Global IT firm creates 250 jobs with Glasgow base

CGI is the fifth largest independent IT firm in the world. Picture: Complimentary

CGI, the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world, is to open a centre of excellence for open source software development in Glasgow with the creation of 250 jobs.

The Canadian company, which employs 69,000 people globally, offers companies such services as business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, infrastructure management.

The company expects to recruit professionals over the next two to three years to support the projected business that will be delivered from the centre, with positions for highly skilled technical and managerial staff, to graduate and apprenticeship entry level opportunities.

Open source software describes technology which is supplied to companies with its original source code made available and licensed with a license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study, change and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose.

CGI said that it had decided to go with the open source model as it offered “fast and flexible solutions” for clients was increasing, and had been supported by both the Scottish and UK governments.

The company said the new centre would “further consolidate its world-class capability and provide clients with the best mix of solutions for their evolving digital needs.”

Anne MacColl, Chief Executive, Scottish Development International, said: “That CGI has chosen Scotland as the location for its new Centre of Excellence against global competition is testament to Scotland’s growing reputation as a world leader in software development and in delivering major international projects.”

Welcoming the announcement, Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister said: “This is testament to both the skill of the Scottish workforce and the confidence international companies have in Scotland as a country to invest in.”