Andersen Consulting will create up to 200 jobs in Dublin at a new so-called "dot.com" start-up centre, which will provide e-commerce companies with a range of technical, financial and management expertise.

Initially, the new service will be available from Andersen Consul ting's current offices in the International Financial Services Centre but the company plans to acquire a new site and fill the new posts within 18 months.

The centre aims to reduce dramatically the time it takes an e-business to graduate from a start-up to a revenue producing enterprise.

Companies which wish to use the service will have a range of payment options available, including offering an equity stake in their operation.

Currently Andersen Consulting works with 10 companies in the Republic which are engaged in electronic business, and a further 175 companies worldwide.

"It will provide early mover advantage, one of the key success factors in the e-economy," said Ms Vivienne Jupp, partner in Andersen Consulting, Dublin.

Dublin was chosen as one of 17 worldwide locations for the project. The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said the decision to locate in Dublin was a further endorsement of the policy of establishing Ireland as an e-business hub.