With about 500 days before the new century begins, many of the world's large corporations have yanked hundreds of workers off their regular jobs, hired thousands of technical consultants, and earmarked many millions of dolars for new electronic equipment. There are three types of computer systems that are causing the most concern. Programs written for mainframe computers are proving to be difficult to inspect and repair. Mainframe programs may have been written decades ago. Many lack data dictionaries and are maintenance nightmares.
Software written for small business systems is the third major problem.
Most small business owners aren't familiar with software, other than as users. Their computer systems may be a decade old and fixing non-compliant software may cost more than a new computer and software. On a positive note, consumers should not experience problems with applicances and motor vehicles. The article is one of three in a series written by Post staff writer Rajiv Chandrasekaran. Other articles in the series appeared in the Post on August 3rd and August 4th.