Calence Named to Inc 500; Company Attributes Growth, Strength to "Astonishing" Customer Service.

Business/Technology Editors

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2001

Calence, Inc., a leader in building and managing client-centric networks, announced today that it has been named one of America's entrepreneurial growth leaders in Inc magazine's Inc 500, a selection of the nation's fastest-growing private companies.

Calence ranked #153 on the 2001 Inc 500 list.

Started in 1982, Inc 500 ranks the nation's leading entrepreneurial firms according to sales growth over the previous five years. This year's Inc 500 racked up a collective total of $12.5 billion in sales and an average 5-year growth rate of almost 2000%.

"We're extremely pleased to have been named to Inc's prestigious Inc 500 list," said Mike Fong, CEO and co-founder of Calence. "By focusing on our commitment to clients, teamwork, expertise, and quality of work, we have helped companies build the right networks and save millions of dollars on their networks while achieving strong growth for our own company."

Drawing upon both business knowledge and technical expertise, Calence designs, implements and manages network solutions that are tailored to meet an organization's specific business goals and requirements including reducing information technology costs, improving internal processes and increasing operational efficiency. As a single-source provider for complete networking needs, Calence offers its clients round-the-clock management and monitoring of corporate networks, sales and support of best-in-class solutions and networking equipment as well as security consulting and voice solutions. As a result of delivering these services and products, Calence has demonstrated an unsurpassed track record of growth and profitability, doubling revenues in each of the company's eight years of operation.

"By concentrating on our client's needs and goals, we are able to consistently deliver astonishing customer service," said Fong. "Despite the current economic situation, we believe we will continue to achieve the same sort of outstanding performance that our clients, employees and management have come to expect from Calence."

About Calence

Calence, Inc. (www.calence.com) builds customized, client-centric networks that are strategically tailored to meet an organization's specific business goals and requirements. Drawing upon both business and technical expertise and experience, Calence designs, implements and manages network solutions that reduce information technology costs, improve internal processes and increase operational efficiency. The company offers strategic services as well as expertise in a wide range of specialty areas, including voice, data, wireless and information security. Calence has earned designation as a Cisco Gold Partner, as well as one of a select group of Cisco AVVID Partners.

Recently named one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the country, Calence is headquartered in Tempe, with additional offices in Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis.

About Inc and Inc 500

Founded in 1979, Boston-based Inc magazine was acquired last year by G+J USA, one of America's largest magazine publishers and is part of the company's newly-formed Business Innovator Group. G+J USA also publishes Fast Company, Rosie, Child, Family Circle, Fitness, Homestyle, Parents, and YM. The company is 25.1 percent owned by the Jahr Group and 74.9 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, the largest privately held and the fifth largest media company in the world with yearly revenues at $16 billion.

To be eligible for this year's Inc 500, companies had to be independent and privately-held through 2000, have at least $200,000 in the base year of 1996, and their 2000 sales had to have exceeded 1999 sales. Holding companies, regulated banks, and utilities are not eligible. Inc verifies all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public accountants and by conducting interviews with company officials.