Personal computers, networks, software and database applications all have to be tested, reconfigured if necessary, and tested again, stresses Williams. Vendors Vie For Contracts Banks electing to use outside sources to help fix date errors caused by the Year 2000 had better secure contracts early in the year or risk exorbitant hourly rates and resource shortages, Williams warns. The same holds true for testing equipment and facilities. One solution may be to lease or rent hardware from vendors for testing, analysts suggest. The company sells a rental package for banks that want to test applications off-site.
Banks can rent equipment for a minimum six-month term with a renew option.
Amdahl ships, installs and maintains the equipment. Banks also can lease equipment. Generally, a longer contract term and maintenance fees apply, Stone says. Not Expected To Halt Merger Impending Year 2000 efforts, however, are not expected to impede significantly the rate of mergers this year, sources claim. In fact, as banks falter in their Year 2000 efforts, the rate of mergers is expected to increase, some predict.