DISCO/Y2K/Y2K

The Year 2000 Problem

The "Computer Year 2000 Problem" is the general name given to problems occurring due to malfunctioning caused by the inability of computers to distinguish between the years 1900 and 2000 because of the way in which dates are processed on computers using the last two digits for the year. It is also referred to as "Y2K".

The Year 2000 Problem is not only a problem that arises in computer systems or PCs.There is a possibility of problems such as malfunction or control failure occurring with any equipment containing microprocessors or chips and software with calendar functions. These cover a wide variety of devices essential to our daily lives ranging from transportation and factory production plant to household appliances such as air-conditioners and rice cookers, and it is not possible to predict what may occur.

For this reason, total elimination of the problem is not possible. However, the creation of a contingency plan setting out measures in advance to cope with problems should they occur is felt to be the most important measure.

Y2K

The Computer Year 2000 Problem is now commonly referred to using the abbreviation "Y2K".

Critical dates on which the Year 2000 Problem may occur

Disco is conducting evaluations and countermeasures for the following dates.

Date	Reason
9 Sept 1999	Problems may occur if 9 Sept 1999 is a special number (9999).
1 Jan 2000	Possibility of malfunctioning using past dates due to identifying 2000 as "00".
29 Feb 2000	Possibility of becoming 1 March if 2000 is not recognized as a leap year.
31 Mar 2000	Possibility of problems arising with data computation of the first fiscal period of the year 2000.
1 Jan 2001	Possibility of insufficient days if 2000 was not recognized as a leap year.

Silent rollover

"Silent rollover" means to completely shut down all computers and other equipment when the date changes from 1999/12/31 to 2000/01/01. Regarding the Y2K problem, eve though local no actual test usual are confirmed to be of no problem, it can not be guaranteed that no unexpected troubles will arise. Therefore "Silent rollover" is an effective method form the risk management view.

The information contained in this document may be changed without notice.
Unauthorized copying, modification, or translation of this document is forbidden without prior written permission, except where permitted by the copyright laws.