ISWest named one of 50 fastest growing tech companies in Los Angeles

September 10, 2003 – Agoura Hills, Calif. – ISWest has been named to Deloitte & Touche’s prestigious Los Angeles Technology Fast 50 program, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the area by Deloitte & Touche LLP, one of the nation’s leading professional services firms. Rankings are based on the percentage of growth in fiscal year revenues over five years, from 1998 to 2002.

The Deloitte & Touche Los Angeles Fast 50 companies have shown the strength, vision and temerity to succeed despite a very challenging technology environment, said Gary Dickey, partner in the Technology, Media & Telecommunications group, Deloitte & Touche, Los Angeles.

"We applaud the successes of ISWest and acknowledge their place as one of the very few to accomplish such a fast growth rate over the past five years," Dickey said. "To succeed during prosperous times is one thing; to succeed in adversity is much more challenging, and that’s exactly what the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 50 winners have done."
Drew Kaplan, ISWest vice president, credits the slow growth approach to the company’s 502 percent revenue growth from 1998-2002.

"We have run our company as an old brick and mortar, unlike some of the recent dot coms that have come and gone, such as Rhythms Network and Exodus," Kaplan said. "We make sure our products and services have the best customer service and support for a fair price. By going for quality not quantity, both ISWest and our clients benefit."

ISWest’s increase in revenues of 502 percent from 1998 to 2002 resulted in an 18th ranking overall in the Fast 50 for Los Angeles.

To qualify for the Technology Fast 50, companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 1998 and $1 million in 2002, must be public or private companies headquartered in North America, and be a "technology company" defined as owning proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company’s operating revenues.

In 1998, ISWest had approximately 500 customers with 850 user accounts; in 2002, the company grew to serve about 3,000 customers with 15,000 user accounts. Each customer receives multiple services, such as T1, Server Colocation, web hosting, e-mail, dial up and DSL.

The recent recognition reflects that ISWest is a major player in the Internet Industry, Kaplan said.

"The pressure that analysts and stock holders put on companies to turn a profit and grow each year is too unrealistic," Kaplan said. "Fortunately, ISWest has been profitable for many years and was able to borrow money as needed from a traditional business bank."

The high level of customer service sets ISWest apart from all competition, he added. For instance, by having a live person answer each and every phone call, ISWest ensures that clients receive the attention they deserve.

"It’s our clients that put food on the table of each and every person that works for ISWest," Kaplan said. "Without our clients, we would be hungry…this level of customer service promotes loyalty and full satisfaction."