BYO still needs IT support, says top CIOs

Consumerisation of IT has a skills impact on the IT function

Organisations that support consumerisation and bring-your-own (BYO) policies will still need IT support desks for guidance and strategy, according to Paul Cheesbrough, CIO at News International.

Cheesebrough was speaking at 451 Group's Hosting and Cloud Transformation event yesterday.

"We are keen to push BYO by introducing a cash injection as part of the employee flexible benefits package, this would allow users to choose their own device," he said.

"I think over the next three to five years, people will become accustomed to buying their own devices and that burden will pass away from the IT department. However, this doesn't mean you can get rid of the IT helpdesk, as the applications will still need support."

Marcus East, CIO for Comic Relief, agreed with Cheesbrough, but also suggested that BYO policies will change the role of the IT function.

"The IT department needs to act as an advisor and consultant to users, so that they are in a position to make a good decision.

"I think the danger of having delegated all the responsibility is that you lose control of the strategy," said East.

"I also think that consumerisation has a big impact on the skills required of the IT function. People often come to my team and ask what is the best tablet or mobile device for them," he added.

"Having that breadth of knowledge isn't something that five or ten years ago was expected of the IT function. Now, however, we are expected to give advice above and beyond what they are being told by vendors and magazines."

Joan Miller, director of parliamentary ICT, told delegates that the primary concern for the enterprise is "establishing solutions for security" to enable BYO policies, and that service desks will still play a core role in advising users on how to "use their IT effectively".