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Four Dimensional Software

Steve Adams and Beth Pater partnership; evolves from AP Software (senior year 1980–81).

Last updated through AWLL1.7 ch 34 (AWLL1.4 rescan: founding AP Software → rename confirmed).

Business

  • Name: Four Dimensional Software (renamed from AP Software — December 1980 / ch 38, Cosmos; book summary sometimes places rename Jan 1981)
  • Predecessor: AP Software S-corp founded August 1980 (Steve Adams + Beth Pater; ch 16) — first paid sale to Andreas’ Deli (ch 25)
  • Location: Milford, Ohio area (summer 1981); Hyde Park, Chicago — Steve relocates August 1981 (AWLL1.5 ch 34); Andreas' apartment keys for early work (ch 2+); Krista keeps Ohio TRS-80/dating support when Steve leaves (AWLL1.5)
  • Dates: Senior year 1980–81 onward
  • Focus: Computer dating/match programs (area HS); veterinary office software demos (Goshen closed; Springdale etc.); Krista King hire ch 48

Owners / founders

Person Role Biography
Stephen Mark Adams (Steve) Co-founder, sales/dev Adams_Stephen.md
Beth Pater Co-founder, technical Occasional.md

Employees

Person Role Employment (approx.)
Krista King Sales/onboarding From AWLL1.4 ch 48; company TRS-80 + Apple ][ summer 1981 (AWLL1.5 ch 14); Spring Break 1982 fling with Steve (AWLL1.6 ch 47)

AWLL1.6 developments

  • Fall 1981–Spring 1982: Vet software (~dozen+ Cincy-area clients; growing); computer dating for high schools (Krista ops); Don Joseph legal systems; secret Outfit brothel/betting systems (Cicero) for Frank/Tony/Richie — higher pay than legitimate work.
  • May 1982 (ch 59): Decision to sell software/customers; keep company name; Ray Adams to contact buyers (sale closes AWLL1.7).

Sale (AWLL1.7)

  • AWLL1.7 ch 11: Ray has buyers (father/son CS); hire Krista; Steve as consultant.
  • AWLL1.7 ch 23: Buyers Bill/Jack (~10% over valuation); Steve consultant ~$10/hr, 150 hrs prepaid; Power of Attorney; escrow; meeting Aug with Larry Walsh.
  • AWLL1.7 ch 27: Friday Walsh meeting; formal close process; customer letters (Krista support).
  • AWLL1.7 ch 34: Sale money deposited; deposit slip + check; refer calls to Jack/Bill. Tutoring + Outfit consulting continue via Becky/Theo.