NTT Docomo : DOCOMO Tightens Security for Open APIs by Leveraging Know-how of Affiliate Authlete, Inc.

February 15, 2018

TOKYO, JAPAN, February 15, 2018 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it has begun deploying the Web API access-authorization engine of Authlete, Inc. to enhance the security of open APIs for device providers and DOCOMO services as well as to enhance collaboration among companies. Tokyo-headquartered Authlete became an affiliate of the DOCOMO Group when NTT DOCOMO Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary, bought a stake in the company on November 30, 2017.

Authlete's OAuth 2.0 is a framework in which a user of a service can allow a third-party application to access his/her data hosted in the service without revealing his/her credentials (ID & password) to the application. Authlete is based on standards developed by the OpenID Foundation, a non-profit international standardization organization committed to enabling, promoting and protecting OpenID technologies. It is listed in Request for Comments (RFC) of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

The company also developed AuthleteTM, a cloud-based service that supports the Web API authorization process based on OpenID Connect, a framework on top of OAuth 2.0 in which a third-party application can obtain a user's identity information managed by a service.

Going forward, DOCOMO expects to increase the uptake of Authlete's services among companies in the API and IoT business fields to achieve lifestyle innovation under the company's 'Declaration beyond' medium-term strategy to 2020 and contribute to the development of their partners' business.

Authlete is a trademark of Authlete, Inc.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 75 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ('+d' partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. DOCOMO is listed on stock exchanges in Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM). https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english.

About NTT DOCOMO Ventures

NTT DOCOMO Ventures, the NTT Group's corporate venture capital firm, aims to accelerate innovation for creation of new services, disruptive technologies and innovative processes serving as a primary channel for startup companies and venture communities on behalf of the NTT Group, Japan's leading ICT service provider. We proactively enhance cooperation with exceptional entrepreneurs on a worldwide scale by providing capital from our corporate venture funds and vast business development opportunities with the NTT Group companies. https://www.nttdocomo-v.com/en/