The so-called Year 2000 Bug (Y2K) could imperil thousands of computer systems around the world because their software and computer chips were not designed to deal with the millennium date change.

Priced at $300,000, the Fast Forward Financials Y2K package includes Oracles software to run payroll, accounting and other functions in a company.

Oracle, based in Redwood Shores, California, said in 60 days it can install the software and work with customers so their systems and software are immune from the damage many experts expect at the turn of the century.

"Year 2000 is definitely a problem and its one thing you're going to see large companies dealing with over the next 18 months," said Martin Marshall, an analyst with market research firm Zona Research.

The Year 2000 computer problem stems from computerprogrammes using a two-digit format to stand for years. When January 1, 2000, hits, many computers will interpret the year as 1900. That could wreak havoc on large computers used by insurance companies, banks, Wall Street firms and airlines.

The offering from Oracle, which bundles software, support, service and education in one package, could help Oracle boost revenue in its applications business.

Sales of its applications software, which helps companies manage payroll, accounting and other functions, have been erratic in recent quarters while sales of its mainstay database software have slowed due to increasing competition and a slower overall market.