Cloud computing and its application for Bermuda businesses will be the focus for an information session held by BCS, IBM's Bermuda agency, at Elbow Beach Hotel on Thursday, September 16.

The event, which will be held at the Paget Suite between 8.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., will look at the cost savings and productivity benefits the new phenomenon can bring companies.

Aimed at business executives and IT professionals, the session will provide an overview of the different cloud strategies (private, public or hybrid); an analysis of workloads best suited for cloud computing; and the return on investment to be realised.

Aaron Smith, general manager of BCS, said: "With recent advances in voice and data communication technologies delivering over global networks, there is a current trend where companies are moving their IT infrastructure off-Island in order to achieve perceived benefits in both operating cost and technical support.

"However, there are still substantial costs and risks incurred in setting up and operating securely in this type of intra-company private network domain. Cloud computing services provide secure, low cost options for many of the operating challenges faced by IT in Bermuda, and IBM has emerged as a market leader in this sector".

In a recent survey by Evans Data Corporation, developers indicated that the most important factors in determining which private cloud provider to use were security, reliability and uptime, as well as proven expertise. The primary benefits of deploying applications in a private cloud included the freedom from maintaining hardware, cost savings, and scalability.

Doug Jones, IBM Canada's cloud computing executive, will be the keynote speaker for this presentation. Mr. Jones has 31 years of IT experience and is a certified IT management consultant, specialising in IT availability.

To register for the event, contact Celina Florendo at 298-1298, email celina@bm.ibm.com or visit www.bcs.bm