AT TOKYO Starts Offering NTP (Stratum1) Services
Utilizing ATBeX to Offer Closed User Group Service Connections
Without the Internet

AT TOKYO Corporation (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo, President and Chief Executive Officer: Akira Nakamura) will start offering NTP (Stratum1 *1, *2) services (NTP Stratum1 services) from September 2 (Mon), 2019.

Previously, NTP was generally used as an online service. However, the service to be offered by AT TOKYO is an NTP time distribution service utilizing a closed user group service connection without the Internet.
This service mediates ATBeX (*3) and can be utilized through data centers associated with AT TOKYO or carriers by clients without a rack at AT TOKYO.

The features of this service are shown below.

1.NTP time distribution service utilizing a user group service connection without the Internet
・Use multiple GNSS for its time sources. GPS and “Michibiki,” the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) are supported.
・Offers two highly precise “Stratum1” NTP servers on the service
・Overcome the leap second event with Gradual Adjustment Mode (*4) implemented in Time Server Series of Seiko Solutions Inc.
・Can be used as a service on ATBeX

2.Can be used as quickly as 1 week after application. Short-term use is also possible, with the minimum usage period set at 1 month.

3.AT TOKYO offers a one-stop service from Stratum1 NTP server construction to operation.

4.NTP server manufactured by Seiko Solutions Inc. adopted
・Handle the leap second by means of gradual adjustment: Insert/Delete the sliced second from 2 hours (7,200 seconds) before leap second event

Conventionally, when conducting time adjustment with NTP, if the client wanted to achieve greater precision (Stratum1) and a higher level of security through a closed user group service connection without the Internet, the client themselves had to independently install equipment, set up a GPS antenna on the data center roof, install a coaxial cable that extended to their rack and establish a specialized NTP server for their rack before operating this independent infrastructure themselves.
AT TOKYO is now offering a one-stop service covering everything from Stratum1 NTP server construction to operation, greatly reducing the burden on clients.

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Comment by Hiroaki Ohnishi, Executive Vice President, Network Solutions Business Unit
Seiko Solutions Inc.

We sincerely welcome the launch of AT TOKYO’s“NTP (Stratum1) services.”
Seiko’s latest Time server that has been adopted for the service not only utilizes GPS as its time source, but it is also compatible with “Michibiki,” the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, and GLONASS. It will enable the construction of stable time distribution systems and greatly improve the processing capacity as well as operation and management reliability.
With our product selected as its infrastructure, we anticipate that “NTP(Stratum1) Service” capable of providing secure and high-precision time delivery will contribute to the enhancement of ATBeX, the platform to realize AT TOKYO’s data center as global hub.

AT TOKYO is offering a new service in addition to its basic data center service using a conventional on-premise system. This new service will enable even clients without a data center space contract to easily utilize network services such as connectivity and this service.
Going forward, we hope to create infrastructure that can produce new business opportunities for clients so that we can develop as a mutual service provision platform with highly flexible connectivity and as a global hub that will enable network connections with data centers within and outside of Japan.

*1: NTP
Network Time Protocol. Protocol for correctly synchronizing system clocks installed in terminals by means of a network.
*2: Stratum
NTP server hierarchy structure. Stratum1 is the highest-level NTP server. It obtains accurate time data from atomic clocks and precise GPS time sources. Stratum values are increased as each hierarchy level decreases.
*3: ATBeX (AT TOKYO Business eXchange)
A platform service that efficiently offers an increasingly diverse range of connections. These include the use of services offered by various operators within AT TOKYO data centers, as well as mutual collaboration amongst corporate systems.
*4: Time Server Series Adjust Mode
A “leap second” variance adjustment mode that gradually delays or speeds up the time at a set rate from prior to “leap second” processing.

Please feel free to contact us by clicking HERE if you have any enquiries.

*All company names, product names and corporate logos included in this press release are respectively the Trade Names, Trademarks, and Registered Trademarks of their respective companies.
*The information contained in our news release is valid as of the date of announcement. Service and product fees, service contents, specifications, and other information may be subject to change without notice thereafter.