Such a proactive strategy requires a good sense of the state of preparedness around the globe. Ninety-nine percent of the federal government's mission critical systems are compliant and this past October made a smooth transition to Fiscal Year 2000. Everything from air traffic control to Social Security payments is expected to work. Likewise, in the realm of financial services, almost all federally insured institutions, as well as all eight securities exchanges, have successfully completed Y2K planning and testing. As for the key sectors of electrical power and telecommunications, most players have completed their Y2K remediation plans.
Many areas of concern remain, however.
Some organizations, especially small businesses, are taking a wait and see approach, planning to solve problems as they occur. Of the 80,000 municipalities existing in the United States, many are still lagging behind. For instance, only half of local 911 call centers are compliant. Another main area of concern is the health care industry. More than half of doctors' offices are unaware of the impact of Y2K on them.