased, or the series order. QBaca offers both free and paid content, plus freemium content with advertisements. The advertisement distribution system, which was co-developed with the Telkom group, is based on NetAd, the mobile ad service of ACCESS.

For more information about ACCESS Digital Publishing Ecosystem and NetFrontBookReader EPUB Edition, please visit http://gl.access-company.com/products/dpub/.

ACCESS' commitment to promote the widespread usage of EPUB
As an IDPF member corporation, ACCESS works to contribute to the establishment and widespread usage of EPUB. On July 4, 2012, ACCESS modified and provisioned a portion of the core engine of the NetFrontBookReader EPUB Edition -- an EPUB 3 viewer -- for the Macintosh version of the ReadiumEPUB 3 Reference Platform.For details, please refer to ACCESS' news releases: http://gl.access-company.com/news_event/archives/2012/120712-2/, http://gl.access-company.com/news_event/archives/2012/120712-3/. For more information about the IDPF, please visit http://idpf.org/.

About PT Telkom Indonesia
PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk. is a State-Owned Enterprise ("SOE") and the largest telecommunication and network services provider in Indonesia. Serving millions of customers nationwide, it provides a strong portfolio of information and communication services, including fixed wireline and fixed wireless telephone, mobile cellular, data and Internet, and network and interconnection services, directly or through our subsidiaries.
The Government is TELKOM's majority shareholder and the remaining shares are owned by the public. Its shares are traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange ("IDX"), the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (without listing).

About ACCESS
ACCESS CO., LTD. is a global provider of advanced software solutions and services that enable operators, device manufacturers, content owners and consumers to make the most of today's multi-screen, connected world. It provides software for mobiles, smartphones and tablets, connected TVs and set-top boxes in the connected home, automotive, digital publishing and networking markets. ACCESS solutions have shipped in over one billion devices around the world. Its product portfolio includes the NetFront (TM) Software Series and the ZebOS (R) network platform, providing customers faster time-to-market, flexibility and customizability; the ACCESS (TM) Digital Publishing Ecosystem for cloud-based, cross-platform digital publishing and the NetAd mobile advertising platform. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Mothers' Index, 4813) and operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States. www.access-company.com.

(C) 2012 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
ACCESS, the ACCESS logo, and NetFront are registered trademarks or trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. in the United States, Japan and/or other countries. ZebOS is either a registered trademark or trademark of IP Infusion Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. EPUB is a registered trademark of the International Digital Publishing Forum in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document are the property of their respective owners.

Source: ACCESS CO., LTD.