XN000022-1997-02-26 — Page 41

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As regards the first, the Information Technology Services Department (ITSD) has already asked our software suppliers to provide us their Year 2000 compliance plans, including their target date of releasing products of the new Year 2000 compliant versions (i.e. those using four-digit year approach). When such products are available, we will use them to upgrade our systems accordingly. Since last November, we have required suppliers to provide Year 2000 compliant products in all new purchasing

contracts.

As regards the second, it is worth noting that ITSD started work relating to the Year 2000 problem as far back as 1990. Computer applications developed since then are all Year 2000 compliant. However, some of the applications developed earlier may have the Year 2000 problem. A preliminary assessment conducted by ITSD in May 1996 revealed that about 20% of the some 250 computer applications maintained by it may fall into that category.

ITSD is now conducting a pilot exercise to examine the use of automated tools to assist in ascertaining whether the computer applications are Year 2000 compliant. Upon the completion of this exercise in March 1997, we will, with the aid of the automated tools assess the extent of Year 2000 non-compliance for each and every computer application and prioritise, where necessary, time-critical applications for early implementation of the required conversion and validation work. To ensure that all the necessary modification work is completed in good time, ITSD has set up a high level steering group chaired by the Director of Information Technology Services to co- ordinate and oversee the entire implementation process.

Apart from those applications developed and maintained by IT professionals, there are many small-scale IT applications developed by end user departments using software packages. Some of these applications may also be affected by the Year 2000 problem. To help departments understand the problem and to solicit early participation of IT users in addressing this problem, ITSD organised a series of seminars on this subject for different departments in 1996. In addition, ITSD are finalising guidelines to advise end user departments on how to ensure Year 2000 compliance.

Apart from ITSD, six other government departments develop and maintain their own computer applications and have their own IT staff. About half of these 310 applications would be affected by the Year 2000 problem. The six departments, with the advice of ITSD, are also taking active steps to address the problem and ensure timely modification and validation.

End