Major global computer services companies such as Compaq and IBM are in the midst of preparing to beef up their worldwide services to support their customers. We have plans for coverage in the countries around Y2K problems. Mass. One IBM representative said the services division is asking its employees to be flexible in setting working hours during the new year. A big part of the problem is that no one can say for sure what might happen. However, others outside of the government are more willing to offer some details.
Brazil is on everybody's list of important countries that are quite behind.
According to Yardeni, travelers should also look closely at Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and many other countries whose IT infrastructures are less than stable. Travel from developing countries to the United States may also present a problem. Depending on the severity of the situation, it is possible that the State Department will call for the evacuation of U.S. citizens from certain countries, according to O'Keefe. Ephraim Schwartz is an InfoWorld editor at large based in San Francisco. All Rights Reserved.