'Full Committee Hearing
The Impact of the Year 2000 Computer Problem (Y2K) on Small
Business
July 15, 1998
Testimony of Harris N. Miller
President, Information Technology Association of America
Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity to testify about the Year 2000
impact on the nation's most at-risk group: small and mid-sized companies,
often called small and medium enterprises (SME). Today I will first describe
those risks and then outline an aggressive but necessary agenda to contain
them.
Y2K Risks for SMEs
The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) has been the
nation's Paul Revere on the Year 2000 issue. We represent 11,000 direct and
affiliate member companies--many of which are small and mid-sized
companies themselves. ITAA member firms work at the forefront of computer
software, systems integration, telecommunications, Internet, electronic
commerce, outsourcing and more. We began our midnight ride in 1995, with a
series of industry meetings and publications. We have learned more about the
Year 2000 issue along the way, and have expanded our message to include
the industry's only certification program, a weekly electronic newsletter
reaching thousands in 70 countries, an alternate dispute resolution program, a
solutions directory, an information packed Web Site (http://www.itaa.org),
and much more. We have also given numerous Year 2000 presentations in
cities across North America, Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East.
Despite our galloping across the nation and around the globe, many countries
and many small and mid-sized businesses--including far too many in the
U.S.--have turned a deaf ear to this issue. To any SMEs that may be paying
particular attention to the issue as a result of this hearing, let me say this in
clear and unequivocal terms: the Redcoats are coming. The Year 2000 is a
serious threat to the small business community. It will not put a dime in your
pocket. It will not bring new customers to your door. It will not give your
company a sexy new marketing image. But if you are not vigilant, if you do
not identify your risks and take steps to avoid them, the Year 2000 may take
your business away. Permanently.
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