The year 2000 will hopefully usher in a new era of prosperity for the nations. Many dreams will come true. However, a small problem of the computer systems around the globe with the year. 2000 may prove disastrous. unless, of course, computers are made a little more intelligent, according to a World Bank press release.

The problem results from the pervasive practice of representing a year as a two-digit number in computer-based operations. Unaided, no computer can know that "00 ". representing the year 2000. should be considered larger than "99". representing the year 1999. Consequently. It will fall to perform comparisons or arith-

metic operations. Obviously, the transition to the year 2000 in the Gregorian calendar would be difficult for all the computer-based systems around the globe unless aided by new programmes.

This problem is likely to be present in all kinds of digital electronic equipment and computer software that incorporate a timing function and/or calculations. Such systems include both administrative and financial systems that are critical to the orderly conduct of public and private business, and process control systems vital to .transport, energy production, life, and safety. Parts of the infrastructure of society, Including the telecommunica-

tions network, are also very vulnerable.

"Although the year 2000 problem is not technically complicated, its pervasiveness makes it the most challenging project the Information Technology community has ever ‘need? says Pierre Landell-Mills, Country Director of the World Bank Bangladesh Field Office, in a letter to the government. He urged the government to address this issue, particularly. for "all critical systems that may be at risk as soon as possible."

He said. "Many ongoing and completed development projects where the Bank takes an interest as lender, are potentially at risk. Likewise, any

number of public and private systems that may be vital to every aspect of administration and business in your country, may be affected and could malfunction at some time between September, 1999 and February.

Locating and remediating all the problem points is a tedious and laborious task, but the correction is inevasible and the deadline is immovable. On the other hand, necessary talent is in short supply. Therefore, it is Imperative that all agencies, public and private, using computer systems for arithmetic operations related to date and time should embark on creating awareness and fixing the problem as soon as possible.