To: JDN who wrote (19236 ) 6/25/1998 5:10:00 PM From: John Mansfield Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 31646
'Guidelines to Embedded Systems By Joe Boivin Although some exceptions exist, in the interest of simplifying the embedded part of the Year 2000 issue, the following guideline has been created for non-technical people to better determine when to seek the advice of a technical expert: 1-The focus should be on embedded systems not microchips since no organization can effectively manage at the microchip level. Most organizations will need to work at the system level for inventory and progress tracking. 2-A large percentage of embedded systems does not use dates and should not experience problems when the century changes. 3-Most embedded systems that do use dates would have been designed to operate in any time zone on the planet and must have the capability of modifying the date. 4-The standalone embedded system that is not connected to a computer can be checked for date change capability and quickly eliminated or identified for further testing. 5-Any embedded system connected to a computer should be checked by a technical expert. 6-The most recent technology represents the most complex variety of embedded systems. These are most frequently found in the largest and most modern organizations. Smaller organizations, especially those in less developed countries, are not likely to encounter a significant number of complex problems. 7-A minimum test for a standalone embedded system that uses dates, would include advancing the date beyond the end of 1999 and verifying that February 29, 2000 is a valid date. Other tests, depending on the nature of the device, can be developed to better understand the likelihood of failure in the next century. 8-Unless all industry sectors agree to share their embedded system information, it is unlikely any developed country will complete the most essential portions. 9-A possible temporary solution for standalone embedded systems that fail the advanced date test is to reverse the date into the past and allow the device to continue to operate until a permanent solution is created. 10-All future acquisitions of embedded systems should contain a clause stipulating that the equipment will operate correctly or a full refund will be provided. Any hesitation to provide this Year 2000 assurance should be considered as a good reason to consider alternate vendors. Joe Boivin President, Global Millennium Foundation y2ktimebomb.com