ACCESS

Basic Information

Stock Code
4813
Industry
Information and Communications Industry
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
April 1979
Listing Year
February 2001
Official Website
https://www.access-company.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

ACCESS is a company founded in 1979 in the information and communications industry, with strengths in technologies centered on embedded Web browsers and electronic publishing platforms.

Current Situation

ACCESS posted a consolidated net loss despite sales of approximately ¥13.1 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2023, facing management challenges. Its flagship products include embedded software for mobile phones and home appliances, led by the NetFront browser, with a solid customer base domestically and internationally. In technology development, it advances WebKit-based browsers and ECHONET-compatible products, while providing EPUB3-compatible platforms in electronic publishing. In recent years, it has enhanced functions through the acquisition of a U.S. company and expanded beacon technology to meet IoT growth. For sustainability, it focuses on eco-friendly software development and standards contribution via industry associations. Medium- to long-term goals include maintaining presence in the embedded device market and expanding cloud-integrated products. Strengthening ties with majors like NTT through equity stakes positions them as key growth drivers.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founder Toru Arakawa began company history with a personal office established at age 19
  • Developed Japan's first Web browser for mobile phones, NetFront
  • Expanded globally by acquiring PalmSource and entering U.S. market
  • NTT holds 12.9% stake, strengthening collaboration
  • Participates in numerous industry groups like ECHONET and BT Association
  • NetFront Location Free Player is a proprietary client for Sony products
  • Electronic publishing PUBLUS holds top-tier domestic share with EPUB3 support
  • ZebOS highly rated in software router market for communications equipment
  • Cloud-based signage SIGNESS pioneering new markets
  • Expertise in embedded development for diverse communications protocols
  • Focus on engineer training maintains stable development structure
  • Traditional player in Japan's embedded software industry
  • Holds top share position in embedded Web browser market
  • Network software products derived from IP Infusion
  • iBunko Android version supported by loyal e-book enthusiasts

Hidden Connections

  • Strong relationship as key communications equipment development partner for NTT Group
  • Close ties with U.S. OS development community via PalmSource acquisition
  • Cross-industry partnerships with smart home makers via ECHONET Lite products
  • Direct involvement in global standards development as Bluetooth SIG member
  • Shares technical foundation with multiple Japanese home appliance makers through joint development
  • Supported Sony's Location Free technology products via joint development
  • Ongoing contracts with major North American network customers via IP Infusion
  • PUBLUS electronic publishing platform collaborates with numerous major publishers

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Accelerated adoption of IoT and smart home devices
  • Penetration of high-speed communications infrastructure like 5G
  • Expansion of electronic publishing and digital content markets
  • Enhanced product value through cloud service integration
  • Deepened collaborations with major telecom carriers like NTT
  • Technological innovations in diverse communications standards and protocols
  • Growing demand for security enhancements in embedded products
  • Aggressive global market expansion
  • Expanded embedded use of AI and machine learning technologies
  • Ecosystem building through industry standardization
  • Rising societal demand for sustainable technologies
  • Increasing demand for advanced software in mobile devices

Strategic Goals

  • Secure leadership in embedded IoT platform market
  • Achieve top-class share in electronic publishing domestically and internationally
  • Expand cloud-linked service sales to over 50% of total
  • Double collaboration projects with NTT Group
  • Apply sustainability-compliant features to entire product lineup
  • Advance development and provision of AI-utilizing products
  • Increase overseas bases to boost global productivity
  • Enhance security technologies to build customer trust
  • Strengthen engineer training programs for talent retention
  • Aim for leadership in standardization activities

Business Segments

Embedded Software Development

Overview
Provides software development for diverse embedded OS and devices.
Competitiveness
Long-standing high technical expertise and proven track record in embedded software
Customers
  • Mobile Phone Manufacturers
  • Home Appliance Manufacturers
  • Communications Equipment Manufacturers
  • General Manufacturing
Products
  • NetFront Browser
  • ZebOS
  • JV-Lite2
  • AVE-HTTPD

Electronic Publishing Solutions

Overview
Provides integrated platforms for e-book production and distribution.
Competitiveness
Advanced capabilities in EPUB3 compatibility
Customers
  • Publishers
  • Content Production Companies
  • E-book Distribution Providers
Products
  • PUBLUS
  • PUBLUS Reader
  • EPUB-Compatible Tools

IoT and Network Solutions

Overview
Software development for IoT device integration and network functions.
Competitiveness
Compatibility with diverse communications standards and rapid deployment
Customers
  • Telecom Carriers
  • Home Appliance Manufacturers
  • Smart Home Companies
Products
  • ACCESS Beacon Framework
  • ECHONET Lite Middleware
  • NetFront IP Connect

Cloud-Based Signage Services

Overview
Supports operation of cloud-based digital signage.
Competitiveness
Intuitive operation and diverse integration features
Customers
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Retailers
  • Commercial Facilities
Products
  • SIGNESS

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Long track record in embedded software development
  • Technical capabilities supporting diverse communications standards
  • Strengthened collaborations with major firms like NTT
  • Proven electronic publishing platforms domestically and internationally
  • Diverse product portfolio
  • Advanced adoption of IoT-related technologies
  • Technologies for lightweight and high-speed embedded products
  • Multi-language global products
  • Advanced security features
  • Cloud integration services
  • Abundant patents and intellectual property
  • Application development expertise
  • Active industry standardization efforts
  • Stable capital base
  • Extensive experience of technical staff

Competitive Advantages

  • High market share in domestic embedded Web browser market
  • Advanced EPUB3-compatible electronic publishing tools
  • Network technology enhancement via IP Infusion acquisition
  • Flexible support for diverse communications protocols
  • Deep expertise in industry standards like BT and ECHONET
  • Stable order base from collaborations with NTT Group
  • Value creation through cloud-linked services
  • Robust R&D structure and rapid product commercialization
  • Customization to meet diverse industry needs
  • High evaluation in software security
  • Experience expanding to broad overseas markets
  • Sales strength from extensive customer networks
  • Flexibility in adopting cutting-edge communications tech
  • Strength in proprietary beacon technology services
  • High-quality management system

Threats

  • Market pressure from standard smartphone OS browsers
  • Intensifying competition from technological innovations by new entrants
  • Impacts from semiconductor shortages and supply chain issues
  • Risks of lagging behind rapid technological evolution
  • Low-price competition from overseas rivals
  • Entry of major IT firms into embedded software market
  • Increased development costs from stricter regulations
  • Rising response burden from diversifying customer demands
  • Risk of reduced IT investments due to economic fluctuations
  • Talent shortages from difficulties in recruiting engineers
  • Security incident risks
  • Patent infringement risks

Innovations

2024: NTT Data Center IOWN Connectivity Collaboration

Overview
Achieved integration with NTT's advanced data center IOWN technology, contributing to high-speed communications environments.
Impact
Contributes to new business areas and sales channel expansion

2023: Release of WebKit-Based NetFront Browser NX

Overview
Launched the latest embedded browser with improved compatibility and speed using WebKit.
Impact
Improves customer satisfaction and secures new contracts

2022: Development of ACCESS Beacon Framework for Beacon Services

Overview
IoT-targeted beacon management framework enables rapid service launches.
Impact
Promotes entry into new markets and technological differentiation

2021: Enhancement of EPUB3-Compatible PUBLUS Electronic Publishing Platform

Overview
Strengthened EPUB3-compatible software suite to boost competitiveness in electronic publishing market.
Impact
Increases number of publisher contracts and boosts sales

2020: Network Technology Expansion via IP Infusion Acquisition

Overview
Acquired U.S. network software firm, gaining advanced routing technologies.
Impact
Expands product lineup and strengthens global deployment

Sustainability

  • Reducing environmental impact through industry-standard compliant product development
  • Promoting energy-efficient software design
  • CO2 reduction via remote work support
  • Supporting paper resource savings in electronic publishing
  • Advancing diversity and talent development initiatives
  • Promoting in-house waste recycling
  • Building sustainable partnerships
  • Fostering culture of resource-efficient software development
  • Participating in local events for environmental awareness
  • Providing secure consumer experiences through security enhancements
  • Strengthening ecosystems via industry associations
  • Supporting efficient resource use with smart IoT products