PB Systems

Basic Information

Stock Code
4447
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Fukuoka Prefecture
Establishment Year
February 1997
Listing Year
September 2019
Official Website
https://www.pbsystems.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

PB Systems is an information and communications company founded in 1997 and based in Fukuoka Prefecture, deploying advanced technologies in cloud system construction and 360-degree 3D VR theater manufacturing.

Current Situation

PB Systems recorded net sales of approximately 2.17 billion yen and net profit of approximately 160 million yen for the fiscal year ending September 2021, boasting high technological capabilities in Japan for cloud system construction based on virtualization technology. Its main businesses are the Secure Cloud (SCL) operations and the manufacturing and sales of 360-degree 3D VR theaters 'MetaWalkers,' with installations across diverse regions. Since its founding, it has specialized in virtualization and cloud, promoting Citrix product sales and virtual desktop technology awareness. It listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in October 2022, aiming to strengthen its financial position and expand its business foundation. Recently, it has intensified its focus on the VR market, developing innovative video experience technologies. It is also actively engaged in regional contributions, industry-academia collaboration, and promoting cloud adoption, looking ahead to expansion in cloud services and growth in the VR market.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Focused on system virtualization technology from inception.
  • Operates 'Citrix Flame Bulletin Board' for virtualization information exchange.
  • Founder is a virtualization specialist from a major SIer.
  • '4D King' VR theater receives high acclaim domestically and internationally.
  • Serves as executive producer for multiple VR contents.
  • Listed on Fukuoka Stock Exchange Q-Board in 2019, then Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth in 2022.
  • Certified for Fukuoka Prefecture 'Business Innovation Plan.'
  • Launched cloud printing connector 'ThinPrint Hub.'
  • Possesses proprietary 360-degree surround screen technology.
  • Contributed to industry with publications like 'Metaframe Revolution.'
  • Employs Emi Fujita for VR product promotions.
  • Numerous exhibitions at regional events and science museums.
  • Approximately 50 employees, mainly engineers.
  • Previously had Tokyo office but now centralized at head office.
  • President Kazuhisa Tomita's motto is 'If you do not enter the tiger's den, you cannot get the tiger's cub.'

Hidden Connections

  • Founder has background from major SIer and system manufacturer, with strong industry network.
  • In VR field, uses producer name inspired by Morrissey of The Smiths.
  • As a regionally rooted IT company in Fukuoka, deeply involved in local IT industry.
  • Official partner for Citrix products, engaging in sales and education business.
  • Pioneering company that expanded from local exchange to Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth.
  • In-house integrated manufacturing of specialized VR hardware and software development.
  • Enhanced social recognition through theater installations at regional events and public facilities.
  • President Tomita has authored numerous technical books contributing to virtualization awareness.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for cloud systems and DX promotion.
  • Expectations for diversification of VR usage and experience expansion.
  • Expansion of virtualization environment demand due to telework prevalence.
  • Expansion of IT strengthening investments in regions and public facilities.
  • New market development through fusion with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Acceleration of technological innovation through industry-academia collaboration.
  • Recovery of entertainment market post-COVID.
  • Surging ICT infrastructure demand domestically and internationally.
  • New business opportunities from local 5G and IoT integration.
  • Sustainable growth through public-private collaboration projects.
  • Potential for overseas market expansion.
  • Synergy creation through strengthened industry partnerships.

Strategic Goals

  • Double sales through cloud and VR businesses.
  • Expansion and standardization of in-house developed VR content.
  • Establishment of low-environmental-impact product design.
  • Strengthening social responsibility as regional IT industry leader.
  • Gradual advance into global markets.
  • Further expansion of telework-related solutions.
  • Development and securing of advanced IT talent.
  • Strengthening financial foundation to support sustainable growth.
  • Promotion of social issue-solving technologies.
  • Strengthened collaboration with 10 or more local governments.

Business Segments

Cloud System Solutions

Overview
Supports migration of corporate core systems to secure cloud environments through virtualization.
Competitiveness
Deep expertise and track record in virtualization technology
Customers
  • Mid-sized and large enterprises
  • Public institutions
  • Educational institutions
  • IT service providers
  • Manufacturing industry
Products
  • Private cloud infrastructure construction
  • Virtual desktop construction
  • Cloud operation support

VR Theater Business

Overview
Provides high-quality 360-degree VR experiences to enhance customer experiences.
Competitiveness
Proprietary surround screen design technology
Customers
  • Theme parks
  • Museums and science museums
  • Commercial facilities
  • Tourist spots
  • Public facilities
Products
  • 360-degree surround VR theater installation
  • VR content production
  • Interactive video technology

Virtualization-Related Device Sales

Overview
Provides peripheral devices and software for virtualization environments.
Competitiveness
Trusted Citrix authorized reseller
Customers
  • IT companies
  • Distribution industry
  • Government offices
  • Educational corporations
Products
  • ThinPrint Hub
  • Dell Byte products
  • XenApp-related software

Education and Training Services

Overview
Provides education and training on virtualization and cloud technologies to contribute to talent development.
Competitiveness
Industry-leading technical know-how
Customers
  • Corporate IT personnel
  • System engineers
  • Technical training institutions
Products
  • Citrix certified education programs
  • Cloud utilization seminars
  • System virtualization training

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • One of Japan's leading virtualization technology specialists
  • Proprietary 360-degree VR theater manufacturing technology
  • Stable customer base rooted in the region
  • Reliability as a Citrix authorized reseller
  • Diverse lineup of cloud-related products
  • Industry knowledge of founder and experienced management team
  • Solid financial foundation with ample net assets
  • Contributions to market expansion through technology awareness activities
  • Strong relationships with local community
  • Group of 49 specialized engineers
  • Attention on Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market since 2019
  • Active VR business expansion
  • Adaptability to diverse customer segments
  • Established product brands
  • Long-term brand sustainability

Competitive Advantages

  • Pioneering position in cloud virtualization field
  • Differentiation through proprietary product 'MetaWalkers' brand
  • Diverse installation track record and customer trust nationwide
  • Abundant know-how in virtual desktop technology
  • In-house production of multiple contents for integrated operations
  • Strengthened technology collaboration through partnerships
  • Regional identity as Fukuoka-based independent IT specialist
  • Enhanced brand power through high-level technology awareness activities
  • Innovation from fusion of VR and cloud technologies
  • Strong presence in niche markets
  • Comprehensive virtualization-related services
  • Established Citrix-related technologies and expertise
  • Stable capital structure and secured growth funds
  • Increased visibility through effective event installations
  • Ongoing investment in engineer development

Threats

  • Intensifying competition with major IT companies
  • Rapid pace of technological innovation in VR market
  • Fierce price competition in cloud market
  • Need for rapid adaptation to new technologies
  • Risk of VR demand fluctuations post-COVID
  • Challenges in securing technological capabilities due to talent shortage
  • Risk of IT investment restraint during economic downturns
  • Changes in business environment due to strengthened regulations
  • Increasing cybersecurity risks
  • Potential difficulties in responding to diversifying market needs
  • Expansion of overseas vendors
  • Regional dependency risks such as natural disasters

Innovations

2023: VR Theater 'MetaWalkers' Product Name Rebranding

Overview
Unified brand name from '4DOH' to 'MetaWalkers' for image refresh.
Impact
Improved market recognition through brand unification

2022: Listing on Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market

Overview
Conducted listing to secure funding and strengthen brand power.
Impact
Improved liquidity and enhanced corporate value

2021: Introduction of Interactive VR Technology

Overview
Added user-participatory interactive features to VR theaters.
Impact
Enhanced customer satisfaction and experiential value

2020: Launch of ThinPrint Hub Cloud Printing Connector

Overview
Began providing solutions for cloud printing environments.
Impact
Improved convenience of virtualization environments

2020: Launch of Telework Introduction Support Service

Overview
Expanded virtualization support for remote work environments.
Impact
Expanded new customer base and increased sales

2023: Industry-Academia Collaboration on New 4D Theater Technology Research

Overview
Started joint research with Kyushu Sangyo University on new 4D theater training methods.
Impact
Accelerated development of next-generation VR application technologies

2021: Diversification and Expansion of VR Content

Overview
Planned, produced, and began providing VR content with diverse themes.
Impact
Expanded target markets and increased visitors

2022: Introduction of Advanced Automation Technology for Cloud System Construction

Overview
Introduced AI-based cloud construction support tools.
Impact
20% improvement in work efficiency, reduced error rate

Sustainability

  • Environmentally considerate VR theater design
  • Promotion of local employment in Fukuoka Prefecture
  • Technology dissemination activities through industry-academia collaboration
  • Office environment improvement through paperless operations
  • Provision of safe and secure cloud environments
  • Disability employment promotion program
  • Introduction of energy-efficient IT equipment
  • IT education support for local community
  • Promotion of resource-saving system development
  • Commute reduction through telework promotion