Defining the problem is relatively straightforward. We are confronted with Y2K today because those who developed computer systems and applications over the past few decades used two digits to designate the year.
Calculations work fine as long as both dates are in the same century.
Unfortunately, as we move between centuries, problems arise. As a result, most of our legacy systems and some recently developed systems will abort or produce erroneous data once the year 2000 arrives. Y2K can also be defined by its scope. Given this, its easy to understand why many are referring to Y2K as the single largest computer effort ever. While defining the problem is simple enough, convincing senior management and even system managers that the threat is real, is not as easy.