InquireTec partners with 4D, Inc. to provide voice-powered databases

Typing-challenged people can now easily interact with computers

SAN JOSE, and DELHI, Calif., March 28, 2005 – With growing improvements of computers recognizing verbal commands, speech-interaction is on the verge of becoming the next major paradigm shift in computing. InquireTec Software, a leading maker of speech user interface technology, is on the forefront of this paradigm with its unique developer toolset called Inquire4D, which produces voice-powered databases designed for people who speak more efficiently than they type.

"This will greatly benefit typing-challenged people, or people whose hands are preoccupied with multiple tasks and need to get things done quickly. In other words, its for just about everybody," said RJ Sharp, founder of InquireTec.

The voice-enabled databases are powered by software developed by San Jose-based 4D, Inc., a 21-year-old leading maker of software solutions that help companies create, manage and distribute business data.

Brendan Coveney, president and CEO of 4D, Inc. added, "Inquire4D is a very impressive use of technology. It can be a great benefit to a lot of people, such as those that want to reduce repetitive strain injuries."

Sharp added, "4D is so flexible and powerful to begin with, it seemed to be the perfect environment for a voice-enabled application."

What makes the speech-infused 4D environment so unique is its ability to simplify a complex technology. Not only can developers provide the ability to perform coded queries, sort, select and update multiple records by voice, Inquire4D SUI Pack also allows spoken dates, times, numbers and other data elements. The voice input of dates is especially useful, since relative dates are supported, such as "this Friday" or "day after tomorrow."

Another barrier broken is the licensing of additional software. Inquire4D allows 4D to interact with the free speech engines that ship with Mac OS X and Windows XP, a big plus for smaller operations that could benefit from voice interaction, but can't afford to install packaged speech products on numerous client machines.

Inquire4D has two versions. SUI Lite is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. It sells for $89 per developer. SUI Pack, which has all the features of SUI Lite, plus added support for voice-enabled data entry, is currently only Mac OS compatible. A Windows version is coming out in beta in the near future. SUI Pack sells for $199 per developer.

About 4D, Inc.

4D, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, Calif., is a leading maker of software solutions thatsimplify the process of creating, managing and distributing business data. 4D, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of 4D, SA, which has distribution channels in more than 30countries. For more information, 4D, Inc., can be reached at (408) 557-4600, or on theInternet at <http://www.4D.com>. For press inquiries, contact Kevin Ferguson, 4D, Inc., Marketing Specialist, at (408) 557-4674, or via email at kferguson@4d.com.

About InquireTec Software, LLC

California-based InquireTec is a speech-interface tool supplier, empowering developers to create voice-driven relational databases that speak and listen, using the robust 4th Dimension environment. InquireTec also offers free consultations on the topic of speech interface development. InquireTec can be reached at (866) 247-9824, or on the internet at <http://www.inquire4d.com>.

Further information can be found at http://www.4D.com/.