Cybozu Named Top-Tier Software Vendor by APPS RUN THE WORLD in the APPS TOP 500 Market Report

Cybozu Strengths, Domain Expertise, and Key Differentiators

​Cybozu Inc., a prominent Japanese provider of collaborative software solutions, continues to solidify its position in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the company has expanded its global footprint, notably entering the U.S. market in 2013 with Kintone—a cloud-based platform designed to streamline business collaboration through customizable applications. Cybozu's flagship enterprise solution, Garoon, caters to the needs of large-scale organizations, offering robust features for effective communication and information sharing.​

With a user base exceeding 7.5 million, Cybozu maintains a strong presence in Japan's groupware market. The company's diverse product portfolio, including the Gartner-recognized Kintone platform, addresses various business requirements. Cybozu's commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and its network of global subsidiaries further enhance its competitive advantage.​

In recent developments, Cybozu has focused on enhancing the reliability and security of its cloud services. Since launching its cloud-related business in 2011, the company has invested in developing and operating its own cloud infrastructure. Efforts include the transition to NECO, an in-house developed cloud infrastructure aimed at providing greater reliability through new technology. In 2021, Cybozu's cloud services received certification under Japan's Information System Security Management and Assessment Program (ISMAP), affirming their compliance with government security standards. Additionally, in 2023, the Kintone cloud service obtained the SOC 2 Type I Report, followed by the SOC 2 Type II Report in 2024, reflecting the company's adherence to stringent security and internal control criteria established by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).​

Cybozu actively engages in initiatives that promote teamwork and community development. The company supports various activities, including aiding non-profit organizations, contributing to regional development, and assisting in business process re-engineering (BPR) for schools to realize workstyle reforms. Through the Kintone Teamwork Fund, Cybozu invests in and collaborates with startups that align with its vision of enhancing teamwork. In the realm of sports, Cybozu has partnered with the Japan Lacrosse Association to support information sharing and teamwork using its cloud services. Furthermore, as part of its disaster support program, the company published a training text in February 2024, compiling techniques for utilizing ICT tools in disaster management, particularly in preparation for large-scale earthquakes.​

Cybozu Recent Developments

In July 2020, Cybozu forged a partnership with Osaka Prefecture to enhance business operations and combat child abuse using its Kintone platform.
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In April 2020, Osaka Prefecture utilized Cybozu's cloud service, Kintone, to develop a "new coronavirus response status management system," enabling efficient workflow management amidst increasing patient numbers. Moreover, Cybozu collaborated with Osaka Prefecture to address societal challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering the system template to other local governments nationwide free of charge.
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In May 2019, Cybozu launched Garoon 5, the latest version of its groupware tailored for medium-sized and large organizations. This release includes enhanced APIs for schedules, workflows, and messages, allowing greater customization options. Additionally, Cybozu's official partners offer integration with Microsoft Office 365, while the redesigned notification UI enables swift action on notifications.
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In October 2018, Cybozu announced a strategic collaboration with Marketo in the marketing realm. This partnership involves data integration between Kintone and Marketo, offering customers a comprehensive solution from lead generation to customer experience management.

Cybozu Customers in ARTW Customer Database

Leveraging a rigorous data-centric research methodology, APPS RUN THE WORLD asks the simple question: Who’s buying Cybozu applications and why? And we provide the answers – supported by decades of research – to our clients around the world. Our Customer database has over 100 data fields that detail company usage of Cybozu and other enterprise apps by function, customer size, industry, location, implementation status, partner involvement, Line of Business Key Stakeholders and IT decision makers contact details. List of Verified Kintone, Cybozu Office and Garoon customers.

Cybozu Key Enterprise and Cloud Applications

Kintone, Cybozu Office and Garoon

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Cybozu Direct vs Indirect sales

Cybozu Customers - Breakdown by Geo, Size, Vertical and Product

List of Verified Cybozu Customers

No. of Cybozu Customers: 67000

No. of Cybozu Enterprise Applications Customers: x

No. of Cybozu Cloud Customers: x

No. of Cybozu Cloud Subscribers: 7,5 million

Cybozu, Inc. has demonstrated consistent growth in its cloud services since the launch of its platform, cybozu.com, in November 2011. As of the end of 2024, the company reported over 67,000 subscribing companies and 7.5 million user licenses, reflecting a strong market presence. The flagship product, Kintone, has been adopted by more than 17,500 organizations worldwide, facilitating the development and deployment of over one million applications, underscoring its role in driving digital transformation across various industries. ​

Expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, Cybozu has established subsidiaries in Malaysia and Thailand, and launched a customer support center in the Philippines to cater to the growing demand for its services. These strategic moves aim to onboard thousands of companies onto their platforms, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises seeking digital solutions.

As of December 2024, Cybozu's Kintone platform has been adopted by approximately 380 municipalities across Japan, reflecting its growing role in public sector digital transformation. To further support small municipalities, Cybozu launched the "Complete Local Government DX All-in-One Box" program in 2023. This initiative, backed by over 40 partner companies, provides a comprehensive suite of tools—including ready-to-use applications, training resources, and budget proposal materials—to facilitate the adoption of Kintone across entire municipal organizations. ​

In addition to its efforts with local governments, Cybozu has strengthened its collaborations with regional banks to expand its sales partner channels. In 2024, the company entered into partnership agreements with several banks, including Yamanashi Chuo Bank and the Bank of Iwate. These regional banks have established specialized ICT consulting teams within their organizations, receiving product training from Cybozu to support their consulting services to customers. As of December 31, 2024, Cybozu is collaborating with over 20 regional banks nationwide. Since the inception of this partnership program approximately seven years ago, around 700 companies have adopted Cybozu products through consultations provided by these regional banks.

Cybozu Market Opportunities, M&A and Geo Expansions

​Cybozu, Inc. has been actively expanding its global presence and enhancing its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of large-scale enterprises.​ In July 2024, the company introduced the "Wide Plan," a dedicated solution tailored for organizations with over 1,000 users. This plan offers expanded application limits and enhanced API capabilities, addressing the complex operational requirements of large enterprises. Concurrently, Cybozu unveiled the Kintone Enterprise Partner Certification program, recognizing partners with proven expertise in implementing Kintone solutions for large-scale clients. This initiative aims to assist enterprise customers in selecting suitable partners for their digital transformation projects. ​

To further support diverse business operations, Cybozu launched the Email Sharing Option for Kintone in October 2024. This feature facilitates seamless integration of email communications within the Kintone platform, enhancing collaboration and information sharing. ​In the realm of artificial intelligence, Cybozu commenced beta testing for the Kintone AI Assistant in 2024. This generative AI feature is designed to assist teams in data utilization, offering intelligent insights and recommendations to improve decision-making processes.

Strategic partnerships have also played a pivotal role in Cybozu's expansion. The company collaborated with Ricoh to develop "RICOH kintone plus," a cloud-based business improvement platform that combines Cybozu's low-code/no-code development capabilities with Ricoh's extensive customer base and support infrastructure. This partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation efforts, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises, by providing tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency. ​

In Southeast Asia, Cybozu established a subsidiary in Thailand and partnered with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) in Malaysia to democratize IT tools for small local businesses. These initiatives underscore Cybozu's commitment to empowering SMEs with accessible digital solutions.

Additionally, Cybozu's collaboration with HENNGE K.K. has enhanced the security and convenience of its services. The integration of Cybozu's Kintone with HENNGE One's cloud security service allows for single sign-on capabilities, providing a seamless user experience across platforms. ​Through these strategic developments and partnerships, Cybozu continues to solidify its position as a leading provider of collaborative software solutions, catering to a diverse and expanding global customer base.

Cybozu Risks and Challenges

Cybozu operates in a highly competitive landscape, facing challenges from global tech giants and rapidly evolving technologies. The company's reliance on the Japanese market and the increasing importance of cybersecurity add layers of complexity to its operations. Economic downturns could also impact IT spending, potentially affecting Cybozu's growth trajectory. As the company expands globally, it must navigate cultural differences, regulatory compliance, and the need to adapt its products to diverse market requirements to maintain its competitive edge.

Cybozu Ecosystem, Partners, Resellers and SI

Over recent years, Cybozu, Inc. has significantly invested in expanding its cloud services and strengthening its partner ecosystem. As of December 31, 2024, the company boasts over 500 partner companies and more than 400 integrated services offered through these partnerships. This robust network has contributed to 64.7% of Cybozu's domestic cloud-related sales being generated via partners—a proportion that has consistently increased annually. ​In response to the growing demand for cloud services, Cybozu revised its pricing structure in November 2024 for its cloud offerings, including Kintone, Cybozu Office, Garoon, and Mailwise. The adjustments included changes to the minimum number of users per license for Kintone and Mailwise, aiming to enhance service quality through increased investment in operations and development. ​

To bolster regional sales and support, Cybozu relocated its Nagoya office in February 2024 and its Sapporo office in May 2024. Additionally, a new contact center was established in Naha, Okinawa, in June 2024. These developments are part of Cybozu's strategy to support business operational improvements for local enterprises and governments, aligning with the rising demand for cloud solutions. Through its Cybozu Partner Network, the company continues to implement a partner strategy designed to adapt to the evolving needs of the cloud era. This initiative focuses on building a resilient ecosystem with partners and maximizing customer value by promoting collaborative efforts and product enhancements.

Cybozu's ecosystem extends through a network of regional offices and partners across various countries, including the United States, Australia, China, Malaysia, and Thailand. These partnerships facilitate the localization and distribution of Cybozu's solutions, such as Kintone, Garoon, and Mailwise, catering to diverse market needs. Additionally, Cybozu's emphasis on fostering a supportive work environment and its recognition as a top workplace contributes to a strong internal culture that supports innovation and customer satisfaction.​

Research Methodology

Data used in research reports are derived from publicly available documents, continuous surveys of applications vendors, customers, resellers, Independent Software Vendors, systems integrators and other verifiable sources.

Vendor shares and market forecast results are based on a combination of existing databases as well as demand side and supply side research conducted throughout the year with validation from vendors, customers, channel partners and documentations such as earnings releases and 10Q and 10K filings, vertical industry studies, regional and country-level statistics from public and private institutions(i.e. colleges, universities, government agencies and trade associations).

For additional information on our methodologies, here's the link: