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Key people at ACIUS/4D.
ACIUS/4D is a software company based in the Greater Paris Region of France and San Jose, California, that develops hybrid low-code platforms, relational database management systems, and integrated development environments for building custom business applications. The organization generates revenue through software licensing, subscription models, and professional consulting services, serving small-to-medium businesses, large enterprises, universities, and government agencies. Operating globally across more than 70 countries, the enterprise maintains a workforce of 170 employees and generates $32.9 million in annual revenue. The company was acquired by Volaris Group in November 2024, and its historical operations have involved notable industry figures and entities, including former US branch chief executive officer Guy Kawasaki and technology research firm Gartner. The platform recently expanded its capabilities by introducing Qodly Studio, a low-code web interface builder. ACIUS/4D was originally founded in 1984 by Laurent Ribardière.
Key people at ACIUS/4D.
ACIUS/4D, originally known as ACIUS and later rebranded as 4D Inc., is a software company that develops and publishes 4th Dimension (4D), a relational database management system (RDBMS) and integrated development environment (IDE) for building web, mobile, desktop, and client-server applications.[1][3][4] Initially released in 1987 for Macintosh, 4D enables rapid creation of custom business apps with features like secure data access, AI integration (e.g., semantic search via 4D Vectors and RAG), and multi-platform deployment, serving consultants, ISVs, in-house developers, and academic institutions.[1][4] It solves complex data management challenges by combining database capabilities, programming (similar to Pascal), and tools for forms, menus, and graphics in a user-friendly package, supporting up to 16M records and unlimited links.[1][9]
The company targets businesses needing scalable, customizable solutions without heavy coding, from small firms to large enterprises adding departmental databases.[2][4] Growth momentum persists through modern updates like 4D 21 LTS with AI kits, ongoing partner ecosystems (e.g., Cimarron Software's vertical market products), and training programs, maintaining relevance over 35+ years.[2][4]
Development of 4D (codenamed Silver Surfer) began in 1984 by French developer Laurent Ribardière, with the first release in 1987 for Apple Macintosh after Apple initially considered but declined publishing due to market concerns.[1][3][8] Ribardière partnered with French businesswoman Marylene Delbourg-Delphis to publish via ACI (Analyses Conseils Informations), which established the US subsidiary ACIUS in Cupertino, California, led by Guy Kawasaki—fresh from his Apple "evangelist" role.[1][3][5][6]
Apple supported early adoption, using 4D for fitness centers, CIM, and European service centers.[1] ACIUS operated for 16 years until rebranding to 4D Inc. in 2000, remaining a subsidiary of French parent 4D SAS (formerly 4D SA); it acquired StarNine Technologies and developed Wakanda.[3][7] Pivotal traction came from Macintosh's graphics/networking strengths, with partners like Cimarron installing the first commercial 4D database in 1987 NYC.[2]
ACIUS/4D rides the low-code/no-code wave for business apps, evolving from 1980s Mac databases to modern AI-enhanced platforms amid rising demand for secure, scalable data tools in hybrid cloud/web environments.[4] Timing aligns with Macintosh's GUI revolution, enabling early custom apps when databases were rigid; today, it counters vendor lock-in by offering brandable, full-stack alternatives to Salesforce or AWS Amplify for SMEs.[1][2][4]
Market forces like AI-driven search (e.g., 4D's semantic tools) and multi-platform needs favor it, influencing ecosystems via partners building vertical solutions and acquisitions like StarNine for web tech.[2][3][7] It democratizes development for non-enterprise users, sustaining a niche in academic/consulting spaces where rapid prototyping trumps big-tech hype.[4]
4D's trajectory points to deeper AI and hybrid app integration, leveraging 4D 21 LTS for RAG/secure access to capture no-code growth in SMBs and education.[4] Trends like edge AI, vector databases, and cross-platform demands will amplify its strengths, potentially expanding via more ISV partnerships or Wakanda revival. Influence may grow as businesses prioritize customizable, vendor-agnostic tools over bloated clouds—echoing its Macintosh roots as a power-user enabler in tomorrow's data-driven apps.
