U.S. Senate Fears “2000 Effect”

1999/04/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Periferikoak

The U.S. Senate has shifted its concern over the “2000 effect” of databases using dates in 2000. This problem is because most computer databases represent the years through two digits and can have serious consequences if the necessary measures are not taken around the world.In fact, at the end of December 31, 1999, computers will understand that we have passed from 1999 to 1900, eliminating much of the information from databases and destroying the databases that use the dates.

This effect can have serious consequences in countries around the world, such as the financial world, air traffic or oil supply. The U.S. Senate estimates that in Spain there is a 33% chance of suffering such problems and, frightened, recommends that citizens keep water and food. The most serious problems can be economic, since all types of international transactions or ATMs can be cancelled.

However, the financial and telecommunications sectors are the sectors that have adopted the most measures. Other sectors, such as Health, Energy and Transport, do not have the 2000 effect in excess and may have real problems. The US authorities have announced their short-term availability for 2000, but have warned that there is still much to be done in the rest of countries, showing their usual generosity.