Scope of the Problem Anything that relies on microchips may be affected. Obvious examples include the PCs and other computers. Microchips are embedded in countless other devices. Security systems, telephone switches, traffic lights, utility distribution systems, and office machines are just some examples of systems with embedded chips. Only a small percentage of these embedded components will fail, but it is difficult if not impossible to predict all of these failures.
Software is equally vulnerable.
Any software system that stores and uses dates can give unpredictable results if dates are improperly handled. Malfunctions in software can also corrupt the data files which are often difficult and costly to correct. Organizations, which themselves are prepared for this problem, may be vulnerable to failures experienced by associated customers, clients, vendors, suppliers and other partners. Electric, gas, water, and telephone utilities are examples of such critical suppliers along with banking and financial institutions. This is not a problem which can be postponed.