U.S Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Welcomes Announcement of New Parity Microsoft Center of Excellence in Belfast

19 January 2010

Declan Kelly, U.S. Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland

U.S. Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly welcomed today’s announcement by Parity Solutions Limited to create a Microsoft Center of Excellence in Belfast.

“Parity has been operating in Northern Ireland for thirty years, and partnering with Microsoft since 1993. The creation of this new Microsoft Center of Excellence speaks volumes for the level of commitment by Parity and its employees but also the strong focus and investment by Minister Foster and the relevant government agencies in making it possible”. 

"The collaboration between Microsoft and Parity solutions Limited is a great example of the opportunities that exist for large U.S. corporations to develop excellent partnerships in Northern Ireland and benefit from the strong talents of the Northern Ireland workforce”. 

“Invest Northern Ireland is to be commended for its support of the Parity project which will create over 90 quality, high-paying jobs for the Northern Ireland economy during the next three years”.

" Information communications technology (ICT) is one of the key growth opportunities for Northern Ireland moving forward and today's announcement is another significant step forward in building further strength in that sector ",  concluded Envoy Kelly.