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Technology Stocks : Year 2000 (Y2K) Embedded Systems & Infrastructure Problem

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To: John Mansfield who wrote (97)2/20/1998 2:10:00 PM
From: John Mansfield  Read Replies (2) of 618
 
Frequently asked Embeddeds Q/A

'Q:
'If there is no way you could enter a date, or the system receive a date through its interfaces and if the system could operate normally after a power failures (pulling the plug out and disconnecting any batteries on it) Then can we be sure it does not have an year 2000 problem?

A:

'The answer to this is categorically NO'

'Many of these assumptions are being made by individuals who do not fully understand the design and programming of "Embedded Software based Systems".'
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Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 13:17:26 +0000
Message-ID: <000271EE.001268@ccgate.aeat.co.uk>
From: david.spinks@aeat.co.uk (David |Spinks)
Subject: Re: Embedded Systems - False Assumptions
To: year2000-discuss@year2000.com

Dear All

The answer to this is categorically NO... there are a number of
conditions which enable dates or date related or date generated
errors to enter a "system" and cause a failure.

Please do not forget that some date and real time chips have their
own power source which can preserve data for up to 10 years. Removal of batteries or power does not proves very little as far as this problem is concerned.

Many of these assumptions are being made by individuals who do not fully understand the design and programming of "Embedded Software based Systems".

Experience shows that equipment may be placed into other modes of
operation (calibration and maintenance modes being two of the most
common) other than normal operation mode. Dates may enter systems when under repair or being calibrated.

The bottom line is that organisations who operate safety related
equipment will need to ensure that these systems will not fail due
to a date related problem. Testing is only one option but if your supplier cannot demonstrate his testing to you then you may have to
employ specialists to do this work. It is not something most
companies can do themselves - remember testing may present a higher risk than the Y2K failure itself...

I suggest a starting point for understanding these issues might be
found by looking at the UK IEE web site which has some of the best guidance available.

For organisations with real problems I would be happy to assist
directly.

David Spinks
Business Development Manager
Warrington WA3 6AT

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Embedded Software - Year 2000 Consultancy
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_____________________________ Reply Separator
From: "Yastreboff, Michael MM" <Yastreboff.Michael.MM@bhp.com.au>
To: "'year2000-discuss@year2000.com'" <year2000-discuss@year2000.com>
Subject: RE: Embedded Systems: Fire Sprinkler Control Systems
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 17:04:01 +1100

Gentlemen:
Lets try this statement:
If there is no way you could enter a date, or the system receive a date through its interfaces and if the system could operate normally after a power failures (pulling the plug out and disconnecting any batteries on it) Then can we be sure it does not have an year 2000 problem?

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