SQS expands testing facility

Trade

Strong demand: Rob McConnell with the SQS logo

Software Quality Systems says it is tripling the size of its testing facility in Belfast to meet increased demand for outsourced testing services from a ‘near-shore’ site. The expansion will create 37 jobs.

SQS’s Belfast facility will offer services including security testing, environment hosting, test automation and performance testing for its Irish, British, European and US customers.

It will also provide specialised expertise in banking, insurance and telecommunications.

SQS regional director for Northern Ireland, Rob McConnell, notes: “We’ve seen a strong growth in demand for outsourcing testing services to Belfast. In addition to cost-savings, near-shoring customers benefit from highly technical resources, close proximity for site visits, a common language and time-zone, full-cultural alignment and common communication channels.”

He added: “We’re also fulfilling the needs of organisations, such as those in the public sector and financial services, whose data needs to remain in the UK for political or legislative reasons.”

The SQS Belfast office opened in 2007 based on Northern Ireland’s reputation as a technology hub with a strong supply of skilled IT graduates, high-quality service provision and low-cost differential over onshore providers.

SQS has over 250 clients across Europe, including Deutsche Bank, ABB and Specsavers. Its Belfast clients include key players in the global insurance, utilities and automotive sectors.

The expansion has been partially funded by Invest NI.

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