IYCC Conference Call (5)
2000/1/4 20:00
Y2K coordinators from the International Y2K Cooperation Center (IYCC), Japan, Korea, Bulgaria,
The Netherlands, Iceland, Morocco, the United Kingdom, Chile, the United States, Mexico, the
European Commission, the energy sector, the World Bank and the United Nations were present on
the conference call.
Mr. Bruce McConnell asked if anyone had reports concerning serious or interesting Y2K problems.
He went on to report that 142 countries have sent in Global Status Watch (GSW) reports to the
IYCC, 74 of which have been provided or updated since the return to work. Two reports of
outages were reported. In Venezuela, in an aluminium mining facility a temperature gauge failed
forcing operations to proceed in manual. In Rwanda, it was reported that the customs system
failed and would be on manual
operations until March 2000.
In other reports from around the world, Japan reported no problems upon the return to work.
Korea had ended 24 hour operations after a successful return to work. Bulgaria reported no Y2K
problems upon the return to work and that the banking system was operating normally and 24 hour
operations would be discontinued. The Netherlands was in its second working day, with nothing
to report. Iceland reported minor problems in small businesses, limited to small numbers of
PCs. Morocco had nothing to report other than invoicing problems in small businesses. The
United Kingdom reported that the markets opened without incident on 4 January and that
everything was working fine. The United Kingdom also reported on an issue regarding a dialysis
machine for medical use. All health authorities have been informed of the problem, although it
appeared not to be Y2K related and a press release had been distributed. Chile had no problems
to report that would have a social impact, although some problems had arisen in small compani
es, involving invoicing etc. The United States had nothing to report other than minor glitches
in small companies and the working day on 3 January was concluded without incident. Mexico also
reported that the financial markets were continuing to work normally, but a new problem was the
emergence of opinions that the Y2K was "much ado about nothing." The European Commission had
nothing significant to report. Nothing had been reported to the representative for the energy
sector from the Asia Pacific region.
Regarding the issue of whether the Y2K was worth the effort, Mr. McConnell underlined the fact
that if the effort had not been made, major disruption would have occurred. Another point to
highlight concerning the worthwhile nature of the operation was that private companies
sanctioned the spending of large amounts of money to solve the Y2K problem, indicating the
serious nature of the issue. In answer to the issue of those countries who started their Y2K
measures later and who seem to have coped just as well, two counter arguments were put forward,
one being that some problems may appear at a later date in these countries, and the other being
that late starters benefited from the lead taken by other nations. It was noted that if Y2K had
occurred six months ago, the situation could have been very different.
The Y2K coordinator from the United States reported that information is being gathered from
business partners on what would have happened if no Y2K measures had been taken. In addition,
business partners had also been asked to provide details on the fringe benefits provided by Y2K
cooperative activities. The Y2K coordinator from Mexico also underlined the importance of
emphasizing the positive elements of Y2K operations and the unprecedented cooperation that
arose from it. The participant from the Netherlands suggested that an exchange of statistics be
undertaken to prove how valuable Y2K operations have been. It was noted that in opinion polls,
80% of the public in the Netherlands viewed Y2K operations and their outcome positively.
In the case of Japan, National Y2K Coordinator Kaoru Ishikawa reported that a system was
devised by which all institutions in the furthest flung regions of Japan were obliged to
provide all information on any glitches that could be Y2K related, and asked what systems other
countries had implemented. In reply, Mr. McConnell noted that most other countries may have
restricted reports to national government of those glitches that were serious, and as such it
is possible that Japan had maintained the most comprehensive information gathering system
during Y2K.
CONCERNING THE DRAFT STATEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL Y2K COOPERATION CENTER STEERING COMMITTEE
Most participants indicated their acceptance of the draft document. The Y2K coordinator from
the World Bank suggested mentioning the IYCC in the final document. Mr. McConnell also reported
that the G8 nations are standing by should anything happen. It was agreed to put out the
declaration in its present form, although consideration would be given to a possible
alternative to the word "relax" with regard to monitoring.
EVALUATION OF Y2K EFFORTS
Mr. McConnell discussed the possibility of gaining the help of some independent evaluators
involved in any evaluation process, particularly from academic circles, which would provide
extra analysis. It was also emphasized however, that a report should be distributed as soon as
possible, if possible in early February.
The Y2K coordinator from the World Bank noted that over a short time frame, it might be
problematic to engage in a detailed study. Iceland underlined the need for speedy reporting.
The World Bank participant suggested March as a possible date for issuing a report, after the
next critical date of 29 February. A doubt was raised that it would not be possible to create a
credible document in the space of four weeks.
Responding to a question concerning the importance of 29 February, one participant noted the
opinion that it would be significant. Mr. Ishikawa stated his opinion that an earlier report
was more important than incorporating 29 February into a report.
POST Y2K ACTIVITIES
As a potential follow up to Y2K operations, the possibility was aired of continuing to maintain
a global network and focus on a new issue, namely, to ensure that the Internet becomes
available to as many people around the world as possible, involving the cooperation of all
sectors, in the same way that the Y2K operations did. Such a group would facilitate issues
around the world, such as the provision of sufficient band-width, education, content etc.,
which are issues facing the Internet.
Mr. McConnell noted the positive reception this idea has received and asked if any members
would like to explore this idea further and asked for volunteers to help refine this proposal
and move it forward. Several participants expressed a keen interest in undertaking such work
and on establishing a committee to further its activities.
The Y2K coordinator from the World Bank noted that the proposal currently stands, it was
unlikely that it would be accepted, since many similar programs and initiatives already exist.
Certain ideas such as "IT ambassadors" were highly evaluated however. Mr. McConnell accepted
that it is important to establish what other projects are underway and prevent duplication, a
sentiment echoed by the participant from the United Nations, who cited similar programs by the
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) among other organizations, but evaluated such
initiatives very highly as an effect way to bridge the gap that exists in the field of IT among
the countries of the world.
Finally, Mr. McConnell informed participants that this would be the last scheduled conference
call, but more could be scheduled in the need were to arise. He thanked all Y2K coordinators
for their hard work and congratulated all present on the success and smooth running of Y2K
operations. All participants were unanimous in their praise of Mr. McConnell's able and
untiring work at the helm of the IYCC.
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