The University achieved Y2K compliance for its mission critical systems by the HK SAR Government target date of 30th June. However, more preparation work remains. An academic department is still working at its final stage of replacing a number of old PCs and the related software.  At the same time, the Computer Centre has been placing its effort to increase our confidence in the resilience of the central administration systems and to coordinate with departments to formulate their Y2K contigency plans.

Integrated tests were conducted during the last two weeks of September to ensure that all the central administration application systems will work together without any Y2K-induced problem. These involved user departments in testing the systems and especially those parts which interface with other administrations systems outside their control. These tests were useful in highlighting a few minor problems and have given us more confidence that these systems will function properly in the new year.

The most important item to deal with at this stage is the completion of contingency plans. Each department must draw up a plan detailing what precautions it will take to offset any problems which might occur at the year end or over the leap year. These contingency plans should cover both what can be done to minimise disruption to the department in the unlikely failure of its own I.T. systems and also the possibly more likely scenario of outsiders having problems.

These threats include the failure of the utilities such as electricity and water to maintain their normal service, but perhaps more importantly, delays by consumable goods suppliers. Some of these may well be small or medium business enterprises which have not had the knowledge, time or good sense to ensure that their I.T. systems were Y2K compliant. The general level of Y2K awareness and preparedness in Hong Kong seems to be well ahead of many of our neighbours and so any disruption is likely to be short term but even a few days without a key consumable could be a great nuisance. Your plans should envisage a defensive position to cover a period of at most one week for most supplies, Though some vital goods sourced from less well organised places than Kong Kong may need a longer term strategy.

A briefing session for departmental Y2K coordinators was held on October 27 to familiarise them with the potential problem areas and to offer suggestions as to formats for drawing up department contingency plans.

At the university level a task force has been set up to establish guidelines for dealing with contingency planning for events that might affect the university as a whole. The Finance Office, Registry, Estates Office, Safety Office, Office of Student Affairs, Computer Centre and V.C's Office are represented.  A student representative will also be invited to join the task force.

D.P. Carthy
Tel: 28590535
Email: dpc@cc.hku.hk