Billions of lines of software code and embedded chips must be changed in everything from internal clocks to nuclear warheads to avoid problems. Many businesses with few employees cannot afford the time and expertise to make their computers and other systems ready for the year 2000. Many others believe the century date glitch won't affect them because they have few pieces of equipment, according to the Gartner Group, a research firm.
Small businesses are also part of a commercial food chain that large businesses depend upon.
Getting small firms involved in preparing for the year 2000 has been frustrating, said Cathy Hotka, vice president for IT at the National Retail Federation. The retail trade group was unsuccessful in getting small manufacturers and retailers to pool the names of suppliers so that both groups, who sometimes use the same supplier, would know who to talk with about a supplier's Y2K compliance. Small firms are so busy working to meet payroll they postpone Y2K compliance, but time is running out, said Ginny Beuchamp, vice president for the National Association for the Self-Employed. The SBA has provided information on its website and links to other useful sites, but many small business owners are not online, she said. Other government agencies are participating in the Y2K action week.