Case Study: Azabu University achieves operational stability, equipment consolidation and 40% lower five‑year TCO with F5 Networks' BIG‑IP APM

Azabu University Eliminates Instability, Reduces Tco of Authentication Infrastructure

Azabu University faced recurring instability in its authentication infrastructure after a problematic 2011 upgrade and needed a reliable, consolidated SSO and VPN solution that could also extend single sign-on to cloud services like G Suite. The university selected F5 Networks and its BIG‑IP Access Policy Manager (BIG‑IP APM) in 2016 to stabilize operations and replace a multi-product, fault-prone environment.

F5 Networks deployed BIG‑IP APM in a 50‑day rollout to provide SSO, secure off‑campus access, and VPN functionality integrated with Active Directory, Gluegent Gate, and SAML services. The implementation delivered immediate stability (eliminating routine fault log checks), consolidated hardware from 25 devices (42U) to three devices (4U), and cut power/space needs — reducing five‑year TCO by 40%.

Azabu University

Kazutaka Zenno

Deputy Administrative Director