Software group Ecora to locate in Cork

US software company Ecora Software has finalised discussions with IDA Ireland to locate its European Headquarters in Cork.

Up to 60 new jobs are expected to be created in the centre over the next five years.

The office is the first for the company outside of the US and will manage the software development, research, sales and marketing functions for the company in markets outside of the US.

Tánaiste Mary Harney announced the decision today.

Ecora develops tools which automatically deploy software security patches, which are primarily used by companies to fight virus and hacker attacks on corporate networks.

The firm also develops software that tracks and documents network configuration settings.

“We are truly excited and stimulated by this new chapter in our company history,” says Alex Bakman, Ecora Software’s founder and CEO.

“Because of its location, and its talented and enthusiastic labour pool, Cork is an ideal location to launch and manage our European operations.”

Concentrating on highly skilled activities the majority of the workforce will be made up of third level graduates.

The Ecora Corporation was founded in New Hampshire in 1999 by current CEO Alex Bakman and currently employs 100 people.

In 2003 the company had sales of $6.58m (€5.43m) up from $5.69m (€4.69m) in 2002.