Why Century-Old Companies Have an Edge in the AI Era

In a rapidly changing technological landscape dominated by AI, century-old companies have a unique advantage that sets them apart from newer startups. Recently, AI Data Inc., based in Tokyo's Minato Ward and led by CEO Takahito Sasaki, announced the launch of its AI Data Platform specifically designed for 100-year-old enterprises in the steel and construction industries. This strategic initiative aims to integrate AI into various departments over the next few years, starting with the intellectual property division.

The Importance of Historical Data

The AI Data Platform is a comprehensive solution that combines features from three key technologies: Tokkyo.Ai, LegalTech VDR, and AI Kongming on IDX. By leveraging the vast amount of proprietary data and intelligence acquired over a century, these companies can optimize their operations and develop a robust MOAT strategy tailored for the AI age. While many enterprises are racing to adopt AI, the real challenge lies not in developing AI systems but in utilizing real-world data effectively.

Real Data vs. AI Acquisition

In today's rapidly evolving landscape with various AI technologies like generative AI, LLM, and AI agents, the ability to purchase AI solutions is becoming a reality. However, the invaluable real-world data accumulated over decades remains irreplaceable. This data encompasses design documents, technical materials, construction history, manufacturing records, quality control data, customer interaction histories, lessons learned from failures, and the tacit knowledge of seasoned experts. This unique asset cannot be quickly replicated and has become the strongest weapon in the arsenal of century-old companies.

Startup Strengths vs. Century-Old Company Assets

While startups excel in areas such as speed, technological prowess, capital acquisition, and AI utilization, century-old firms boast a wealth of industry-specific knowledge. Unlike their younger counterparts, they possess:

- Extensive on-site data
- Trust established with customers
- Technical accumulations
- Historical records of failures and improvements
- Industry-specific know-how

In the AI era, the crucial differentiator is not merely having AI capabilities but owning valuable data worth training AI models on.

The Shift to Real Data Competition

The success of AI is contingent upon the quality of the data it learns from. AI trained on general internet information tends to produce generic outputs. In contrast, AI that learns from specific real-world data can yield answers tailored to individual companies. Thus, the competition in the AI landscape is transitioning from technological prowess to a race for authentic data.

Unlocking the Potential of Hidden Data

Many century-old companies possess treasure troves of knowledge that are currently scattered across different platforms: SharePoint, NAS, file servers, personal computers, emails, paper documents, meeting notes, and reports. The challenge lies not in a lack of data, but in the inability to access and utilize it effectively. The AI Data Platform aims to resolve this issue by transforming dormant data into actionable insights.

Functions of the AI Data Platform

The AI Data Platform serves as a dedicated infrastructure, integrating three technologies: Tokkyo.Ai, LegalTech VDR, and AI Kongming on IDX. Its role extends beyond mere data storage or chat functionality. It focuses on retrieving real-world data trapped within organizations, ensuring secure management, and preparing it for AI training, ultimately converting it into innovative projects, technologies, intellectual property, and revenue.

- LegalTech VDR: A secure vault for managing critical enterprise data.
- AI Kongming on IDX: An organizational intelligence OS that integrates scattered knowledge for comprehensive learning across the organization.
- Tokkyo.Ai: An AI-powered strategist for analyzing technical assets and developing new inventions, patents, and intellectual property strategies.

A Turnaround Strategy for Century-Old Companies

Traditionally, many believed that the AI era favored startups and tech companies. However, the tide may be turning. The true beneficiaries of the AI age could very well be those companies that have accumulated real-world data over the past century. AI has the potential to shape the future, but the components required to create that future lie within the past data of these companies. When century-old enterprises leverage their data and know-how to harness AI effectively, they can establish a formidable competitive advantage that is difficult for startups to replicate.

Looking Ahead

AI Data Inc. is committed to deploying its AI Data Platform across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, materials, machinery, food, trading companies, and infrastructure. The goal is not just to implement AI, but to transform existing real-world data into AI assets. This marks the first step toward creating the next century for these enduring enterprises.

Final Thoughts

We are entering an age where AI can be purchased, but the unique instance of having 100 years' worth of real-world data cannot. Japanese century-old companies possess exceptional technology, operational capabilities, quality, trust, and know-how. By enabling these assets to be utilized by AI, we believe that Japanese companies can achieve significant growth once more in the AI era. AI Data Inc. aims to unlock these dormant resources and foster the next century of competitive strength for Japan's 100-year-old enterprises.

About AI Data Inc.

Established in April 2015 with a capital of 100 million yen (including capital reserve of 1.525 billion yen), AI Data Inc. is dedicated to protecting and maximizing data assets for enterprises and individuals. We have earned the trust of over 10,000 companies and more than 1 million customers over the past two decades. Our data ecosystem business, encompassing data sharing, backup, recovery, migration, and deletion, has secured the number-one sales volume for 17 consecutive years at the BCN Awards. Moreover, our expertise in cloud data management and recovery services has received accolades, including an Economic Minister Award for our forensic investigation and evidence disclosure services.