The Second International conference on solving Y2K problem in Russia took place in Moscow Radisson Slavyanskaya hotel on April 19 and 20, 1999. It was held by the State Committee of Russian Federation for Communications and Informatization (Goskomsvyaz) and the World Bank.

For two days, the participants of the conference discussed the efforts and the results of solving the millennium problem in ministries, departments, and regions of the Russian Federation. Effectivity of the Y2K Competence Centers, testing the computer systems, operation in emergency situations and other aspects of this problem, both in Russia and worldwide, were also considered. The conference was addressed by Russian Vice Prime Minister Vladimir Bulgak, Goskomsvyaz chairman Alexander Krupnov, heads of institutions engaged in Y2K-related efforts, foreign experts.

According to permanent representative of the World Bank in Moscow Mike Carter, the World Bank is ready to support Russia in its efforts on Year 2000 problem. On top of the financial aid, Carter said, Russia could apply the experience of the World Bank itself in solving the problem.

The work on Y2K problem has been started in Russia according to the governmental decree of May 30, 1998. As a result, a set of efforts was developed and is being carried out to prevent possible Y2K-related failures in IT systems of Russian enterprises.

By the moment, the federal governmental institutions are finishing the complete check-up of the computer systems. It was revealed in course of that work that the systems which are of key importance for stable operation of the economy, state management and national security, constitute about one-third of the total number of computer systems in Russia. These systems are being tested for year 2000 compatibility, and for each of them the plan of efforts and the list of actions in emergency situations are being developed.

A network of Competence Centers has being created for training technical specialists, developing recommendations, etc. The number of these centers has now reached 73. According to the latest data, by the moment more than 500 critical objects, potentially subject to negative Y2K effects, have been revealed among dangerous, ecologically harmful, or uninterruptable manufacturing enterprises.

According to governmental decree of January 21, 1999, the governmental committee on Y2K problem has been formed. This body controls Y2K readiness of the computer systems, owned by ministries, departments and regions of the Russian Federation. On March 26, 1999, the committee adopted the National Plan of Efforts on Solving the Year 2000 Problem in Russian Federation. Drafts of the president's and governmental decrees on the most urgent efforts in this field have also been prepared.

Russian experts take an active part in workgroups of the "Big Eight" and international institutions, aimed at solving the Y2K problem, including the European Union committee, UN Secretariat, and others. Within the framework of the corresponding agreements, consultations with governmental institutions of the foreign countries and leading foreign software vendors are being held.

Source: InfoArt News Agency

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