The Year 2000 Software
Problem
You MUST Read this!
A disaster may be in the making!
For decades, many software programmers have been using only the last 2 digits of the year in their software programs. Some programmers have been using dates such as 9/9/99 as test values, or the years '99 & '00 as special tags to trigger specific treatment (for example, the death or bankruptcy of a customer).
On January 1, 2000 (or perhaps even earlier: January 1, 1999 & September 9, 1999), many of these programs, if not fixed, will fail miserably They may think that it is January 1, 1900, or that an invalid date has been used, or perhaps trigger an inappropriate routine. This is popularly known as the Y2k phenomenon, the Millennium Bug or Millennium Bomb. Sound like a minor problem? It's not! The trivial oversight could cause computer crashes and mistakes that will ripple throughout our economy, and affect us all!
Can't it be fixed? The problem with fixing these programs is that it will cost HUNDREDS of BILLIONS of dollars, and and take years to complete! There aren't enough computer programers around to do the job, and no one knows what programs are affected. Thus, if a company hasn't started fixing its software by now (and many have not), it is too late. As we approach the year 2000, the potential is there to cause massive disruption of computers, utilities, billing services, financial institutions, etc.
As a service to our patrons, we are listing a number of links below that discuss this problem. How will it affect you? If you have money in the stock market or banks; if you use the telephone, electricity, mail or delivery services, or use credit cards, you will be affected. If you use the Internet, fly in airplanes, on trains or busses, or drive a car, you will be affected. Almost everything depends on computers or embedded processors to run today. You will be affected!
What will happen? NOBODY KNOWS! The problems could be minor and short lived, or they could cause our economic systems, transportation systems, distribution systems and communication systems to come to a crashing halt for days, weeks or months! Thousands of jobs may be lost. Congress is having hearings about this, the President has signed executive orders covering these issues, and the possibility of Martial Law has been discussed! Most government agencies have been given an "F" grade on preparing for the problem, and many companies are still ignoring the consequences.
It will pay to be informed, and to be prepared. Review the Y2k sites we collected for you, check out the books on the subject, see the testimonials & quotations, read our final thoughts, and then leave your own thoughts on our Y2k discussion forum!
Good Luck on surviving the Y2k disaster!
Want someone to help your company deal with the crisis or evaluate your risks? Contact Bodi & Associates, Inc. We can help you prepare.