If they don t want to switch, you can still test application compliance by entering fake dates into computer systems but be careful. You may trigger some software license bombs that will automatically lock up the application. Symantec Corp. is already dealing with a lawsuit from customers who claim that the company is charging for a Y2K-compliant version of the company s software, when the program should have been compliant in the first place. Symantec s defense is that the charge is for all the other new features. Though Symantec may win, we doubt that many independent software vendors will be so lucky.
Programs don t have to be complicated for trouble to arise.
For example, you may have supplied a customer with a simple spreadsheet-based invoice application. Not Just Your Problem You may have a lot of work ahead of you. But if it s any consolation, it s not just you. Just remember that the sooner you start, the happier your customers will be. There are less than 400 business days left.