By Daniel Etchells

Fujitsu has been assigned the category of Tokyo 2020 has added Fujitsu and NEC Corporation, two of Japan's leading information technology providers, to its growing list of Gold Partners.



Fujitsu, the world's third largest IT company, has been assigned the category of "Data Centre Hardware" provider, while NEC will provide valuable services in the categories of "Specialist Public Safety Equipment and Software" and "Network Equipment".


As well as helping to foster the development of athletes leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Fujitsu will provide data centre hardware such as servers and storage to support applications and data critical for Tokyo 2020 operations


"It is a great honour to welcome Fujitsu as a Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner," said Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori.


"As one of Japan's most prominent companies, the active involvement of Fujitsu will be essential for the successful delivery of the Games.


"Fujitsu will make a significant contribution to the success of the Games through the provision of advanced data centre hardware that will be indispensable for our Games' operations.


"All of us at the Organising Committee are eagerly looking forward to collaborating with staff at Fujitsu."


NEC Corporation will provide valuable services in the categories of
NEC Corporation will provide valuable services in the categories of "Specialist Public Safety Equipment and Software" and "Network Equipment" ©Tokyo 2020


NEC provides a broad range of safety solutions that capitalise on its cutting-edge technologies, such as biometric authentication - based on leading face recognition technology.


The company will leverage these technologies and its know-how in order to contribute to the safety and security of Tokyo 2020.


"I am delighted to announce that we have concluded a contract with NEC, which will see the company become a Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner," added Mori.


"The active participation of NEC - one of Japan's leading companies - will be a major factor in ensuring the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games.


"Not only will NEC support the Games with its state-of-the-art network equipment, but the company will also make an invaluable contribution to the overall physical security of the Games through the introduction of its leading-edge public safety equipment and software.


"We are looking forward to working closely with all members of NEC staff towards the delivery of a Games that will live long in the memory."


Tokyo 2020 are reportedly charging JPY¥15 billion (£80 million/$128 million/€110 million) to become a gold sponsor as they bid to generate at least JPY¥150 billion (£840 million/€1.3 billion/$1.1 billion) in revenue from the scheme.


Local sponsors for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games are split into three categories, with gold being the highest, followed by Official Partner and Official Supporter.


Fujitsu's contribution will be to mobilise its data centre hardware technologies to deliver services as part of the wider integrated Tokyo 2020 Games technology solution, designed and managed by Worldwide Olympic Partner Atos.


Tokyo-based Atos, a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Games, has long added its expertise to informational technology systems used at Olympic Games


"It is a great pleasure to be able to support the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the efforts of all the athletes, as a Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner," said Masami Yamamoto, President and representative director of Fujitsu.


"Fujitsu is also committed to further promoting sports as a company that has employed 29 Olympians and Paralympians over the past 10 Games."


Tokyo 2020 has amassed a list of five Gold Partners since being awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Games in September 2013 ©Getty ImagesTokyo 2020 has amassed a list of five Gold Partners since being awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Games in September 2013 ©Getty Images


NEC boasts a proud history of commitment to the development of a variety of sports and top athletes, including its sponsorship of the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) Wheelchair Tennis Tour since its inception in 1992. 


"We are tremendously honoured to be selected as a domestic Gold Partner in two product categories for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said NEC President Nobuhiro Endo.


"We hope the Games will become known as the greatest Olympics and Paralympics of all time.


"We are fully committed to orchestrating numerous innovations to help people enjoy Tokyo 2020.


"NEC has long been an active supporter of initiatives to promote a sustainable society, including sponsorship of wheelchair tennis for more than 20 years.


"Going forward, NEC aims at deepening mutual understanding among people and at creating an increasingly prosperous society, where the full potential of human nature can be realised.


"It is our earnest wish that such efforts will further contribute to the advancement of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements."


Fujitsu and NEC follow Canon, Asahi Breweries and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation in becoming top-tier sponsors for the Games, scheduled to take place between July 24 and August 9.


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