RI
Updata Inc. is a Tokyo-based Japanese software and cloud-services company, founded in 2005, that sells enterprise data security, backup, and AI products centered on its Shadow Desktop data-less client platform.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What RI does
Updata Inc. (アップデータ株式会社) is a privately held Japanese software and cloud-services company headquartered in Tokyo, founded in 2005. The company develops and sells a portfolio of data management and security products centered on its flagship Shadow Desktop platform, a data-less client solution that encrypts PC data, stores it in the cloud, and enables offline access, eliminating residual data on local devices. The portfolio also includes Secure Back and Air Back for PC/server backup with ransomware countermeasures, Takumi no AI (匠のAI) for capturing expert know-how in machine learning systems, My Note Cloud for e-paper device storage, and Suite Data Delete for secure data erasure.
The underlying technology stack combines data virtualization, cloud storage, and backup automation, with both cloud and on-premises deployment options for the core Shadow Desktop product. The business operates a sales-led enterprise go-to-market with direct field sales, partner/reseller channels, downloadable software with activation, and industry-event presence (CEATEC, Smart Nation Expo). Customer base spans education, broadcasting, manufacturing, construction, travel, retail, food and beverage, and government, with notable logos including Keio University, JTB, Takenaka, Hokkaido Television Broadcasting, and the Wakayama Prefecture Board of Education (3,000 school administrative PCs). Revenue is generated primarily through software licensing and subscription agreements, though specific pricing and revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.
RI firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RI
- Legal name
- アップデータ株式会社 (UPDATA Inc.)
- Website
- https://ri-ir.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Updata Inc. is a Tokyo-based Japanese software and cloud-services company, founded in 2005, that sells enterprise data security, backup, and AI products centered on its Shadow Desktop data-less client platform.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RI industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Enterprise Data Security & Backup Software
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (7374)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Data Strategy & Governance Services (BPAEAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Data Protection & Archiving (WORM, Long-Term Retention) (HDABAEAH), IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) & Data Destruction (EUAIAIAB)
Keywords
Where RI is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
RI business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Software Licensing: The company derives revenue from licensing its software products including Shadow Desktop, Secure Back, Air Back, and other solutions. Products are available for download with activation/registration requirements suggesting a licensing model.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
RI product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Updata Inc. develops and sells enterprise data security and backup software, with its flagship Shadow Desktop data-lean client platform that encrypts PC data and stores it in the cloud while allowing offline access. The company also offers Secure Back and Air Back (real-time PC/server backup), Takumi no AI (匠のAI, an AI/ML service codifying expert craftsmanship), My Note Cloud (e-paper cloud storage), and Suite Data Delete (secure data erasure), sold to enterprise and government customers in Japan.
Product overview
アップデータ株式会社是一家提供多种数据管理和安全产品的日本软件公司。其产品组合包括Shadow Desktop(数据レスクライアント,将PC数据加密存储到云端实现数据不驻留本地)、Secure Back和Air Back(备份解决方案)、匠のAI(あい)(AI/机械学习服务)、My Note Cloud(电子纸云存储)以及スイートデータ消去(数据擦除套件)。产品涵盖虚拟化、备份、文件保护和AI/机械学习四大领域。
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Shadow Desktop: Data-resilient client solution that encrypts PC data and stores it in the cloud, enabling data-free PC environments with offline data access capability
- Secure Back
- Air Back
- 匠のAI (Takumi no AI)
- My Note Cloud
- スイートデータ消去 (Suite Data Delete)
Products and services
- Shadow Desktop Data-lean client virtualization product for enterprises and government that encrypts PC data and stores it in the cloud, leaving no data on the local PC while still allowing offline data use; intended to prevent information leakage from portable PCs and enable secure remote work as an alternative to VDI/thin-client systems.
- Secure Back Real-time backup product for PCs and servers designed to improve operational efficiency and support BCP/DR and ransomware countermeasures for enterprise and public-sector customers.
- Air Back Lightweight backup software positioned as 'light as air' for simple PC data protection, marketed as an easy-to-use backup solution.
- Takumi no AI (匠のAI / あい) AI/machine learning service that incorporates the experience and know-how of skilled craftsmen ('takumi') into AI systems, targeted at enterprises seeking to digitize and automate expert knowledge.
- My Note Cloud Cloud storage service specialized for electronic paper (e-paper) devices, providing file storage and synchronization tailored to e-paper form factors.
- Suite Data Delete (スイートデータ消去) Data erasure suite product that enables complete, secure data destruction for enterprise data lifecycle and end-of-life hardware scenarios.
Quantifiable outcome
- Wakayama Prefecture Board of Education protects 3,000 school administrative PCs with Secure Back
Companies that use RI
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
RI technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
RI partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- データレスクライアント研究会 (Data-less Client Research Association)coreIndustry research association focused on data-lean client technology. Updata participates in this research association which was featured at CEATEC 2025. The association promotes standardization and advancement of data-lean client solutions in Japan.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
RI competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Citrix Systems: Citrix is the dominant vendor in VDI and desktop virtualization, which Updata's Shadow Desktop directly targets as a 'next-generation VDI' alternative. Both address endpoint security and remote work for enterprises.
- Veeam Software: Veeam is a leading enterprise backup and data protection vendor competing head-to-head with Updata's Secure Back and Air Back products in PC and server backup, including ransomware recovery scenarios.
- Acronis: Acronis combines backup, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity in a single suite aimed at SMBs and enterprises. It is comparable to Updata's bundled backup (Secure Back) plus data-destruction (Suite Data Delete) approach.
- Druva: Druva delivers cloud-native data protection and backup for endpoints and servers, closely aligned with Updata's cloud-delivered backup and data-lean client philosophy for enterprise users.
Broad incumbents
- VMware (Broadcom): VMware Horizon is one of the leading VDI/DaaS platforms, frequently cited by Updata customers (e.g., BIP Systems, Yakult) as the legacy solution being replaced. Same enterprise endpoint virtualization category.
- Microsoft (Azure Virtual Desktop): Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 are cloud-delivered VDI/DaaS offerings competing for the same enterprise endpoint virtualization budgets as Shadow Desktop, bundled into the broader Microsoft enterprise stack.
- Veritas Technologies: Veritas is an established enterprise data protection and information management vendor offering backup, archiving, and recovery solutions that overlap with Updata's Secure Back and data protection suite.
Regional players
- Soliton Systems: Soliton Systems is a Japanese vendor specializing in IT security, encryption, and endpoint management. It addresses the same Japanese enterprise customers for data security and compliance that Updata targets with Shadow Desktop.
Emerging players
- Nutanix: Nutanix provides hyperconverged infrastructure and desktop-as-a-service offerings (Nutanix Frame, Xi Frame) that compete for the same hybrid/remote-work endpoint infrastructure budget as Updata's Shadow Desktop.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
RI social profiles
Digital presenceRI financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RI leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
RI funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RI M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RI
What does RI do?
Updata Inc. develops and sells enterprise data security and backup software, with its flagship Shadow Desktop data-lean client platform that encrypts PC data and stores it in the cloud while allowing offline access. The company also offers Secure Back and Air Back (real-time PC/server backup), Takumi no AI (匠のAI, an AI/ML service codifying expert craftsmanship), My Note Cloud (e-paper cloud storage), and Suite Data Delete (secure data erasure), sold to enterprise and government customers in Japan.
Is RI a public or private company?
RI is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was RI founded?
RI was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RI based?
RI is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does RI make money?
One revenue line is on record: software Licensing.
Who are RI's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Citrix Systems, Veeam Software, Acronis and Druva. Broad incumbents are VMware (Broadcom), Microsoft (Azure Virtual Desktop) and Veritas Technologies. Soliton Systems is listed as a regional player. Nutanix is listed as an emerging player.
Does RI have an API?
No public API is recorded for RI.
What industry is RI in?
RI's product category is Enterprise Data Security & Backup Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAHAA, Data Strategy & Governance Services, with a secondary code of HDABAEAH, Data Protection & Archiving (WORM, Long-Term Retention). Its NAICS code is 5182 and its SIC code is 7372.