The origin of the problem is a space-saving measure used by programmers to indicate the year on early computer systems. They substituted two digits for four, as a result of which the computer assumes that all dates related to the 20th century. The problem is that 2000 will appear as 00, which will be interpreted as the start of the 20th century rather than the 21st. The cure is highly labour intensive, with analysts sifting line by line through companies' computer programmes. Failure to amend systems could lead to goods being delivered at the wrong time and records being turned to gibberish.
Analysts warn that time is running out.
There may not be enough programmers to carry out audits before the year 2000.