Daily Post June 11 2025

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A major issue with Japanese companies, especially when it comes to technology adoption, is their strong preference for SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions and the resulting tendency toward vendor lock-in. This is closely tied to a broader cultural and operational reluctance to assume direct responsibility for IT systems, which in turn creates anxiety around adopting Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

And, by prioritizing SaaS solutions and accepting vendor lock-in, Japanese companies do risk compromising their customers’ data security, privacy, and digital sovereignty. When a company relies heavily on a SaaS provider, it often means that sensitive customer data such as personal information, financial records, or business-critical files is stored and managed on external servers controlled by the vendor. And sometimes this goes many many layers deep.

Yes, using FOSS, risks still exist but the key difference is that you have direct control over your security and data management, rather than relying on a third party to handle it for you. This means you can proactively address vulnerabilities and tailor protections to your needs, instead of simply hoping an external provider will take care of them.

With that context, it's clear why mintarc is charting a roadmap to help educate and demonstrate that alternatives to proprietary software are well worth the effort not just for companies, but also for consumers. These alternatives offer significant benefits for privacy and data protection, especially as big tech companies push to collect even more personal information. The importance of maintaining control over digital assets has never been more high.

But none of that matters because it comes down to cost and passing of accountability in Japan. Despite the presence of some of the strictest data privacy laws in the world, such as the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), many Japanese businesses view data privacy primarily as a compliance requirement rather than a strategic priority or a source of competitive advantage

The preference for SaaS and the avoidance of direct accountability make it difficult for FOSS and privacy-focused alternatives to gain traction, regardless of their clear benefits for data security and digital independence. The business culture prioritizes minimizing risk and cost over taking proactive steps to safeguard customer data, which is why our efforts are so important, yet we face significant hurdles.

Even some of the largest open source organizations here end up relying on commercial big tech solutions. Honestly, it’s difficult to advocate for FOSS when the very organizations that champion open source often don’t fully use it themselves. This disconnect makes it challenging to build a convincing case for FOSS adoption, as it raises questions about its practicality and reliability if even its strongest proponents turn to proprietary platforms.

Value of FOSS

The approach is a strong belief in the principles of FOSS: openness, transparency, and community-driven innovation. FOSS refers to software that is not only free to use but also open for inspection, modification, and redistribution. This model is a complete opposite to traditional proprietary software, where access to the source code is restricted and licensing fees can be substantial. The company helps businesses avoid vendor lock-in, reduce IT expenditures, and benefit from the collective expertise of a global developer community.

For the naysayers

Many FOSS projects are now backed by professional companies offering enterprise-grade support, service level agreements, and consulting—often at a lower cost than proprietary vendors. Added to that, the global community means that solutions and expertise are available around the clock, not just from a single vendor.

On the issue of accountability, it is true that open source projects are community-driven, many have well-established governance structures, clear roadmaps, and professional maintainers. Furthermore, businesses can take control by hiring in-house talent or contracting with specialized firms, giving them more direct influence over the software they rely on, rather than being at the mercy of a single vendor’s priorities or timelines.

In terms of integration and compatibility concerns, open standards and interoperability are actually core strengths of FOSS. Open source software is designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing businesses to adapt solutions to their unique environments. Many FOSS projects prioritize compatibility and provide APIs, and because the code is open, integration challenges can be addressed directly—something not possible with closed, proprietary systems.

It is true that FOSS is often criticized for being more vulnerable because its code is publicly available. Recent reports do show that a high percentage of codebases using open source components contain vulnerabilities—86% had at least one, and 81% had high- or critical-risk vulnerabilities. The rapid growth in the number of open source files per application and the widespread use of outdated components do increase the attack surface and risk profile if not managed carefully.

But, the point isn’t the openness itself, but how organizations manage and maintain their open source dependencies. Security experts point out that the main risks come from poor oversight, lack of proactive governance, and failure to keep components updated not from the open nature of the code. This can happen in both FOSS and proprietary.

Yes, while open source code is visible to everyone (including attackers), this same visibility helps defenders and leads to faster detection and remediation of vulnerabilities. The real challenge is not the openness, but ensuring proper management, regular updates, and active participation in the open source ecosystem

Services and Solutions Offered by mintarc

mintarc has a suite of services designed to guide businesses through every stage of their FOSS journey. The process begins with a thorough assessment of a client’s existing IT infrastructure, identifying opportunities to integrate open-source tools that align with their operational goals. mintarc’s team of FOSS community veterans then develops a tailored roadmap for implementation, ensuring that each solution is optimized for the client’s unique requirements.

It can deploy solutions across a variety of environments, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid systems. The company works with Linode to offer flexible, cost-effective infrastructure options. Whether a business is looking to migrate entirely to the cloud or maintain a hybrid setup for greater control and security, mintarc provides the technical expertise and strategic guidance necessary for a FOSS transition.

In addition to deployment, mintarc offers ongoing training and support to help clients effectively manage and maintain their new systems. This includes equipping teams with the skills needed to use FOSS tools, providing documentation and technical support, and delivering regular updates to keep systems secure and efficient. The company’s localized, Japanese-language support is a critical asset for domestic clients, helping to overcome language barriers and build trust in the adoption of open-source solutions.

Pricing Transparency

The company’s transparent and flexible pricing model. Unlike traditional software vendors that charge hefty licensing fees and impose long-term contracts, mintarc’s FOSS solutions eliminate these costs entirely. Clients pay only for the consulting, customization, and support services they require, resulting in substantial savings over time.

mintarc emphasizes the long-term value of FOSS, noting that businesses can reduce total cost of ownership while scaling their operations and avoiding the pitfalls of vendor lock-in. The company’s pricing tiers are designed to accommodate organizations of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises, making open-source adoption accessible and sustainable for a broad spectrum of clients.

Commitment to Community and Open Source Development

mintarc actively supports the development and promotion of open-source projects. The company’s involvement with PeppermintOS, for example, reflects the dedication to making technology more accessible and user-friendly. Contributing to the open-source ecosystem, mintarc helps support the tools and platforms it recommends to clients and that they are continually improved and aligned with the needs of real users.