Y2K@UB

Are computers the only things affected by the Year 2000 problem?

The Y2K problem can affect both hardware and software of mainframe and personal computers, as well as HVAC systems, elevators, VCRs-virtually any kind of equipment that uses embedded logic chips. This includes defibrillators, electronics in automobiles and laboratory equipment. Also, items preprinted with a 19__, such as checks and business forms, need to be updated. Many systems with embedded chips probably won't be a problem, but critical systems need to be tested.

What's going to happen-at UB and beyond-on Jan. 1, 2000?

It's hard to give a precise answer to this question because, obviously, we lack any prior experience. Most problems probably will not be critical; for example, we most likely will have power, water and phone service, although there could be local or regional outages.

The centrally supported systems at UB probably will be okay. There are more concerns with the distributed systems because we know there will not be enough time or resources to anticipate all the Year 2000 problems. The embedded chips are another aspect that may have a larger impact than anticipated. Departmental phone or security systems may fail.

In general, any computer calculation that involves a date-such as a consumer credit-card transaction, payroll, a utility statement, a mortgage calculation and so forth-could yield incorrect results. Those incorrect results can cause various types of failures.

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