ACI US news for immediate release

ACI Aquires Internet Tools

January 31, 1999. San Jose, CA. ACI, publishers of the popular 4th
Dimension (4D) suite of cross-platform database and rapid application
development tools,
announces the acquisition of Internet Tools from Pacific Data
Management, Inc. (PDM). Internet Tools bundles routines that
integrate TCP/IP and internet functionality into 4D applications,
including email, FTP services, and direct TCP manipulation.

ACI plans to integrate these functions into a future major release of
its flagship product, 4D. However, Internet tools will be shipped in
its current form on the same date as version 6.5 (Q1 1999) and will
be part of a specific offer. Some possible applications of Internet
Tools include:
-- Automating the receipt of email product registrations.
-- Automating the delivery of database reports via email.
-- Obtaining a list of files from an FTP server.
-- Communicating with an FTP server to send and receive files.
-- Executing shell commands on remote machines.
-- Retrieving documents from the World Wide Web.
-- Searching on-line databases.
-- Automating on-line package tracking.

The range of possible uses grows each day, as new servers and new
applications appear on the Internet.

"Fast, easy, automatic distribution by email of database information
opens intriguing possibilities to 4D developers", said Asmae
Benkirane, ACI's Vice President of Engineering. "Internet Tools gives
developers access to the low-level calls necessary for custom
solutions, as well as to the most popular and important internet
services. We're delighted by the acquisition of Internet Tools and by
the enrichment it brings to our 4D product line."

Internet Tools will enter ACI's product line in the first quarter of
1999. Before that date, PDM will continue to sell and support the
package. After that date, ACI will assume responsibility for sales,
service, and support of Internet Tools to existing and new users.

About ACI US

ACI US, Inc. was founded in 1987 as the US publisher of 4th Dimension and
the 4D product line which has set the relational database standard for
over ten years. In 1995, ACI extended 4th Dimension technology to the
Windows platform.

ACI US, Inc.
3031 Tisch Way, Suite 900
San Jose, CA 95128
http://www.acius.com/
Tel 800-881-3466
408-557-4600
Fax 408-557-4660