A new series of panel discussions called ‘Thought leadership Thursdays’ is to begin this evening with the topic of the use of a person’s own ‘device’ such as a tablets, smartphone and laptop, in the working environment.

Open to the public, the aim of the series is to stimulate debate around some of the key technology issues organisations in Bermuda face.

A press release said: “The first topic addresses the recent phenomenon of using your own device within your working environment. KPMG in Bermuda’s head of IT advisory, Fred Oberholzer, will be moderating the panel discussion alongside Eric MacVicar, sales director at Gateway Systems and chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce business technology division.”

The press release noted: “The rapidly changing technology landscape has had a big impact on business and the way organisations interact with their employees,” and described the decision of whether to implement a ‘Bring your own device’ (BYOD) policy as “very topical and relevant within a Bermudian context.”

It stated that many Bermuda organisations are considering whether to support BYOD initiatives “to allow their employees the freedom to use personally owned devices for business use.” The panel will address BYOD risks and rewards and Bermuda specific challenges of instituting a BYOD policy.

It continued: “However, before greenlighting BYOD, organisations must balance the benefit, cost, and risk considerations.”

Mr Oberholzer was quoted, and he said: “BYOD allows employees to use their own devices, such as tablets, smartphones and laptops within their workplace. Whilst these programmes are typically implemented to help drive employee satisfaction and productivity, many organisations are struggling with how best to balance the needs of their employees with their own security, operational, and financial concerns. The panel discussion will be of relevance to anyone who is part of the BYOD decision-making process and will act as a forum for local industry experts to discuss the associated benefits and risks, as well as offering best practice guidance for instituting BYOD within an organisation.”

Session panellists include: Kent Stewart, the chairman of the Regulatory Authority, Wayne Caines, chief executive officer of Digicel, Shan Senanayake, president of ISACA Bermuda, Michael Oatley, director of the government IT office, and Sheridan Moore, chief IT officer at Arch Re.

Thought leadership Thursday, which is supported by KPMG in Bermuda along with Bermuda Government and Chamber of Commerce Business Technology Division, will take place today, starting at 5:15pm, at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

To confirm a space, e-mail rsvp@isacabermuda.com