EZE CASTLE SOFTWARE AMONG THE ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH LEADERS ON THIS YEARS INC 500 RANKING OF THE FASTEST GROWING PRIVATE COMPANIES

Boston-based Eze Castle Software has been named one of Americas entrepreneurial growth leaders by Inc magazine. The 2002 Inc 500 ranking of the nations fastest-growing private companies was released today and Eze Castle Software has been ranked #81. The ranking appears in the magazines special Inc 500 issue, which hits newsstands on October 15.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) October 11, 2002 -- Boston-based Eze Castle Software has been named one of Americas entrepreneurial growth leaders by Inc magazine. The 2002 Inc 500 ranking of the nations fastest-growing private companies was released today and Eze Castle Software has been ranked #81. The ranking appears in the magazines special Inc 500 issue, which hits newsstands on October 15.

Eze Castle Software achieved some 2,020% growth in the past five years. Eze Castle Software provides technology solutions to investment management firms. Their flagship product - Traders Console is used by over 155 buy-side investment firms in the United States and Europe. Eze Castle Software was listed on Deloitte & Touche's 2000 Fast 50 - a ranking of New England's fastest-growing technology companies and received the 2001 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award.

We are honored that Inc magazine has recognized our company for its high growth rate," said Sean McLaughlin, founder and CEO of Eze Castle Software. By staying focused on our business strategy and not losing sight of our entrepreneurial spirit, we survived the technology boom and bust of the late nineties and continue to grow given todays economy. I hope our entire staff is extremely proud of their hard work and dedication that contributed to our success."

Started in 1982, the Inc 500 ranks the nations leading entrepreneurial firms according to sales growth over the previous five years. Former Inc 500 companies that have gone on to become household names include Microsoft, Timberland, Dominos Pizza and Patagonia.

The 2002 Inc 500 reveals a surprising resiliency within the entrepreneurial sector, where leading companies are continuing to show dramatic rates of growth despite the recession.

The average five-year growth rate of this years Inc 500 companies is 1,521%. While that is less than the 1,933% average for companies on last years list, it is nonetheless dramatic in the current environment. Average 2001 sales for the Inc 500 dropped only slightly, from $24,976,000 to $24,706,000. More than two-thirds (73%) of 2002 Inc 500 companies are profitable. Despite the technology bust, Computer Software & Services" remains the leading industry category, representing nearly 40% of firms on the list.

This is the first Inc 500 ranking to reflect the full impact of the recession," said Inc editor John Koten. Yet these entrepreneurs are managing to confound the naysayers and move ahead despite the obstacles. Theyre showing that smart strategies can succeed even in the toughest of times."

To be eligible for this years Inc 500, companies had to be independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2001, have at least $200,000 in sales in the base year of 1997, and their 2001 sales had to have exceeded 2000 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.

About Eze Castle Software
Since 1995, Eze Castle Software (ECS) has provided investment management firms with cutting edge technology solutions to automate the investment process. With over 155 clients and offices in Boston, New York, San Francisco, Stamford, CT, and London, Eze Castle Software is one of the largest order management product firms in the industry. For information about the company please contact David Quinlan at 617-316-1186, by e-mail at Q@ezecastlesoftware.com, or visit our web site at www.ezecastlesoftware.com.

About Inc
Inc, the premier magazine for growing companies, may be accessed online at www.inc.com. The magazine is owned by Gruner + Jahr USA, one of the top-ranked magazine publishers in the U.S., reaching one of the largest readerships in America. In addition to Inc, Gruner + Jahr USA publishes Child, Family Circle, Fast Company, Fitness, Inc, Parents, and YM. G+J USA is 25.1% owned by the Jahr Group and 74.9% owned by Bertelsmann AG, the largest privately held and the fifth largest media company overall in the world with yearly revenues at $17.86 billion.