Link and ICMS Solutions Strengthen Business Partnership in Credit Card Security

Link Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Motonari Okada; hereinafter "Link"), which operates the cloud service "PCI DSS Ready Cloud" to promote PCI DSS compliance, has strengthened its business partnership with ICMS Solutions Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ryosuke Arai; hereinafter "ICMS Solutions") in the field of credit card security.

Background of the Partnership

With the continuous evolution of PCI DSS standards, the level of expertise required to meet compliance security requirements is increasing. At the same time, demand for reducing the burden and cost associated with PCI DSS compliance is growing stronger. As a result, there is rapidly expanding demand for building and operating PCI DSS-compliant environments using cloud technologies.

This has led to increased demand for support from partners who are proficient in both cloud technologies and credit card security.

In response to this trend, Link—having deployed its PCI DSS-promoting cloud service "PCI DSS Ready Cloud" to over 50 companies—and ICMS Solutions—with extensive PCI DSS audit experience and specialized knowledge offering consulting and cloud-based review services—are enhancing their collaboration.

As part of this initiative, the two companies will launch the "PCI DSS Ready Cloud × QSA Review Integrated Package." This package integrates Link’s "PCI DSS Ready Cloud Series," which handles the construction and operation of compliant cloud environments, with ICMS Solutions’ "PCI DSS 365 Managed Service," a cloud-based review solution for audits and consulting, providing comprehensive support for businesses seeking PCI DSS compliance.

About the "PCI DSS Ready Cloud × QSA Review Integrated Package"

PCI DSS Ready Cloud Series

Provides essential security components for PCI DSS compliance via the cloud. This service is applicable in various scenarios, such as migrating from outdated PCI DSS infrastructure, bringing subsystems that handle cardholder data into compliance scope, or achieving initial PCI DSS compliance. Integration with payment tokenization services also enables reduction of the PCI DSS compliance scope.

PCI DSS Operation Outsourcing Service

Supports log monitoring, security operations, and system monitoring required for maintaining PCI DSS compliance. By outsourcing PCI DSS operations from a secure, compliant environment, this service significantly reduces operational burden and costs for customers.

PCI DSS Compliance Consulting

Experienced QSAs (Qualified Security Assessors certified by PCI SSC) translate complex compliance requirements into practical, organization-specific measures, ensuring accurate and reliable compliance.

※QSA: Qualified Security Assessor

PCI DSS Cloud-Based Review

A fully managed service where consultants and QSAs provide one-stop support via the cloud for daily operations and audit processes required for PCI DSS compliance.

※SAQ: Self-Assessment Questionnaire

▽ For more details on the "PCI DSS Ready Cloud × QSA Review Integrated Package," please visit:

https://pcireadycloud.com/qsareview-package

Joint Seminar Participation by Link and ICMS Solutions

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, both companies will speak at the JCDSC-hosted "Credit Card Security Forum 2026." They will clearly explain the latest case studies and concrete solutions for achieving PCI DSS compliance entirely through cloud technologies—from initial setup and ongoing operations to audits and assessments.

Event Date and Time

July 7, 2026 (Tuesday), 13:00–13:40

Title

Co-hosted by ICMS SOL: Achieving PCI DSS Compliance Entirely in the Cloud

Overview

This session will introduce the latest case studies where all aspects of PCI DSS compliance—including construction, operations, audits, and assessments—are realized through cloud platforms. The joint session will cover the use of QSA-led cloud reviews, cloud infrastructure such as AWS, migration from on-premises systems, and key points for operational efficiency.

Speakers

ICMS Solutions Co., Ltd.

President and CEO Ryosuke Arai

Link Co., Ltd.

Executive Officer, Head of Security Platform Business Division, Kyosuke Takimura

▽ For details and registration, please visit:

https://www.jcdsc.org/news/260421.php

Through this partnership, Link and ICMS Solutions will deliver a one-stop service combining cloud technology with deep security expertise. By leveraging each other’s customer bases for joint proposals and mutual referrals, they aim to expand their service coverage, enhance market presence, and achieve sustainable business growth in the credit card security sector.

About Link Co., Ltd.

Link Co., Ltd. offers a range of subscription-based services, including "at+link," a dedicated hosting service with one of the largest operational scales in the industry, "Link Bare Metal Cloud," a cloud hosting solution, "BIZTEL," a cloud-based call center system ranked No. 1 in market share for nine consecutive years, and "PCI DSS Ready Cloud," a security platform service. The company is also involved in agricultural ventures, operating "Nakahora Farm," a naturally grazed dairy farm in Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, since October 2011.

For more information, visit https://www.link.co.jp/

★ Media site operated by Link

"LINK Watch!" – A problem-solving media platform that walks alongside businesses, helping organizations stay one step ahead with optimal services.

https://watch.link.co.jp/

About ICMS Solutions Co., Ltd.

ICMS Solutions leverages the extensive audit experience and expertise of its group company, International Certification Management System Co., Ltd. (ICMS), to provide specialized consulting and solutions in information security, particularly in PCI compliance. In 2024, it established "ICMS Cyber Solutions" in Thailand, a digital forensics-focused subsidiary, and will open a branch in South Korea in 2025, offering end-to-end support across Thailand and ASEAN—from compliance to incident response.

For more information, visit https://www.icmssol.co.jp/