■Business Overview
2. Service content
(1) System services
Prodelight ＜5580＞ applied cloud technology, which is one of the major paradigm shifts in technological innovation, to PBXs, and independently developed the cloud PBX “INNOVERA.” Since this is a system that fundamentally changes the way fixed telephones are, such as taking up space by PBXs and terminals and eliminating on-site work burdens such as maintenance, it is a system where customers can enjoy various advantages.
As an advantage, first of all, landline phone functions such as incoming and outgoing calls such as 03, 06, and 0120 can be used on smartphones and PCs regardless of location. Since restrictions on telephone call locations, which were weak points of conventional telephone systems such as landline telephones, have been eliminated, it is now also possible to support office work style reforms such as telework and free addresses. Since it is a cloud, there is no need for equipment when introducing it, so since there is no need for a place to install a PBX, it saves space, and can always be used in the latest environment without the hassle of installation, operation, or maintenance. When it is necessary to change the telephone environment, such as settings for incoming and outgoing calls, extension numbers, automatic voice response, etc., in conventional PBXs, specialized technology/knowledge is also required on the enterprise side that operates in addition to local work by experts, but that is also unnecessary, and settings can be easily changed from a web browser. Of course, since there are no mechanical failures like conventional PBXs, on-site maintenance and repair work are unnecessary.
Furthermore, functions such as recording all calls, setting phased incoming call guidance, and converting calls to text using AI can be easily added, and there is high expandability, such as API* cooperation with other services. One such extended option function is “INNOVERA Outbound,” and it is possible to complete a series of call work from transmission to information input/confirmation with a single mouse on a simple and clear phone call screen. Thus, even an operator who is not good at PC operation can easily operate it, and any person can immediately work in a call center. By using the company's own telephone line “IP-Line” described later, approximately 40 types of area codes, including major cities, can be used, and it is also possible to transition from a fixed line to an IP line with the same phone number. Of course, you can also get a new number. Since it can be linked to a wide range of systems, it is also possible to expand services simply by connecting an external system currently in use with an API. Note, with API collaboration, it is currently possible to link with sales support systems provided by major companies such as Salesforce (Salesforce) and Kintone (Cybozu ＜4776＞). In addition, provision of optional services using AI technology has also begun, such as the “Listen with Your Eyes” telephone “Speech Posting,” which delivers call details in text, and the work management solution “INNOVERA Emotion.”
*API (Application Programming Interface): Sharing part of other companies' software or application functions, such as sales support systems. Application functions can be expanded by linking APIs.
(2) Line service
The company provides IP telephone line services that can be directly stored in “INNOVERA” on the cloud, such as providing a line “IP-Line” in partnership with Arteria Networks Co., Ltd. ※, which develops the telecommunications business. In conventional telephones, it was necessary to draw a telephone line from outside to indoors at the time of installation, but in “IP-Line,” voice calls can be performed via the internet by directly storing it in “INNOVERA” on the cloud, so there is no need to install a telephone line. Since a physical telephone line is unnecessary in this way, it is possible to use a telephone even in the event of a disaster if the internet is connected, and it can also be said that it is effective as an enterprise BCP countermeasure.
*The listing was delisted on 2023/10/18 due to the tender offer of Marubeni ＜8002＞ and SECOM ＜9735＞.
The characteristic of the line service is that it is an IP telephone line unique to the company, and since it uses the internet, there is no distinction between within the city or outside the city, and calls can be made at a uniform rate throughout the country. The merit of the company's “IP-Line” is that the number provision area covers not only Tokyo 03 and Osaka 06 but also area codes for major cities nationwide ※1, and there are cases where it is possible to introduce cloud PBXs that were abandoned because they used other companies' systems but did not cover the whole country. Also, you can switch from a fixed telephone line to an IP phone line without changing the phone number you are currently using*2. While it is said that approximately one-quarter of calls in Japan end within 90 seconds, call charges for 180 seconds are often generated just by connecting to a typical IP telephone line, but since the company has adopted a “90 second charge” that other companies do not have, theoretically, it is expected that call charges will be reduced by up to 42.5% just by switching to the company. There is an image that “IP phones have poor sound quality,” but “IP-Line” provides clear sound that is safe for normal calls*3. It is also compatible with international calls, and since the countries/regions where incoming and outgoing calls can be made are limited, it can be used with peace of mind, and it is also one of the cheapest in the industry. There is also a “Free-ProLine” that can use the incoming call billing number 0120/0800, which is not burdened by the caller's call charges.
*1 Some numbers are outside the service area.
*2 Some areas cannot be offered.
*3 Varies depending on the communication environment.
(3) Terminal sales
The company sells SIP phones that can be used in an internet environment in combination with a cloud PBX. A general agency agreement for SIP phones in Japan has been concluded with China Yealink, which is the world's top SIP phone provider, and is responsible for sales, support, and development and operation of Japanese firmware (embedded software). SIP phones with Yealink's high technical capabilities and quality control in the background have excellent product defect rates, electrostatic compatibility, lightning strike response, etc., and since they can be linked with Microsoft Teams, they are widely used all over the world, mainly in Europe. Since it can also be used with cloud PBXs made by other companies other than “INNOVERA,” the terminal is also sold separately, but in the future, it is planned to use privately owned smartphones by introducing applications. In addition, they are also selling the “MAXHUB,” a large display for web conferences equipped with a 12 million pixel camera and high-performance speakers with a 4K display. Since “MAXHUB” has presentation functions, whiteboard functions, and web conference functions, in addition to being used in various business scenes such as efficiently managing meetings, it is also being introduced as an electronic blackboard to educational sites where IT is progressing.
(Written by FISCO Visiting Analyst Miyata Hitomitsu)