Software firm set up £2.5m Belfast operation

A leading UK software company has announced plans to set up a new operation in Belfast.

The £2.5 million investment by Latens Systems will see the company locate its headquarters and R&D operations in the Queen’s University area. Around 100 jobs will be created over the next four years as a result of the investment.

The company will develop and exploit software for use in accessing new digital television services such as ‘pay-for-view’ (PPV) video on demand (VoD) that are becoming increasingly important with the application of broadband technology.

Latens will also offer a radically new Conditional Access (CA) system that prevents unauthorised access, copying and broadcast of television material. This new generation technology will offer an alternative to existing smart card controlled systems.

Commenting on the investment, Jeremy Thorp, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Latens Systems, said: “Our aim is to develop a suite of highly innovative software products for the broadband industry that offer operators greater functionality, increased flexibility and are cost competitive. Our first product is for the growing VoD market and will be launched soon.

“The CA market is valued at around $1.3 billion annually and estimated to be growing at about 20% a year. It therefore presents a significant business opportunity for new technology.”

Belfast, he said, had been chosen as the location for the start-up because of the ready availability of skilled software developers and the quality of the telecommunications network.

Latens has already commenced the recruitment process for software engineering staff for the new Upper Crescent, Belfast operation.

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