Expand years to four digits, or make computers understand the correct century when they encounter two digits. But a computer fixed to accept four digits could collide with a second computer designed for two. Updating that could confuse a third system or create new problems for the original system. Much of the Y2K work required extensive testing and coordination among companies, utilities and regulators in industries not accustomed to working together. In addition, some companies and governments, local and abroad, did not have the money or the will to undertake the task.
Public behavior is also a factor, and outreach becomes a balancing act.
Government and industry leaders want to make citizens confident enough to discourage hoarding, which could create an artificial crisis. But overconfidence breeds complacency. Roger Nicholson, the Boeing Co. engineer in charge of reviewing airplanes' onboard electronic equipment, completed most of the technical work more than two years ago. Since then, he has had to integrate systems at Boeing with the rest of the industry and to dispel myths that, come 2000, planes will fall out of the sky. Despite assurances, airlines canceled some New Year's flights because fewer people want to fly.