Sixty jobs are to be created in Cork in an American software firm which is to set up its first office outside of the United States, writes Edward Power.
Ecora Software, a security software specialist, is to establish its European headquarters in the city and plans to forge links with University College Cork and the Cork Institute of Technology.
The operation will drive new market growth in Ireland and Britain as well as servicing the needs of Ecora's existing client base, including Motorola, IBM, Merrill Lynch and Fleet Securities.
The fact that this is Ecora's first venture beyond the US underlined the continued ability of the economy to win investment, said the Tánaiste, Ms Mary Harney. And it was a further boost to the south, now emerging as a centre for high tech industry, she said.
Ms Harney said: "This investment by Ecora is an important addition to the range of quality international services locating in Cork. 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."
Ecora develops tools which automatically deploy software security patches, which are used to fight viruses and hacker attacks on corporate networks.
Mr Alex Bakman, Ecora chief executive, said he was excited by what he said was a new chapter in the company's history.
