Boredom reigns in computer industry
By: Michael Kanellos, CNET News.com
12/31/99 10:34:00 PM
Source: News.com
One of the most potentially debilitating problems to ever face the computing industry is
passing with nary a whimper.
Whether it can be attributed to outstanding preparation, good luck or judicious use of
factory down-time, computer companies are reporting few, if any, problems from the Y2K
bug.
Most major companies began to monitor for effects
from the bug when it turned midnight in New
Zealand and Australia and have followed the
non-event as it traveled around the globe.
"It has been very, very quiet around the world," said
T.R. Reid, a spokesman for Dell Computer.
Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, also reported
few problems. The company, in fact, is continuing
to manufacture processors through the night, a
spokesman said.
The company is "warming down," or idling,
manufacturing facilities as midnight approaches
around the world. But after midnight passes and
standard maintenance is performed, the factories
will be placed back in service.
"So far it looks pretty good," said Intel spokesman Bill Calder.
The world's largest software company also was faring well.
"We've got nothing but smooth sailing," a Microsoft spokesman told Reuters. Microsoft has
6,000 staffers working at centers around the world.
Most high-tech companies have spent millions of dollars in preparing against the bug and
have put contingency plans in place to ensure against disaster.
At Intel, for example, the company worked with its suppliers to ensure that their systems
were Y2K complaint and wouldn't have a rebound effect, Calder said. Several thousand
employees also are working over New Year's Eve, more than usual.
Dell idled its factories Dec. 31 for the three-day holiday, Reid said, adding that the
factories will resume operations next week.
Like others, Reid cautioned that not all of the potential effects of the bug will occur
tonight. As a result, Dell will continue to monitor for any disruptions. Many analysts have
said that a number of Y2K-related issues will only be discovered later.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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