Technology world on display
The important role that technology plays in business and the residential community will be the focus for the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce’s Techshowcase 2011 event which kicks-off today.The event, which is being held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess and runs for two days, will feature everything from online banking to business continuity and disaster recovery using cloud computing and even getting the most out of your BlackBerry or iPad.Marisa Stones, chair of the Chamber’s Business Technology Division, and Coral Wells, deputy chair, said that technology had an even bigger part to play in the current economy and the event would help to highlight some of the benefits it brings, what is available on the market and educate businesses and consumers.“Part of it is looking at the times that we live in we realise it is very important to show that technology is not just something that people waste money on for the latest and greatest toys, but rather it helps us in our life to do things more efficiently,” said Ms Stones.“For example, Gateway will be giving a presentation on Blueprint BoardPad an iPad-based board and committee pack solution that enables directors to access their packs from any location which as an application helps to make savings for the environment in that nothing needs to be printed, it is all on the screen, is secure and reusable.“We are looking at technology being used for so many different purposes.“The event also shows that vendors are here and they are committed to the Island and the community and to bringing in the latest and greatest products so there is no need to go overseas.“Bermuda is one of the most wired in societies in the world and they are offering the best that there is out there.“The aim of the Techshowcase is to let people come in a try everything out, to touch and feel the products and see what can happen.”Techshowcase is part of TechWeek, which is in its fifth year, and will include product presentations and demonstrations, a Wi-Fi lounge, giveaways such as an iPad 2 and a BlackBerry Playbook and some special surprises throughout the event, with industry specialists on hand to answer computer, phone, cloud, online and electronic-related queries.The first day starts with ‘Tips & Tricks Get the most out of your BlackBerry’ by Digicel, ‘Remote Disaster Recovery through the Cloud’ by Logic Communications and ‘Automated Customs for business’ by Gateway Systems Ltd, followed by ‘Online Banking’ by Butterfield Bank, ‘Prepared or Scared: An Overview of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for Businesses, Governments and Families’ by Smith Technologies in partnership with Business Continuance Ltd and ‘ICSA Blueprint BoardPad’ by Gateway in the afternoon.‘Emerging Technologies in Cloud Computing’ by Ignition Ltd an ISACA (CPE Credit) presentation and ‘Now you have your iPad, what are you going to do with it?’ by Gateway will round out the second day’s proceedings.Ms Wells said that another issue which was particularly topical was disaster recovery in light of the recent fire at HWP where all of the company’s files were destroyed with no back-up in place.“One of the vendors at the event will be taking the next step featuring disaster recovery in your own home for stuff like photos and other personal records,” she said.Other fun features will be on show such as the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) robot, as well as Christmas gift ideas, while Games and Flix will have a 9x7 foot projection screen for PlayStation games, with something for everyone from novices to experts.The event takes place today between 10am and 5pm and tomorrow from 10am to 3pm.Participants featured will include BHB, Butterfield Bank, CellOne, Logic, Digicel, Ignition, Red Laser, Bermuda CableVision, the Department of E-Commerce, EasyPark, Gateway, AAC Saatchi and Saatchi, Caliper, Games and Flix, Greenhouse Bermuda, Macworcs, North Rock Communications. Precise Systems Integration, QuickFix and Smith Technologies.For more information visit www.techweek.bm
The business technology division of the Chamber of Commerce will host a C-suite level discussion on cloud computing,
writes Alex Wright.Top-level executives from Bermuda and overseas will be among the panellists at the event held at the Chamber on Wednesday October 12 between 5.30pm and 7pm as part of TechWeek.Marisa Stones, chair of the business technology division, said: “I am excited by this forthcoming roundtable discussion. Cloud computing has been a frequently used term in the industry that covers hardware and software; and at the next roundtable: ‘Cloud Computing Ghost Service or Next Level Computing’; we will explore the origins of the cloud, it’s application in hardware and software and impact on operations.”Wired Wednesdays roundtable discussions have been run on a quarterly basis and focused on exploring key topics that require expert insight to help industry better understand the opportunities, challenges and potential pitfalls of technology transitions.Sandra De Silva, managing director of Nova, will be the moderator for the event with the panel ranging from local to international industry leaders, including Michael Branco, senior vice-president, Ignition, Stephen Gordon, director, market development, Microsoft Enterprise Strategy Services, Stuart Paterson, business development executive in cloud computing, IBM, Sam Sena, head of professional services, Logic, Ronnie Viera, chief operating officer, First Atlantic Commerce, and Daryl Walwyn, vice-president of information technology, Tokio Millennium Re, as well as consumers and vendors.Mrs Stones said: “We are asking that CIOs, COOs and general managers RSVP for this session as it will provide insight on the decision making processes that must be considered for Bermuda businesses to stay technologically competitive and relevant in a global marketplace.”For more information email Fiona Lines at flines[AT]bcc.bm or contact 295-8932.
