Belfast - The Titanic Quarter in Belfast has been chosen as a test site for a new cloud computing system.
Delivered by Data City Exchange (DCE), the technology is a forerunner to the development of an £80m data centre, also based in the Titanic Quarter.
Belfast has been marked as one of only two sites in the UK.
Cloud computing is a relatively new IT framework which allows software applications to run at a faster pace and gives businesses the capacity to cope more effectively with rapid surges in customer demand.
It is beneficial for industries which rely on managing large amounts of data, such as financial services, software development and digital media.
The 'Cloudvault' technology will create a local cloud computing hub that will provide companies with access to cloud-based business software and applications, without the usual high set-up costs associated with setting up a business.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the announcement.
She said: “This is another coup for Northern Ireland and strengthens our growing reputation as a leader in delivering the most up-to-date IT services.
“The new Titanic Quarter site will be another key centre to provide cloud services to small and medium business enterprises across Europe.
“Data centre provision such as this is a strategically important component of the local infrastructure that encourages and supports foreign direct investment.” - Belfast Telegraph