Mainframe Computing Environments Midrange Computers PCs and Desktop Environments Software Process Controllers and Embedded Chip Devices Click here for a list of Process Controllers and Embedded Chip Devices which may be affected. Incorrect date processing will be catastrophic for businesses unable to process orders, despatch invoices, calculate payments, process transactions and so on. A situation synonymous with a computer disaster - but one where there is no instant recovery arrangement when it happens. Most organisations, or their suppliers, have IT systems that undertake small but important tasks once a month or even once a year. Experience shows that these may fail due to Year 2000 problems.
Most companies also rely on equipment containing electronic chips, e.g. lifts or security systems.
Some of these include clocks and may fail in 2000. It will be difficult for the engineers to mend it if they can't get into the building. During the annual audit company auditors are required to make a statement concerning the health of an organisation. It is almost certain that they will soon be considering Year 2000 compliance in this context. The accounts of any company which cannot show that it is well prepared may well be qualified.