By Cathy Cockrell, Public Affairs
Posted March 17, 1999

Berkeley's efforts to prepare for the year 2000 computer bug took another step forward March 15 with the launch of a new web site. Located at y2k.berkeley.edu, the site provides a wealth of information to help departments make sure their systems and equipment continue to work properly come Jan. 1, 2000, when the "millennium bug" is set to strike.

The campus has been working for some time to make critical central administrative, student, building, transportation and safety systems Y2K compliant.

But as Chancellor Berdahl emphasized in a March 15 administrative memo, individual departments bear responsibility for ensuring that their systems and equipment will pass the Year 2000 barrier without problems.

Created by a steering committee and working subcommittees from units across campus, the new Y2K web site is designed to help faculty, business officers and other staff identify and solve Y2K issues related to research equipment, embedded chips in research and instructional equipment, desktop computers, customized applications, administrative equipment, leased buildings, and campus vendors.

"The scope of the Y2K problem goes far beyond central campus services," said Vice Chancellor Horace Mitchell, who convened the campuswide steering committee. "The Y2K web site represents a tremendous amount of teamwork on the part of staff and faculty throughout the campus."

The site includes frequently asked questions, a glossary of Y2K-related terms, a listing of upcoming campus events related to Y2K compliance, and links to off-campus year 2000 resources. A separate button on the Y2K home page leads directly to information of special interest to students.

New information will be added to the site on a continuing basis. An email service, providing notification about site updates, will be available soon.

"We will continue to work together," said Mitchell, "to provide the most up-to-date information available to ensure that our critical services continue uninterrupted."

Y2K Informational Meeting Set for March 31

Campus is planning a series of informational events to raise awareness, provide updates and field questions on Y2K equipment and information issues.

The first is a meeting March 31, from noon to 1 p.m., in 101 Life Sciences Addition. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend.

Panelists will include speakers from scientific research units, Information Systems & Technology, Purchasing and Physical Plant/Campus Services. The meeting will also offer an opportunity for questions and discussion.

The March 31 meeting will be followed by a series of events highlighting more specialized Y2K issues.

March 17 - 30, 1999 (Volume 27, Number 27)
Copyright 1999, The Regents of the University of California.
Produced and maintained by the Office of Public Affairs at UC Berkeley.
Comments? E-mail berkeleyan@pa.urel.berkeley.edu.