Course Technology Selects iamindependent for Contingent Workforce Employment Services; 20% Savings on Contingent Labor Costs

Tenafly, NJ, July 8, 2002 - iamindependent announces today that Course Technology, the worldwide leader in computer education products and services and part of The Thomson Corporation [TSE: TOC], has selected iamindependent’s contingent workforce employment platform.

In today’s economic environment Fortune 2000 companies are increasingly turning to contingent workers – a.k.a. independent contractors, free agents, freelancers, temps, etc. – which are necessary to fill certain skills gaps, accommodate rapid project lifecycles that allow companies to better compete against their peers and to reduce a company’s recurring labor costs. Until recently companies have traditionally sourced their contingent workers through staffing companies, paying typical vendor markups of 50% or more. Current Human Resources [HR] and Recruitment technology has made it easier for companies to identify and source contingent workers directly, which can save them a significant amount of money. However, real risks of independent contractor reclassification, among others, still exist.

For companies that utilize contingent workers, iamindependent offers independent contractor risk assessment and compliance services, W-2 payroll of contingent workers including health and medical benefits, 401(k) and pension plans, expense processing, and compliance with IRS, Federal, State and local laws. iamindependent has developed a proprietary business process that yields companies greater ROI from their currently existing HR and Recruitment infrastructure, cuts their expense of contract labor staffing by 8% - 35%, and reduces their risk and exposure of utilizing contingent workers.

“We did exhaustive due diligence in selecting a service provider to handle our contingent workers,” said Becky Herrington, Director of Production for Course Technology in Brea, California. Ms. Herrington continued, “We selected iamindependent because they were able to meet our business objectives of reducing production costs, accommodate our complex cost center billing process, eliminate risk of independent contractor reclassification and provide to our contingent workers a high level of service that compliments their independent lifestyle.”

Michael Beygelman, President and CEO of iamindependent said, “Course Technology’s selection of iamindependent for contingent workforce employment services demonstrates the growing dependence of Global companies on readily available contract labor. By using our platform not only does Course save over 20% of their contract labor costs, but Course has completely eliminated certain risks that are typically inherent with using this demographic of workers.” Mr. Beygelman continued, “We are pleased to add Course Technology to our growing portfolio of top-tier clients.”

For additional information on iamindependent’s services please call (201) 567-2434 or visit http://www.iamindependent.biz.

About iamindependent

iamindependent is the leading provider of contingent workforce management services to corporations seeking an integrated, cost-effective approach to the management and administration of their contingent workers, and employment services to independent professionals who desire the amenities, benefits and stability associated with traditional full-time employment. iamindependent is headquartered in Tenafly, NJ and has the capability of servicing customers in all 50 U.S. States.

About The Thomson Corporation and Course Technology

With revenues of approximately US $6 billion, The Thomson Corporation is a leading, global provider of integrated information solutions for business, education and professional customers. Its learning businesses and brands, Thomson serves the needs of individuals, learning institutions and corporations with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning. Course Technology is part of Thomson, the worldwide leader in computing education, offering more than 1,600 print and innovative technology-based products for business and technology training.