The less bumpy way to ride e-commerce = Rakuten - Die letzten 30 Beiträge

[FlankerStan]

On the fence about how to manage your mobile network? Let history be your guide

By Geoff Hollingworth

Chief Marketing Officer Rakuten Symphony
May 6, 2024

In this post I want to expand on the statements I made about game changing innovation and the paradigm shift facing telecom.

At day zero before a disruptive technology is launched, everything feels normal and under control. But looking back at that moment from the future, it’s apparent that the change was so impactful it makes you wonder how we functioned without it.

A good example is the launch of Web 2.0 in 2007. At the time, we were all happily surfing statically created Web 1.0 web pages on our computers. But now can we imagine a world without the social media, photo sharing, e-commerce and other capabilities that define how we use the Internet today? The same thing can be said about smartphones and many other technologies.

It's day zero for Telecom Reinvented

For MNOs it’s day zero of a massive shift in terms of both their operational mindset and technologies that are leveraged, which are virtualized, software-driven, and feature standardized network software and hardware. And it’s hard to see the changes when you are at day zero. This new approach is distinguished by the need for a network-wide standardized data pool to be created and used for AI-powered autonomous automation.

The MNOs who embrace this network industrialization can change their businesses by taking advantage of the opportunities for cost cutting and new revenues that this network paradigm shift brings with it.

Rakuten Mobile has been at the forefront of this change in leveraging a software-first automation approach to manage a nation-wide network with only 250 engineers. Other MNOs will look back on this change and ask themselves, how did we boost our revenue when we couldn’t launch complex 5G standalone services with a zero-touch approach?

Or how did we support new services when we couldn’t autonomously manage tens of thousands of edge network servers?

Or how did we make a profit when we had such huge teams of network engineers managing the network?

We also have the chance to answer other pressing questions. How do we make AI safe? How do we reduce fraud?

I think we'll all look back at this period the same way as we look back at the start of Web 2.0 apps or the smart phone in 2007. Those MNOs who are late to the network industrialization revolution will struggle to compete and they will reflect on this inflection point and realize the consequences of not adopting this reinvented approach to telecom.

And if telecom is not taking advantage of these important changes in the next 10-15 years, shame on the industry.

https://symphony.rakuten.com/blog/on-the-fence-about-how-to-…

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Rakuten Product Conference 2024: Enterprise SaaS and AI

May 09, 2024

Unlock the power of technology for everyone. Join us at Rakuten Product Conference ‘24 on May 21st and 22nd as we reimagine innovation in Enterprise SaaS and AI.

[FlankerStan]

"SAIKYO KIDS Program" on Youtube

May 10, 2024

Rakuten Mobile has announced the start of the "SAIKYO KIDS Program" to support children's first smartphones. If monthly data usage stays within 3GB, users essentially only pay 480 yen per month (538 yen including taxes) until the age of 12. At the announcement event, a Rakutenian and their child held a panel discussion where they talked about smartphone use for elementary school students, in addition to the benefits of the program from the parent's perspective.

[FlankerStan]

Rakuten Mobile has announced the start of the "SAIKYO KIDS Program" to support children's first smartphones

MAY 10, 2024

Rakuten Mobile has announced the start of the "SAIKYO KIDS Program" to support children's first smartphones. If monthly data usage stays within 3GB, users essentially only pay 480 yen per month (538 yen including taxes) until the age of 12. At the announcement event, a Rakutenian and their child held a panel discussion where they talked about smartphone use for elementary school students, in addition to the benefits of the program from the parent's perspective.

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/innovation/rnn/2024/2405_009…

[FlankerStan]

Kobo’s Elipsa 2E, our favorite e-reader for taking notes, is down to its best price yet

By Sheena Vasani
May 10, 2024

I’ll be honest: every model in Amazon’s discounted Kindle lineup is fantastic for those embedded in the Amazon ecosystem, but it’s Kobo that makes my absolute favorite e-readers. If you don’t mind buying ebooks outside of Amazon, Kobo’s e-readers offer fantastic value for the money, which is why I’m excited by today’s sale. The Kobo Sage and Kobo Clara 2E are up to $30 off at Target, but it’s the Kobo Elipsa 2E, which is matching its all-time low of $349.99 ($50 off) at Target and Rakuten Kobo, that stands out the most. Even better, Rakuten Kobo is throwing in a $10 credit when you buy a $50 gift card, which can be used toward an ebook or audiobook from the Kobo store.

Kobo’s ad-free Elipsa 2E is my favorite e-reader for taking notes, namely because it offers features its biggest rival — the Kindle Scribe — currently lacks. Most notably, you can write directly on any page and get a whopping 32GB of storage, which is twice that of the base Kindle Scribe. It’s also a good replacement for a notebook with a great selection of pens, one that can convert your handwriting into typed text and even solve math equations for you. It offers a spacious 10.3-inch screen and support for a wide array of file formats, too, and while it doesn’t natively support Kindle books, Kobo’s bookstore offers millions of titles. There are even ways to convert books purchased from Amazon, though they can be somewhat time-consuming.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/10/24153539/kobo-elipsa-2e-e…

[FlankerStan]

Rakuten and Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion Sign MoU to Promote Thai Products

Tokyo, May 10, 2024 - Rakuten Group and the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the promotion of Thai products.

From left to right: Director and Group Executive Vice President of Rakuten Group Kazunori Takeda, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Thailand Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Director General, Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit

This MoU is part of the "TOPTHAI" project led by DITP, aimed at collaborating with leading e-commerce platform operators in their respective countries to increase awareness and promote sales of Thai products.

The TOPTHAI project is currently rolled out in nine countries and regions around the world, and Rakuten has been selected to represent the 10th partner, Japan*1. Through this MoU, the two organizations plan to open an official TOPTHAI Store on the online marketplace Rakuten Ichiba to promote sales of Thai products. They will also cooperate on planning marketing activities to increase sales of Thai products and supporting activities for Thai entrepreneurs through e-commerce-related seminars and other initiatives. Rakuten Ichiba will be the first e-commerce site in Japan to host an official TOPTHAI Store.

As the first phase of this initiative, the TOPTHAI Product Exhibition will be held on the TOPTHAI Store from May 10 to July 10, 2024. The site aims to promote Thai products by showcasing their appeal alongside recipes using Thai ingredients and seasoning. Coupons usable on-purchase will also be distributed to shoppers, further sweetening the appeal of the products on display.

Rakuten and DITP have collaborated in the past to increase awareness and promote sales of Thai products. For instance, they have launched dedicated webpages on Rakuten Ichiba showcasing Thai products, as well as jointly hosted a Thai Fair campaign on Rakuten Ichiba in 2023 during the 23rd Thai Festival Tokyo held at Yoyogi Park, where online coupons were distributed to attract customers to both the online campaign and the offline event.

The two organizations will continue to promote the unique charms of Thai products in Japan, including new products that are not yet well established in Japan, and create an enjoyable shopping experience for all users.

global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/0510_01.html

[FlankerStan]

Rakuten Insight Appoints Steve Lonergan Regional Head Americas

New York, May 09, 2024 – Rakuten Insight Global, Inc., a wholly-owned online market research subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., has appointed Steve Lonergan as Regional Head Americas. In this pivotal role, Lonergan will be responsible for spearheading operations and driving sales growth in the Americas region.

Lonergan brings over 20 years of experience in the market research industry, having previously served as Vice President of Sales at Dynata. With a proven track record of success, Lonergan has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of business dynamics in the market research landscape.

Adam Birss, Executive Officer at Rakuten Insight, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the Rakuten Insight Global family. His extensive expertise aligns perfectly with our strategic vision of expanding our presence in the Americas region and providing our clients with a reliable one-stop online data solution for Asia, US & Beyond.”

“I am excited to join the Rakuten Insight family,” said Lonergan. “I look forward to working with the team to drive growth and further enhance our position as a leader in the market research industry.”

About Rakuten Insight Global
Rakuten Insight Global, Inc. (“Rakuten Insight”) is a wholly-owned online market research subsidiary company of Rakuten Group, Inc. Rakuten Insight was established in 1997 as AIP Corporation and became part of the Rakuten Group in 2014. Rakuten Insight possesses a research panel focusing on 12 countries and regions in Asia & the US and a panel network covering 60 countries and regions. With offices in 11 countries and regions, Rakuten Insight provides market research for over 500 leading companies around the world.

https://insight.rakuten.com/rakuten-insight-appoints-steve-l…

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Rakuten Medical Announces Poster Presentation and Booth Exhibition at ASCO 2024 Annual Meeting

- Poster will highlight interim evaluation update of photoimmunotherapy based on Alluminoxtm platform using ASP-1929 in combination with anti-PD-1 -

Japanese treating physicians will present a poster on the latest data on photoimmunotherapy in clinical practice in Japan for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma Disclaimer: Rakuten Medical's therapies based on Alluminoxtm platform are investigational outside of Japan.

SAN DIEGO, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rakuten Medical, Inc., a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing precision, cell-targeting photoimmunotherapy based on its proprietary Alluminoxtm platform, today announced that it will present a poster at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (ASCO 2024), which will be held in Chicago, Illinois from May 31 through June 4, 2024.

Read more at: https://www.lelezard.com/en/news-21372626.html

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Rakuten Securities with Easy Order

https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/web/company/newsrelease/pdf/pr…

[FlankerStan]

Affiliate Marketing Statistics For 2024 (Growth & Trends)

By Shubham Singh / January 12, 2024

With a market size of $27.8 billion, Affiliate Marketing is growing at a very handsome rate. The industry is expected to reach $48 billion by 2027.
The Global Affiliate Marketing Industry Is Worth $27.8 Billion.

That is a 17.8% YoY growth. The industry is expected to flourish and reach a valuation of $32.3 billion in 2024 and $48 billion by 2027.

Here is a table showing the affiliate marketing market size over the years:

Year Global Market Size (USD Billion)
2016 $13 billion
2017 $14.1 billion
2018 $15.3 billion
2019 $16.6 billion
2020 $17.2 billion
2021 $20.3 billion
2022 $23.6 billion
2023 $27.8 billion
2024* $32.3 billion
2025* $37.3 billion
2026* $42.6 billion
2027* $48.0 billion

https://www.demandsage.com/affiliate-marketing-statistics/

[FlankerStan]

Rakuten Bank starts Internet-Banking-Service for customers of JR Japan Group

May 9, 2024

https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/press/2024/240509.html

[FlankerStan]

Retail App Report 2024

David Curry
Updated: January 25, 2024

What was the market size of the retail app industry?
The market size of the retail app industry was $3.59 trillion in 2022, an increase of 8.1% on the previous year.

Which retail app generates the most revenue?
Amazon is the largest ecommerce company by revenue, generating $513 billion in 2022. Alibaba is the largest in terms of volume, reporting $1.3 trillion GMV last year.

https://www.businessofapps.com/data/retail-app-report/

[FlankerStan]

Ladies' Room Shoppers Get It with Rakuten

February 26, 2024

The ladies’ room is a place for sharing secrets, like the secret to saving money when you shop. With Rakuten, you get Cash Back at thousands of your favorite stores. Unbelievable.

[FlankerStan]

Viber delivers personal AI services to users

The Philippine Star
April 2, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Rakuten Viber, the leading global platform for private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, has partnered with AI studio Inflection to bring its cutting-edge conversational AI expertise to Viber users in the Philippines.

Filipino users now have direct access to Pi, enhancing their messaging experience through advanced conversational capabilities.

With a name that stands for personal intelligence, Pi brings an exceptionally empathetic and supportive personality to conversations with users. It is powered by Inflection’s in-house-built Inflection-2.5 large language model which is competitive with the world’s best foundation models on key industry benchmarks.

Together with Inflection, backed by $1.5 billion of investment from major investors including Microsoft, Nvidia, Bill Gates, and Eric Schmidt, the messaging app dares to envision a future where users can leverage the power of artificial intelligence seamlessly and effectively at their fingertips.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/04/02/2344537/viber-d…

[FlankerStan]

Excellent Development

https://www.google.com/finance/quote/5838:TYO?window=MAX

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Rakuten Mobile and JTOWER Collaborating on Infrastructure Sharing at More Than 100 Facilities and Buildings

Rakuten Mobile and JTOWER Collaborating on Infrastructure Sharing at More Than 100 Facilities and Buildings
- Accelerating indoor mobile network development by utilizing infrastructure sharing

Tokyo, May 9, 2024 - Rakuten Mobile, Inc. and JTOWER Inc. announced today that Rakuten Mobile has adopted JTOWER’s indoor infrastructure sharing solutions for its network in more than 100 facilities and buildings across Japan.

JTOWER’s infrastructure sharing solutions enable mobile carriers to build out their networks in a shorter period of time and with lower costs than if they were to set up their own facilities. Rakuten Mobile is utilizing these solutions inside shopping facilities, office buildings and other indoor locations.

Rakuten Mobile started using JTOWER's solutions in January 2020 and the number of installations has continued to expand. In October 2021, JTOWER and Rakuten Mobile formed a capital alliance and have been strengthening their collaboration centered on shared infrastructure usage.

JTOWER and Rakuten Mobile are committed to continuing to strengthen their collaboration and promote network development utilizing infrastructure sharing in order to provide best-in-class mobile services.

https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/english/news/press/2024/05…

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Points by paying with Rakuten Pay

https://pay.rakuten.co.jp/campaign/2024/0501-ichiba/

[FlankerStan]

The RAN Intelligent Controller Market growing at a CAGR of 58.3% from 2023 to 2032.

The RAN Intelligent Controller Market Size accounted for USD 165 Million in 2022 and is projected to achieve a market size of USD 15,846 Million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 58.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Key Companies Profiled: Broadcom, Fujitsu, Cisco Systems, Inc., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Juniper Networks, Inc., Intel Corporation, Mavenir, Nokia, NEC Corporation, Parallel Wireless, and Rakuten Symphony Singapore Pte. Ltd.

https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/ran-intelligent-…

[FlankerStan]

RAN Intelligent Controller Market to Grow at CAGR of 59.4% through 2033

RAN Intelligent Controller Market to Grow at CAGR of 59.4% through 2033 - Rising Demand for Network Virtualization to Bolster Growth

The RAN intelligent controller market size is anticipated to grow from USD 349.45 Million in 2023 to USD 37,005.94 Million in 10 years: The market ought to witness a positive growth rate owing to increasing penetration of 5G technology across the globe.

May 07, 2024 06:30 ET| Source: The Brainy Insights

[FlankerStan]

E5G for Enterprises: Navigating the Journey from Hype to Reality

01.04.2024

Join James Dartnell, Director, Corporate Communications, EMEA at Rakuten Symphony as he sits down with Mahesh Kasar, Vice President of Sales, APAC for Rakuten Symphony and Dr Tomek Gerszberg, Group Head of Future Networks for Axiata as they discuss the potential for enterprise 5G in an insightful discussion at the Rakuten Booth Theater.

[FlankerStan]

Rakuten Rakuma Sets Sights on US Market with eBay Trial

- Trial with eBay enables cross-border sales from Japan to the US and overseas

Tokyo, May 8, 2024 - Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced that its community-powered marketplace app Rakuten Rakuma has started listing products on eBay from select Rakuma Official Shops on a trial basis. Users of eBay.com will now be able to purchase a variety of re-use items listed on Rakuma Official Shops starting today.

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/0508_01.html…

[FlankerStan]

Making significant strides in deploying its mobile network using the “Platinum Band” in Japan

Certainly! In May 2024, Rakuten Mobile is making significant strides in deploying its mobile network using the “Platinum Band” in Japan. Here are the key details:

Platinum Band Allocation:
The 700 MHz band, also known as the “platinum band,” was allocated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on October 23, 20231.
This band has unique properties, allowing it to maintain a strong signal even in the presence of obstacles like buildings or indoors.

Deployment and Technology:
Rakuten Mobile will deploy base stations using mobile network radios developed by Nokia Solutions & Networks G.K. in the 700 MHz platinum band.
These Nokia mobile network radios are small, lightweight, and energy-efficient.
Leveraging its expertise in building the world’s first fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network compatible with Open RAN, Rakuten Mobile aims to promptly start operating base stations in this band.
By using a next-generation Distributed Unit (DU) developed by its subsidiary Rakuten Symphony, Rakuten Mobile can easily deploy the radio in its virtualized, Open RAN network.
The newly deployed antennas compatible with both the 1.7 GHz band and the 700 MHz band will coexist alongside existing 1.7 GHz radios, allowing for prompt operation through software updates.

Benefits and Customer Satisfaction:
Rakuten Mobile aims to realize a high-quality mobile network by optimally combining the allocated 700 MHz platinum band with its existing 4G and 5G frequency bands and roaming.
The deployment will start in urban areas with high user volume and traffic.
Rakuten Symphony will collaborate with Nokia to provide these radios to customers in select markets worldwide.

In summary, Rakuten Mobile’s deployment of the platinum band aims to enhance network capacity, improve user experience (especially indoors), and provide cost-effective services across Japan.

[FlankerStan]

Rakuten CEO: Hope to be EBITDA breakeven with mobile business this year

Mickey Mikitani, the CEO of Rakuten, speaks to CNBC’s Arjun Kharpal at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

TUE, FEB 27 20248:53 AM EST

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/02/27/rakuten-ceo-hope-to-be…

[FlankerStan]

Global retail e-commerce sales 2014-2027

Feb 6, 2024

In 2023, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated 5.8 trillion U.S. dollars. Projections indicate a 39 percent growth in this figure over the coming years, with expectations to surpass eight trillion dollars by 2027.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/379046/worldwide-retail-…

Feb 6, 2024

In 2023, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated 5.8 trillion U.S. dollars. Projections indicate a 39 percent growth in this figure over the coming years, with expectations to surpass eight trillion dollars by 2027.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/379046/worldwide-retail-…

[FlankerStan]

What’s your estimate for the valuation of Viber?

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular messaging services by active monthly users:

Rank Messaging Service Number of Active Monthly Users

1 WhatsApp 2.4 billion
2 Facebook Messenger 2.1 billion
3 WeChat 1.2 billion
4 Viber 823 million
5 Telegram 500 million
6 Snapchat 347 million
7 LINE 178 million
8 Discord 170 million
9 QQ 57 million
10 KakaoTalk 49 million
11 Signal 40 million

https://explodingtopics.com/blog/messaging-apps-stats

[FlankerStan]

Advertising Business

Advertising Business

Revenue in the advertising business grew to 206.5 billion yen in FY2023, achieving double-digit growth of 12.9% YoY and surpassing the full-year sales revenue target of 200 billion yen.

[FlankerStan]

Switch to Rakuten Mobile from DOCOMO—no MNP Reservation Number

May 05, 2024

In this video, I'll guide you through the process of transferring your Docomo carrier to Rakuten Mobile without needing an MNP (Mobile Number Portability) reservation number. Whether you're looking to switch carriers or simply want to explore your options, this step-by-step tutorial will make the transition smooth and hassle-free. From understanding the requirements to completing the transfer, I've got you covered with all the essential information. Watch now and make your move to Rakuten Mobile seamlessly!

[FlankerStan]

AI and Rakuten Ichiba

MS AI Assistant (Beta): This AI-powered store management tool is accessible to merchants via the Rakuten Merchant Server (RMS).

Features of RMS AI Assistant (Beta) include:
Product description generation: Automatically creating compelling product descriptions.
Product image processing: Enhancing product images.
Text generation for user inquiries: Crafting responses to customer queries.
Data analysis of sales trends: Helping merchants make informed decisions.
AI chatbot for store operations: Assisting with common questions.

By leveraging these AI features, merchants on Rakuten Ichiba can enhance efficiency and reduce workload hours.

AI-nization: Rakuten is actively driving the use of AI across its entire business.

For Rakuten Ichiba, this means improving the customer shopping experience through AI while simultaneously empowering merchants and realizing operational efficiencies.

The goal is to strengthen connections with customers and drive better results.

In summary, Rakuten Ichiba is embracing AI to enhance its platform, benefitting both shoppers and merchants. If you’re a merchant on Rakuten, these AI tools could significantly improve your business operations!

[FlankerStan]

Rakuten India Announces the 4th Edition of RPC '24

Read more At:
https://aninews.in/news/business/rakuten-india-announces-the…

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Positive financial performance in FY2023

Overall, Rakuten Mobile’s focus on improving ARPU and subscriber numbers has contributed to its positive financial performance in FY2023. The company aims to achieve self-funding at the group level by leveraging the mobile business’s financial performance along with cash flow from other segments