SBA And Dell Launch Joint National Effort to Help Small Businesses Prevent Year 2000 Computer Failures
November 19, 1998 12:31 PM EST
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 1998--
Program To Provide Small Businesses With Tools
To Assess And Address Y2K Issues
For First Financial Federal Credit Union in West Covina, Calif., preparing for the Year 2000 (Y2K) meant evaluating every computerized system -- from the mainframe that runs its banking platform to the PCs used every day by employees. For Profits Restaurant Systems of Houston, a simple screen adjustment solved its Y2K issues.
With slightly more than 400 days remaining, these two small businesses are among the few who have addressed the Y2K problem. The "Y2K bug" can pose a daunting variety of problems for small businesses, and failure to address them could lead to computer glitches at the turn of the century. According to recent research by GartnerGroup, nearly 25 percent of all businesses -- of which 80 percent are small companies -- have not begun to prepare for the serious system issues that are predicted to occur on Jan. 1, 2000.(a)
To help small businesses cut through the noise and successfully address Y2K issues, the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA") and Dell Computer Corporation, (Nasdaq: DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems company, today launched a joint Y2K national awareness initiative.
"For the past several months, the SBA has been asking small business owners across the country, 'Are You Y2K OK?'" said SBA Deputy Administrator Fred Hochberg. "SBA Administrator Aida Alvarez has committed agency resources at every level to help minimize the impact of the Y2K bug. Today, we join with Dell Computer urging small businesses not to ignore this challenge."
"This is a public-private alliance designed to give small businesses the information and tools that can help them act now and minimize their Y2K risk," said Andy Greenawalt, Dell's chief information officer of application services. "In most cases, there is still enough time for these companies take steps to protect themselves and their customers."
A key component of the educational program is a series of small business case studies that explain how the companies are working through Y2K issues. Companies like First Financial and Profits will share their experiences in addressing the Y2K issue, providing examples and ideas for other businesses as they begin to tackle the problem.
The SBA and Dell will primarily use the Internet to educate small businesses on assessing Y2K readiness. Businesses can take advantage of a variety of tools, including training materials, that offer easy-to-follow steps to check compliance.
The joint program also included an online technology seminar, a live Breakfast with Dell Web cast, featuring Y2K experts from Dell, SBA and Microsoft Corporation. Information addressed included the scope and impact of the Y2K bug for growing companies, what to look for in computer hardware and software, recommended action steps including the SBA's three-step compliance plan, and additional Y2K resources for small businesses. In addition, viewers were able to e-mail questions to the Web cast panel. To access an archived file of this technology seminar, go to dell.com.
Dell and the SBA encourage small businesses to take the following three steps to address the Y2K problem:
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-- Self-assessment: Check your computers, as well as any electronic
equipment that uses time-sensitive embedded electronic chips.
-- Take Action Now: Don't wait. Fix any problems you uncover and
test your results. Ask your vendors for assistance. Verify your
partners and suppliers are Y2K compliant.
-- Stay Informed: Logging onto various Y2K sites on the Internet is
an excellent way to stay current on these issues.
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For more information, go to the new Small Business Y2K Reference Center at dell.com or the SBA's Web site at sba.gov. Information will also be available at all regional and district SBA offices.
The U.S. Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses. Last year, SBA offered management and technical assistance to more than one million small business owners. SBA also plays a major role in the government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.
Ranked No. 125 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 363 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $16.8 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number 800-388-8542 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at dell.com.
Dell is a registered trademark of Dell Computer Corporation. Fortune 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration to this activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor's or participant's opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. SBA Auth. 98-6470-73
(a) GartnerGroup Year 2000 Strategies Services (Y2KS), July 1998.
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