US anti-hacker software firm plans to create 60 jobs in Cork

A US technology company plans to base its European headquarters in Cork, creating up to 60 new jobs over the next few years.

Ecora Software says it will locate its first non-American base in the city to manage software sales, research and development and marketing for the European market out of Cork.

The company develops software to make the internet and computers more secure.

The venture has backing from the IDA and Tánaiste Mary Harney said yesterday that the investment was an important addition to the range of quality international services locating in the Cork area.

“Such quality services continue to add to the range of skilled employment being offered in the region and is further confirmation that Ireland continues to attract high quality investors,” Ms Harney said.

Ecora’s products are primarily used by companies to fight virus and hacker attacks on corporate networks.

The new office will initially focus on sales in Ireland and Britain but will eventually expand into other European countries.

Ecora said it plans to form strong links and relationships with the third-level colleges in Cork to strengthen its research and development “and tap into the world class skills and expertise there”.

The company was founded in New Hampshire in 1999 by its current chief executive Alex Bakman and currently employs 100 people. In 2003 the company had sales of $6.58 million, up from $5.69m in 2002.

Mr Bakman said: “Because of its location, and its talented and enthusiastic labour pool, Cork is an ideal location to launch and manage our European operations. Cork has knowledgeable workers with skills to grasp our products’ subtleties and communicate effectively with IT managers throughout the market.”