DIGITAL TOPS IN GROWTH.

Byline: Robert Monroe Staff Writer

Calabasas-based Digital Insight is the fastest growing tech company in greater Los Angeles, accounting firm Deloitte and Touche announced Thursday.

The Internet banking services company experienced revenue growth of 19,793 percent within the past five years, placing it well ahead of second-place finisher Earthlink. The Pasadena Internet service provider's revenues grew 11,204 percent.

``They've clearly identified a rapidly growing segment and provide a service of need to financial institutions,'' said Deloitte and Touche Partner Gary Dickey before the Thursday night gala at which the announcement was made.

Of the top 50 companies announced as finalists in July, 21 were from the 101 Corridor, stretching from Camarillo to Woodland Hills. Among the other local Fast 50 finalists, Camarillo communications hardware maker Power-One finished 10th, while Corridor firms THQ, Nova Development Corp., MRV Communications, North American Scientific, Franklin Telecommunications Corp., Optical Communication Products and Vitesee Semiconductor cracked the top 20. All experienced growth rates of 500 percent or more in the past five years.

Digital Insight Chief Financial Officer Kevin McDonnell, reached before being notified of his company's first-place finish, said it has grown from 95 to 600 employees in scarcely more than a year and from nearly nonexistent revenue to annual revenue of around $60 million.

``It's just important recognition for us that we've been a vital business in L.A.,'' McDonnell said. ``It's nice to have something that's visible to the public that says we have come a long way in a short time.''

The annual survey ranks technology companies from Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, Santa Barbara and San Bernardino counties.