A $3 million software research and development centre has opened in Hobart to develop mobile applications.
The facility, called the Greentree International Software Development Centre, has partnered with ICT business consultancy firm Synateq and will initially employ five senior technical staff, with an additional 11 staff to be added over the next three years.
New Zealand ICT financial management firm Greentree International is one of Synateq's partners, and will assist in application design to ensure compatibility with its software network architecture.
Syanteq managing director Chris Rasmussen said the products will be distributed via Greentree's global partner network, which will create an instant export market.
"We will tap into Greentree's global market to provide development services to more than 25 other resellers in Australia," Rasmussen said. "We will sell our product as an add-on to their software."
He said Synateq expects to gain $19.5 million in sales and support over five years from the centre.
The University of Tasmania, following a financial incentive from Synateq, will conduct research into the "best practice in mobile computing" by designing a module around the needs of mobile business, to be integrated into the centre's software.
Tasmanian Minister for Economic Development and Resources Brian Green said the centre will help stem the surge of outsourced IT R&D jobs by creating new positions in the industry.
"Synateq and Greentree have invested in local innovation and jobs, bucking the offshoring trend embraced by many Australian companies," Green said.
The investment follows expansion in Australia by the Greentree network, where it bases 60 percent of its sites, with partners Verde Group, Addax Solutions and Star Accounting Solutions expanding offices into Sydney.
A similar Star Accounting Solutions research facility, opened in 1999 in Melbourne, designs HR payroll systems, supply chain management and workflow systems.