Digital Arts' chat and online meeting tool Desk to be launched on June 21, 2023 with a revised pricing structure to meet the demands for chat systems in business and schools

Information security solutions provider Digital Arts Inc. (headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Toshio Dogu; hereinafter referred to as “Digital Arts”; Code 2326) will be revising the pricing structure of its chat and online conferencing tool Desk ahead of its launch on June 21.

New security challenges arise as demand for chat systems in companies and schools grows

While the use of chat systems for businesses is becoming more prevalent as companies adopt different work styles and Digital Transformation (DX), the diversification of communication methods has brought about the risk of information leaks through actions such as sending messages to the incorrect person. Particularly for companies that handle highly confidential information, it is important to use highly secure business chats.

Recently, online classes and programs with in-built chat systems have been introduced into schools. While online classes have been widely implemented, chats have not due to fears it may lead to bullying and other issues. According to data released in 2022 by the National Institute for Educational Policy Research, 82% of elementary school students and 79% of junior high school students "do not use the chat function at all" or "once a month or less"*1.

Desk is a communication tool focused on the chat feature

Seeing that both companies and schools have major issues and needs for chat systems, on June 21, Digital Arts will be launching Desk, a product that focuses on chat systems and allows users to use chat and online conferencing tools without restrictions.

The pricing structure has also been reworked to provide a chat-only price in addition to the chat and conferencing price. Chat-only subscribers can use the online conferencing function for up to 10 hours per user per month.

Desk also offers two versions: the standard version and GIGA School edition.

The standard version of Desk focuses on the chat function and provides secure and smooth communication with an intuitive UI and enhanced security features, such as a single subdomain configuration (separate management of users under separate contracts). Because the system is invitation-only, users outside the organization who have not been invited will not be included in communications. In addition, chat rooms that include users outside the organization display a warning when chats are posted, greatly reducing the risk of accidentally sending confidential information.

In addition to the features of the standard version, the Desk GIGA School edition provides settings to display warnings and block messages from students when they are deemed to be related to bullying or suicide. It also allows teachers and staff to monitor chat messages related to bullying and suicide.

The standard version of Desk is priced at 300 yen per user per month (excluding tax)*2, and the Desk GIGA School edition is priced at 250 yen per user per month. Unlimited online conferencing is an option, priced at ¥150 per user. In addition, a disk expansion add-on is also offered to expand file storage. The standard version of Desk also has the option to support ISMAP (Security Assessment System for Government Information Systems).

Promotion for users who switched to or own Desk GIGA School Edition and i-FILTER@Cloud GIGA School Edition

　From June 21, 2023, the release date of Desk, to March 31, 2025, users who own i-FILTER@Cloud GIGA School Edition and subscribe to Desk GIGA School Edition will receive a discount of 250 yen, receiving it at 100 yen. If you switch from another company's paid filter to i-FILTER@Cloud GIGA School Edition, the price of Desk GIGA School Edition will be 100 yen and i-FILTER@Cloud GIGA School Edition, which is offered for 150 yen, will also be offered for 100 yen.

*1 National Institute for Educational Policy Research, Web Survey on Educational Use of ICT.
https://www.mext.go.jp/kaigisiryo/content/2022224-mxt_shuukyo01-000020624_1.pdf
*2 Contracts are 1 year. (Multi-year contracts are also available)