Dublin IT firm sets up base in the North

A Dublin technology company is setting up a development base in the North, it was announced.

Software developer Softedge Systems has established a centre of excellence in Newry, Co Down creating 15 new ICT posts.

The (€794,000) £700,000 investment has been offered support of €158,000 (£140,000) by the economic development agency Invest NI.

Softedge Systems is the first European certified Microsoft Venture Partner and the Newry operation will use Microsoft technology to develop state of the art software products which enable streaming of high quality video, animation and interactive features online.

Announcing the latest cross-border investment Invest NI’s managing director of international business, Jeremy Fitch, said: “Northern Ireland has a deep pool of graduate ICT talent and offers a competitive , high value option for international companies seeking to establish a software development centre in a near-market location.”

The decision to locate in Newry was testament to the qualities available in the province and would add to its already strong capability in the sector, he said.

“The company’s centre of excellence will be at the leading edge of software development and will play a major role in helping Softedge deliver innovative solutions for its clients,” said Mr Fitch.

Vikas Sahni, CEO of Softedge Systems (NI) Ltd, said the centre of excellence in the North was an integral part of the company’s overall growth plans.

The availability of a talented workforce and the valuable support of Invest NI were major factors in the decision to make the investment, he said.

“By recruiting a mix of experienced and graduate software specialists and further developing their skills, we are putting in place a blend of talent that will underpin our capability in both service delivery and research well into the future.

“The Newry centre is focusing initially on developing software solutions using Microsoft’s innovative Silverlight technology. More and more organisations are incorporating the unique system into their websites and we believe the Newry centre will strongly position us to take advantage of this demand.”