it is really very surprising and gives much insight how slow the industry
reacts to computer problems. The y2k issue is just one of them: It is clear
that many companies underestimate the range of the problem. Yes, most modern
PCs don't have any problems with the millenium, but lots of badly written
business software (databases with 2-digit centuries) does. And,
understandable, there are many companies who see no reason in upgrading to a
fancy new GUI (Windoze 95) which is less stable, much slower and would only
cost them money.
The consequence is that these companies *will* upgrade (most of them, at
least), but especially those who really need to will do it much too late. As
a result they will use *any* software which has the "Year 2000 compliant"
logo because they're so panic-stricken.
Another good example for similar problems is tomorrow's raise of the VAT
here in Germany. I don't even want to consider its economic consequences,
but it shows how companies tend to "solve" computer problems in the last
minutes. Literally -- my company will do the upgrades on some customers'
business software tomorrow, and it's not forseeable whether it can be done
in 24 hours. Many companies will be out of business for a few days (and
maybe some forever) because of this.
The whole industry is extremely slow in its reactions. Of course the cause
are uneducated decision-makers, but it is impressive that this lack of
education is so widely spread. Doesn't look good for the distribution of
future memes.
Regards,
Erik Moeller