Asteria

Basic Information

Stock Code
3853
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
September 1998
Listing Year
June 2007
Official Website
https://www.asteria.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

Asteria is an innovative IT company founded in 1998 in the information and communications industry, specializing in the development of system integration software based on XML technology.

Current Situation

Asteria achieved consolidated net sales of approximately 3 billion yen and ordinary income of approximately 4 billion yen in the fiscal year ending March 2022, continuing steady growth in the system integration field. In addition to its flagship ASTERIA Warp series, it offers a diverse range of software products such as Platio for IoT and Gravio for edge computing. It has established business bases in Japan as well as the United States, China, and Asia, promoting global expansion. Leveraging its technological strengths, it focuses on innovative development and has established subsidiaries for no-code tools and AI technologies to meet market digitalization needs. It also emphasizes sustainability through regional environmental protection and membership in the Blockchain Promotion Association for social contributions. Moving forward, it aims to expand edge AI and DX support businesses as mid-to-long-term strategies, targeting sales growth by 2025. Recent head office relocation and the opening of a Karuizawa resort office reflect employee workstyle reforms, contributing to productivity improvements.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founded in 1998 as Japan's first XML-specialized software company.
  • ASTERIA Warp is a product strong in non-coding integration.
  • Changed name from Infoteria Co., Ltd. to Asteria Co., Ltd. in 2018.
  • Global expansion with subsidiaries in the US, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore.
  • Established IoT Future Lab. for next-generation technology development.
  • Established in-house AI specialist subsidiary Asteria ART.
  • Installed a well-being-focused resort office in Karuizawa.
  • Provides Gravio middleware for edge computing.
  • Representative Director and President is founder Yoichiro Hirano.
  • Has an unusual profitability structure where ordinary income exceeds net sales on a consolidated basis.

Hidden Connections

  • Acquired UK design strategy firm This Place to strengthen overseas design capabilities.
  • Established investment specialist subsidiary Asteria Vision Fund in the US to support new businesses.
  • Built close ties with local community through forest conservation activities in Kumamoto.
  • Early participation in Blockchain Promotion Association to promote industry technology collaboration.
  • Supports XML engineer education centered on in-house engineer training committee.
  • Mainly categorized under package software (other business-oriented) in Nikkei industry classification.
  • Focuses on active information dissemination on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of corporate system integration demand due to DX promotion.
  • Spread of edge AI and IoT technologies.
  • Expansion of no-code/low-code development market.
  • Active overseas market expansion and multi-site collaboration.
  • Demand for tools and services accompanying workstyle reforms.

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve net sales over 5 billion yen.
  • Expansion of AI and edge computing-related businesses.
  • Overseas share expansion through strengthened collaboration with global subsidiaries.
  • Promotion of sustainability management and enriched social contribution activities.
  • Establish position as industry-leading no-code platform.

Business Segments

System Integration Solutions

Overview
Business providing no-code solutions that integrate diverse systems and devices.
Competitiveness
XML technology base and high usability of no-code
Customers
  • Corporate IT departments
  • System integrators
  • Manufacturing
  • Finance
  • Distribution
  • Government offices
Products
  • ASTERIA Warp
  • ASTERIA Warp Core
  • ASTERIA On Demand

IoT Mobile Platform

Overview
IoT-compatible mobile app platform and edge computing middleware.
Competitiveness
Edge AI technology and diverse device connectivity
Customers
  • Manufacturing
  • Logistics
  • Construction
  • Local governments
  • Educational institutions
Products
  • Platio
  • Gravio

Mobile Content Management Service

Overview
Cloud-based content management service for smart devices.
Competitiveness
Multi-platform compatibility and rich management features
Customers
  • Large corporate customers
  • Educational institutions
  • Medical institutions
Products
  • Handbook

Cloud and SaaS Services

Overview
Deployment of cloud services for online sticky notes and personal calendars.
Competitiveness
Intuitive operability and high connectivity
Customers
  • IT companies
  • Startups
  • Small and medium enterprises
Products
  • lino
  • SnapCal

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Track record as Japan's first XML-specialized software company
  • Strength in no-code development
  • Market coverage through diverse product lineup
  • Advanced technology supporting edge AI
  • Global R&D bases
  • Flexible management structure as a mid-sized company
  • Long-term technology accumulation and proprietary know-how
  • Wide-ranging partnership deployment
  • Solid financial base
  • High customer support quality
  • Proven software integration products
  • Overseas support through multinational subsidiaries

Competitive Advantages

  • Pioneer in XML integration in Japan with strong brand power
  • Advanced technology for data integration with no-code
  • Product deployment supporting IoT and edge computing
  • Multi-site structure and multi-language support for overseas expansion
  • High extensibility from proprietary software platforms
  • Flexible solutions for a wide range of industries
  • Rapid market response through SaaS services
  • Rich user community and engineer training programs
  • Advanced technology applications via AI R&D subsidiary
  • Foresight through industry collaborations like Blockchain Promotion Association

Threats

  • Intensifying competition with major IT companies
  • Risk of obsolescence due to rapid technological evolution
  • Response to advances in overseas cloud and integration technologies
  • Increasing cybersecurity risks
  • Competition for IT talent acquisition and development
  • Fluctuations in IT investment due to economic conditions
  • Increase in new entrants and price competition
  • Stagnation in customers' digital shift
  • Strengthened legal regulations and personal data protection
  • Cultural differences in global expansion
  • Business risks from natural disasters
  • Growth slowdown due to maturation of domestic market

Innovations

2023: Launch of new ASTERIA Warp Core

Overview
Introduced a new plan focused on basic functions, pursuing lower pricing and ease of use.
Impact
Expanded customer base for small and medium enterprises.

2023: Enhancement of edge computing product Gravio

Overview
Greatly expanded real-time processing functions by applying edge AI technology.
Impact
Contributed to increased adoptions in IoT field.

2022: Establishment of AI R&D subsidiary Asteria ART

Overview
Newly established research organization to integrate AI technology into products.
Impact
Accelerated technological innovation and opened new business avenues.

2021: Launch of Platio IoT mobile cloud platform

Overview
Launched mobile app development platform for IoT device integration.
Impact
Increased adoptions in manufacturing and logistics industries.

2020: Opening of Kumamoto R&D Center

Overview
Opened a regionally distributed R&D base to leverage diverse talent.
Impact
Contributed to new technology development and productivity improvements.

2023: Opening of Karuizawa resort office

Overview
Installed a resort-type office emphasizing well-being.
Impact
Enhanced employee creativity and productivity.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of Oguni Cedar conservation agreement with Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture 'Infoteria Forest'
  • Ensuring transparency through membership in Blockchain Promotion Association
  • Promoting technology dissemination through No-Code Promotion Association
  • Energy-saving office through telework, AI, and sensors
  • Support for digital education and technology contributions to local communities