The Fourth Dimension (company)

The Fourth Dimension was a computer software company specializing in database management systems and application development. They are primarily known for their flagship product, 4D, a relational database and development environment aimed at creating custom business applications.

Originally developed by Laurent Ribardière, the 4D database platform distinguished itself through its integrated development environment and its ability to handle both relational and object-oriented data models. The company initially operated under different names and structures before solidifying as a recognizable entity.

Over the years, The Fourth Dimension (company) evolved and adapted its technology to remain competitive in the changing landscape of database management and application development. They focused on cross-platform compatibility, enabling applications developed in 4D to run on both macOS and Windows operating systems. The company also supported various deployment models, including client-server and web-based applications.

The Fourth Dimension (company) marketed 4D towards small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking customizable database solutions. Their product aimed to provide a rapid application development (RAD) environment that allowed developers to quickly build and deploy business-critical applications without needing extensive low-level coding.

While facing competition from larger database vendors, The Fourth Dimension maintained a dedicated user base and continued to release updated versions of 4D with enhanced features and improved performance. The company aimed to provide a comprehensive and flexible platform for businesses looking to manage and leverage their data effectively.