There's be a high tech jobs' boost for Belfast.

One of the first Microsoft Gold Certified Partners in Europe, Parity Solutions, is set to develop innovative information management solutions, and create over 90 jobs at the same time.

Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster - who is also acting First Minister - has announced that Parity Solutions is to establish a sophisticated 'Microsoft Centre of Excellence' in Belfast.

Based on the Microsoft Platform for Public and Private Sector Organisations, and with over £630,000 of support from Invest Northern Ireland, Parity Solutions plans to create up to 94 highly skilled software development and consultancy positions by 2012.

Announcing the Centre of Excellence, the Minister said: "Parity has over 40 years' experience in delivering IT, business and recruitment solutions in the UK and Ireland.

"The decision to expand operations in Belfast reflects the success of Parity's current operation, the confidence it has in being able to recruit high calibre information technology professionals and its commitment to Northern Ireland.

"In addition, it underlines the competitiveness of this region as a location for investment, even during difficult economic times," she said.

"Supported by Invest NI, the Centre of Excellence will contribute almost £3m in salaries to the economy and will further strengthen our important and growing IT sector."

Parity's Chief Executive Officer, Alwyn Welch said: "We are delighted with the support and funding from Invest NI and this investment truly illustrates Parity's strategy to capitalise on new technologies and market opportunities that we have identified."

He added: "Our aim is to provide Internet based Collaboration and Business Productivity Solutions to our customers.

"These solutions will be developed in the centre by experienced professionals combined with talented local IT graduates."

Meanwhile, the Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has welcomed the announcement of 23 new jobs at Randox Laboratories in Crumlin.

"Despite the difficulties being faced by most businesses in the current climate, it is heartening that Randox are forging ahead and consolidating their position.

"Given that the jobs in question are from a broad spread of disciplines - manufacturing, sales and research and development, finance, engineering and the Randox graduate programme - this is really good news for the local job market," he said.

(BMcC/GK)