We all know that regarding y2k there are the "Get Its" and the "Don't Get Its". The DGIs outnumber the GIs by 1000 to one.

We expect y2k programmers and engineers to "get it" and communicate their y2k conclusions to their managers and CEOs.

Why doesn't this happen?

Part of the reason is because y2k is primarily a systems problem. When working as a systems test engineer there were times when I feared that our system would not make it through testing. My fears would be countered by the component engineers. Their response was, "Don't worry, it'll do fine". When I asked why they would go on to say how their part of the system was ok.

Furthermore, I learned that many programmers and engineers don't even like to get involved with the full system. They wanted to work on their project or in their specialty. When working on a system they were out of their control zone and way out of their comfort zone.

They, like many of us, not only have a low awareness of the degree of computerization of the infrastructure; many of them have had a low awareness of the infrastructure itself!

But it is this group of technical people that have told their managers and CEOs that y2k isn't a problem because "We will be compliant".

So how do some of these programmers and engineers become "Get Its"? The answer lies with you! Many programmers and engineers don't become "Get Its" until they spend time on these forums!

So during your next bout of despair, please remember that you and your posts to these forums are having a large effect. Awareness is changing. Programmers and engineers are "getting it". Eventually they speak up and often use what they find on the y2k forums to get their messages to their managers and to their CEOs.

And one by one, the manager, the CEO, and even the Chairman of the Board has the day when his head drops into his hands and with an inaudible "Oh shit!" he becomes a "Get It".

Right now, there are thousands of private, top level, y2k meetings in government, in industry and in finance; meeting where no notes are allowed, meetings that are off the record. Action is starting to take place; even some heads are starting to roll. Many CEOs are fuming because that they weren't informed.

And for many, it started on the forums. It started with you.

-- Anonymous, November 15, 1998

Answers

I hope you are right, but the electric utility industry is deep into the DGI side of the field. Read Mill's latest as referred to on previous post.

-- Anonymous, November 15, 1998