Using AWS as a Platform of Marketing
Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd.
Applied Services: Classmethod Members, AWS Infrastructure, Mobile App Development
Starbucks Coffee Japan built its web system in 2011 using on-premises infrastructure. As traffic spikes during promotions caused system failures, increased operational costs, and delayed business responses, the company began its cloud migration journey — selecting Amazon Web Services in 2012 for its flexibility, scalability, and global track record.
Requests from Fans Unable to Be Met with On-Premises
The on-premises infrastructure could not scale to handle promotional traffic spikes, creating a ceiling on the digital experiences Starbucks Japan could offer its customers. Moving to AWS in 2012 provided the elastic foundation needed for a true digital marketing platform — and in 2014, Classmethod was engaged as technical support partner to accelerate the journey.
Using AWS as a Marketing Platform
Front-End Migration
Migrated front-end systems to AWS for elastic scaling during campaigns
iOS / Android App
Developed the Starbucks Card mobile app for iOS and Android
Starbucks Rewards™
Implemented global Starbucks Rewards loyalty program with worldwide integration
Big Data Analytics
Optimized analytics platform for customer insights and campaign effectiveness
Classmethod Meets Business Expectations
Classmethod's team provided Advanced AWS expertise across engineering disciplines, high-level advisory support beyond core AWS capabilities, and hands-on system management training for Starbucks Japan's internal teams — enabling the company to build in-house cloud competency while delivering new customer experiences.
Results Achieved
- • Elastic infrastructure eliminates promotional traffic failures
- • iOS and Android Starbucks Card app launched successfully
- • Starbucks Rewards™ program deployed with global integration
- • Big data analytics platform optimized for marketing insights
- • Internal team capability built through hands-on training
This case study uses Classmethod Members.
Classmethod Members is our AWS total support service — combining billing optimization, 24/7 technical support, and expert consulting to help businesses maximize value from their AWS investment.