Forward Networks targets Japan with AI-led expansion

Forward Networks has expanded into Japan, adding local support and services as Japanese organisations increase investment in modernising network operations and strengthening security and compliance.

The move follows growing interest from large enterprises and public-sector bodies rebuilding infrastructure for more automated, AI-assisted operations. Network teams are also grappling with skills shortages and rising expectations for resilience in always-on services.

Forward Networks sells software that models a production network as a "digital twin" using mathematical analysis of network configurations and policy states. It is positioned as a way for teams to understand how networks behave in live environments and to validate changes before deployment.

In Japan, the company plans to provide local support, services and strategic partnerships, with a focus on verified network behaviour, regulatory requirements and security posture across multi-vendor and multi-cloud environments.

Network verification

Network operations have traditionally relied on monitoring tools that collect performance and availability data. Verification products take a different approach, analysing configuration and policy information to test whether the network matches intended design or security rules.

Forward Enterprise, the company's main platform, builds a model of a customer's network and analyses how traffic would flow across it. It covers devices, paths, configurations and policy states, and is designed for use across on-premise networks and cloud environments.

Customers use the model to reduce blind spots created by fragmented monitoring, and to validate segmentation policies and compliance controls on an ongoing basis.

Large organisations in regulated industries are placing greater emphasis on network change management as infrastructure grows more complex. Many run hybrid estates, with legacy data centres connected to multiple public cloud services, increasing the operational burden on teams already facing tight labour markets.

Forward is also promoting a newer product, Forward AI, described as a conversational interface that lets operators ask questions about network behaviour and validation results in natural language. The tool is also positioned as a way to reason about expected outcomes and automate parts of network workflows.

Japan expansion

Forward did not disclose headcount, investment levels or customer numbers for Japan, and did not name Japanese customers or partners in its announcement.

The company framed the launch as a response to conversations with large organisations in the region, pointing to a need for stronger assurance about how production networks behave as organisations pursue modernisation programmes and introduce AI-assisted operations.

"Our decision to expand operations to Japan reflects the conversations we are having with leading enterprises across the region," said David Erickson, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Forward Networks.

"Organisations have invested heavily in tools to monitor and manage production environments. What is often missing is a mathematically accurate understanding of how the network actually behaves in real time. Without that foundation, modernization, security, and AI initiatives introduce unnecessary risk."

Forward's entry into Japan comes as networking and security suppliers promote stronger forms of verification and automated change control, alongside AI assistants for IT operations. Enterprises remain cautious about automation in critical infrastructure, particularly where compliance and audit requirements apply.

The company says its technology is used in sectors including financial services, telecommunications, media and technology, and cites use in US defence and civilian agencies.

Forward has also made several executive changes in recent months as it builds its international presence. It appointed Sanjay Mehta as Chief Marketing Officer and named Bobby Condon as Chief Revenue Officer, and introduced Forward AI as part of its product line for network operations teams.

In Japan, Forward has named Atsuhito Okubo as Country Manager.