CM IT SOLUTIONS FRANCHISE MODEL EXPECTED TO DOMINATE SMALL BUSINESS SEGMENT

Former Microsoft, IBM Execs Team with Experienced Franchisor to Serve Niche IT Market

A powerful team of influential Franchise leaders and former senior executives from Microsoft, IBM and AT&T have successfully launched a franchise concept set to dominate the $160 billion market for professional IT services serving small and medium-sized businesses.

Originally launched in 1996, CM IT Solutions modified its branding strategy in January 2004, strategically positioning itself to target small businesses with one to 100 employees. The repositioning proved successful -today, CM IT Solutions operates more than 120 Franchises in 30 states and projects to add 50 new locations before the end of 2005.

"We pride ourselves on developing long-term relationships with business owners, in essence becoming their IT department," said Linda Burzynski, CEO of CM IT Solutions. "Unlike independent IT consultants, CM IT Solutions franchisees become partners with the business owners they work with, carefully assessing and discussing their short and long-term needs together, and then taking the time to make sure they understand how to apply the technology day-to-day."

CM IT Solutions plans to have 500 franchises in operation by 2010 - a realistic projection given the consistent growth of the currently 11 million small to medium-sized businesses in the United States and their need for professional IT services. In fact, that segment is projected to grow to $215 billion by 2008.

At the top, the CM IT Solutions management team combines a powerful blend of franchise and technology industry expertise, including CEO Linda Burzynski, previously a senior executive in two successful franchise systems and a current director for the International Franchise Association; Gordon Bridge, president, a former senior executive for IBM and business unit president at AT&T; and Mike Maples, chairman, who held key executive positions at both IBM and Microsoft.

CM IT Solutions franchisees provide business owners with a variety of on-site professional IT services, including proactive network and system administration, upgrade planning and implementation, wired and wireless networks, troubleshooting, Web site design and maintenance, and one-on-one training.

Franchisees utilize a "feet-on-the-street" approach to serve customers. While each franchise owner operates independently, they have access to CM IT Solutions' nationally recognized alliance partners, as well as to the ability to consult other franchisees and corporate support staff. In addition, CM IT Solutions has developed strategic partnerships with well-known technology suppliers including Dell, Intuit and Symantec, contributing to competitive pricing and product access.

"A CM IT Solutions franchisee's main objective is to get to know everything they can about the businesses they serve," Burzynski said. "We look for ways to leverage technology to help small to medium businesses save money, make money and reduce the amount of technology-related problems."

About CM IT Solutions

Originally launched in 1996, Austin, Texas-based CM IT Solutions modified its branding strategy in January 2004, strategically positioning itself to target small businesses with one to 100 employees. CM IT Solutions provides proactive network and system administration, upgrade planning and implementation, wired and wireless networks, troubleshooting, Web site design and maintenance, and one-on-one training. Today, more than 120 franchises operate in 30 states.