Two conferences on Y2K problem have been recently held in Russia. A nation-wide scientific and practical conference "Year 2000 problem in Russia and the ways of solving it" took place in Samara city on September 29 and 30, 1999. Then, the conference entitled "Year 2000 problem in Russia" was arranged in Moscow on October 8, 1999, the last day of Internetcom '99 show.

The conference in Samara was held by the State Committee on Telecommunications of Russian Federation (Gostelecom RF), SIRIUS Association of system integration and development of IT and control systems, Administration of Samara region and Algorithm Group consulting holding. The event was supported by Canadian Agency Of International Cooperation and World Bank. The conference was attended by approximately 160 experts from various companies and organizations from 16 regions of Russia. On top of that, representatives of Canadian embassy in Russia, USAID Information Center on Year 2000 Problem, USA Ministry of Trade, and a number of Russian ministries and organizations took part in the conference.

The conference program included more than 25 reports on various aspects of the millennium problem, possible ways of eliminating it and minimization of its possible consequences in Russian information and telecommunication systems. Despite the short time remaining before the deadline, many participants expressed their belief in completing all necessary efforts in time. Some speakers at the conference definitely stated that there are no reasons to expect any major catastrophes and disasters in Russia on the new millennium night.

Mr. Alexander Volokitin, vice-chairman of the Gostelecom, spoke at the conference about the efforts undertaken by his organization in this field. A system of Competence Centers on "Problem 2000" is established in Russia. By the moment, there are more than 160 centers of this sort, certified by Gostelecom RF, regional governmental institutions and specific ministries. On top of that, special task groups are established in governmental institutions of Russian territories, ministries, at critical enterprises and service facilities. These groups are concentrated on control of Y2K readiness of their respective systems.

Mr. Erich Jendel, the head of Canadian Agency Of International Cooperation, highly appreciated the results of Samara conference. He also underscored that the millenium problem is a complex one and nobody can provide a definite guarantee that nothing will happen or that something will happen, be it in Russia, Canada or any other country.

On October 8, 1999, the conference entitled "Year 2000 problem in Russia" took place in Moscow. It was held by Algorithm Group consulting holding and supported by parliamentary committee on information politics and communications and by National Association of Stock Market Participants. The conference was devoted to Y2K readiness of IT systems in the most dangerous and socially critical industries, including oil and gas industry, transport, communications, medicine, etc. Ways and techniques of solving the millenium problem in various fields of business activity were also considered. On top of that, the round table entitled "Year 2000 problem in governmental information systems" was held during the conference. Among the discussioners, there were representatives of International Scientific and Technical Center, Ministry of Extreme Situations, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Nuclear Power and Ministry of Science.

In general, the perspectives of meeting the millennium midnight are rather optimistic in view of these conferences. Yet many specialists responsible for Y2K readiness of their systems will have to meet the New Year at their working places.

Source: InfoArt News Agency

Is this material of interest to you?    Yes;   Partly;   No;   Comments:

---