'From: gross@alert.u-net.com
Date: 26 Jul 1998 16:46:16 GMT
Subject: Re: Embedded chips
To: year2000-discuss@year2000.com
>Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 16:40:33 -0700
>From: Bill Harkins <bharkins@tfb.com>
>To: Y2K mailist <year2000-discuss@year2000.com>
>Subject: Embedded chips
> I can't imagine that any reputable company's
> management would try to "pull the wool over the eyes" of their potential
> customers. By doing so, they are really vulnerable to litigation..
The problem at present, over and above the technical difficulties, in finding
out information, is that being informative with your "potential" customers
involves declarations becoming available to your existing customers, and
as a supplier, is precisely the way to make yourself more vulnerable to
litigation not less. That is why most are being very limited in what they
say, even those who do so with great public relations skill and charm so as
to give the impression they are being helpful. When information is given,
it is done in a way (ie with disclaimers) that seeks to deny those relying
on it the ability to hold the providers of the information accountable if
the information turns out to be incorrect.
The lack of real information and accountability from suppliers (especially
those that can impact on safety) is beginning to make it vital that all
seeking a risk assessment do not rely on supplier's statements alone but,
rather, make some significant effort to obtain independent advice. Such is
this need for independence of advice, that,in my view, companies who fail
to do so could make themselves, by that very failure alone, more vulnerable
to litigation from their own customers, shareholders and employees.
Graham Ross
Solicitor
Ross & Co
Y2K-LAW
Liverpool, UK
+44 (0)151 284 8585
+44 (0)151 236 6035-fax
Y2K-LAW:- y2kalert.com
Compliance Co-operation Protocol:- cybermetrix.co.uk
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