SAIL set to be Y2K-compliant by October

SAIL set to be Y2K-compliant by October

Sunil Mukhopadhyay

Calcutta, June 8: Steel Authority of India Ltd is set to be Y2K compliant by October, sources said. Ensuring Y2K compliance means upgrading hardware and software systems, fixing all database in a manner that they are rid of the Millennium Bug and finally testing all applications well before January 1, 2000. "Of course, this simple recipe belies the daunting complexity of the task that requires a massive mobilisation of resources. The estimated cost of carrying out remedial measures is Rs 4.5 crore which includes replacement, upgrading of hardware and system software and implementation," a senior SAIL official said.

SAIL has carried out a study of various operations, processes and functions which may be affected by the Millennium Bug. Based on this study, the company is not expecting any business and embedded system problem as corrective measures are already in progress. "The work for carrying out these corrective measures would be completed by the end October 1999, including testing and implementation," theofficial said.

Services of UEC SAIL Information Technology Ltd (USIT), a joint venture of SAIL with USX Engineers Consultants Inc, US, been engaged to assist SAIL in its Y2K efforts at its various plants and units. Under SAIL's `Year 2000 Readiness' effort steps already taken by the company are:

Designating at each plant a Y2K coordinator;

Spreading awareness about the problem itself;

Preparation of the inventory at each unit of all possible on-Y2K-compliant elements;

Assessment of replacement and remedial work;

Developing a test approach;

Formulating a comprehensive plan for securing budget and other resources;

Installing a system of reporting progress on a monthly basis; and

Constituting a corporate task force to monitor progress towards compliance.

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