Toronto, Canada

Today, Entrepreneur Magazine – the world’s most respected Franchise resource, released its coveted 24th Annual Franchise 500 rankings for 2003. WSI was honored once again to be recognized as one of the top franchises in the world. For the 5th consecutive year, WSI has been featured in the Franchise 500, moving up a remarkable 306 spots in that short time. Again this year, WSI is rated first in its category, as # 1 Internet Business.

The following is an excerpt from Entrepreneur Magazine - describing the prestigious annual franchise 500 rankings.

“We consider numerous factors in our ranking, some of which are weighed more heavily than others. The most important ones include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. We also consider the number of years in business and length of time franchising, start-up costs, litigation, percentage of terminations and whether the company provides financing. Financial data was audited by an independent CPA firm. Every company with verifiable data receives a cumulative score. The franchises with the highest "cumes" become the Franchise 500®.” Entrepreneur Magazine January 2003 – About Franchise 500 .

WSI is proud to stand among the most successful and respected franchises in the world today. With a record 700 plus franchisees in 87 countries globally, WSI has established one of the most successful franchise systems in the world! This year Entrepreneur's rankings have also honored WSI as the 14th fastest growing franchise in the United States -- up from WSI’s position of 19th fastest growing franchise last year. "You are an inspiration to other business people," states Rieva Lesonsky, Senior VP of Entrepreneur Magazine, "and we are delighted to honor your accomplishments.”

Many of WSI’s 700 franchisees throughout the world work from a home office and no specific experience is required to operate the business. WSI offers its franchisees one of the most complete and comprehensive training and certification programs available anywhere today. As well, a dynamic on-going support program is custom tailored to meet the unique and individual needs of each new franchisee. "We are amazed and honored by the quality of individuals that have applied for our franchise in the last year," states Louis Zalany, WSI's Chief Executive Officer. "In today's high-tech economy, franchising is more than just burger flipping; we offer one of the few "white collar" franchises available anywhere today," he emphasizes.

WSI franchisees (Internet Consultants), both men and women of all ages, come from a wide range of backgrounds. Like a modern day architect, the job of each WSI franchisee is to assess their clients' business needs using WSI’s patent-pending Internet Solutions Lifecycle™ system. Each client’s Internet Solution is then custom tailored to both reduce business overheads and increase revenues. Each client’s Internet Solution is uniquely built at one of WSI’s many certified Global Production Centers. These Production Centers are strategically located in low cost, high-tech regions such as Asia Pacific and Central America. WSI clients receive high quality, results-oriented Internet Solutions that are designed to deliver a measurable return on investment. Moreover, WSI’s success stems from a model that stresses the importance of long-term commitment to clients.

WSI’s international organization of Franchise Owners are at the forefront of the digital revolution, changing the way the world does business. WSI delivers thousands of e-business solutions to small and medium sized businesses annually.