News

Rikei Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Satoru Isaka; hereinafter referred to as “Rikei”) is pleased to announce the successful migration of CampusMagic, an entrance exam and curriculum system from Variantsoft Co., Ltd., which is used by Tokyo Metropolitan University of Industrial Technology. The system, previously operated on-premises, has now been migrated to a cloud-based environment in response to the university’s request.

Overview of CampusMagic

CampusMagic is an entrance exam and curriculum system designed to enhance the efficiency of faculty and staff at universities, high schools, and vocational schools by visualizing various operational information, including student grades, attendance, course registrations, and job postings.
Previously available only as an on-premises system, CampusMagic can now be operated through remote data centers or cloud services, thanks to recent improvements in VPN speed and stability. Migrating to the cloud eliminates the need for on-campus server installations, even for backup purposes, leading to significant reductions in initial costs, maintenance expenses, and system management personnel requirements.

CampusMagic
https://www.rikei.co.jp/product/456/

Background of the Migration

Tokyo Metropolitan University of Industrial Technology has operated CampusMagic on-premises since its introduction approximately eight years ago. However, on-premise operations required managing tasks such as shutdowns during planned power outages, battery replacements for UPS(*1) , and handling various other errors. To reduce this operational burden, the university decided to transition the system to cloud-based operation.

(*1)UPS : Uninterruptible Power Supply. A system that provides temporary power during a power outage, allowing systems to continue operating for a limited time

Details of the Migration

Rikei transitioned from operating multiple physical servers to a system utilizing VPN connections to the cloud accessed via VPN. Rikei separated the servers into two from a security perspective: one accessible only by administrative staff, and another accessible by faculty and students, and designed and built the network to ensure the proper use of each server. In addition, while CampusMagic was previously operated exclusively on dedicated PC, staff members and students can now access the system from their personal devices, and we provided support for printer configuration from those devices. To reduce operational costs, the database software was switched to open-source, and the transition was completed smoothly.
The system adopted the SAKURA’s Cloud Service from SAKURA Internet Inc. for its server infrastructure.

Features of SAKURA’s Cloud Service

• All host servers and storage systems are in data centers in Japan. Since billing is in Japanese yen, there are no cost fluctuations due to exchange rates, as may occur with foreign public cloud services. Additionally, there are no additional charges based on data transfer volume.
• Through the Academic Information Network SINET(*2), the system connects securely with various academic research institutions via L2VPN(*3), without passing through commercial networks.
• By operating its data center in Ishikari City, Hokkaido, where it has achieved zero CO2 emissions, Sakura Cloud Service contributes to the realization of the SDGs.

(*2)SINET : Science Information NETwork. An information and communication network built and operated by the National Institute of Informatics (NII) as scientific information infrastructure for universities and research institutions throughout Japan.
(*3)L2VPN : Wide-area Ethernet. A type of connection that links LANs between distant locations.

Future Developments

Rikei plan to offer CampusMagic to new customers considering the implementation of cloud-based academic systems, as well as to expand cloud migration services for existing CampusMagic users.

About Rikei Corporation

Since its establishment in 1957 as a solution vendor in the IT and electronics industries, Rikei Corporation has provided a variety of solutions ranging from systems to networks, VR/AR contents, electronic materials and electronic devices.
Rikei proposes solutions that utilize cutting-edge technologies and advanced products from Japan and overseas, and contributes to business development such as improving efficiency of operations and profits of customers.

*Product and company names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.