Small businesses say they're Y2K-ready

Small businesses indicate they are prepared for the Y2K computer bug, according to a recent national survey of information technology decision makers conducted by Irvine, Calif.-based Sage Software Inc., a provider of business accounting software solutions.

The survey's results reveal 55 percent of small businesses have already fixed the problem and 38 percent are working on it.

Staffing and costs are also being contained on average, small businesses are spending about $16,600 toward Y2K mitigation.

The Sage survey also indicates that small business managers do not foresee the same dire outcome predicted in a recent report from Congress, which estimates that 750,000 small businesses are at risk of temporary shutdown or significant financial loss as a result of the Y2K problem.

The U.S. Small Business Admin-istration recently released a list of 10 suggestions for small business owners to assure their computer systems, office machines and suppliers are ready to handle the 2000 date change, as well as the 2000 leap-year glitch:

10. With slightly more than 100 days left before Jan. 1, 2000, you will have to step up your efforts to complete tasks needed to determine if your computers and other dependent equipment will fail.

9. If your computer systems are running Windows '95 or '98, be aware they are not Y2K compliant unless you have the installed software updates.

8. If you bought your computer before 1997, a test for Y2K problems is definitely in order.

7. Don't think Y2K relates only to computers.

Phone and voice mail systems, HVAC and fax machines all may contain embedded computer chips that could be susceptible to Y2K.

6. Don't wait until the last minute to prepare your company.

Get estimates and make sure all systems will be checked.

5. Don't accept a Y2K specialist's word for it that your systems are prepared.

Test and re-test your equipment.

4. Do continue to check for new upgrades. A new and improved patch may come out Dec. 31.

3. Be aware that the Y2K problem does not end Jan. 1, 2000.

The leap year date of Feb. 29 did not exist in 1900, but it does in 2000. Be sure your systems are checked for the leap-year glitch problem as well.

2. Don't wait until your systems crash Jan. 1, 2000, to get help with Y2K. Expect to be on a waiting list for a Y2K specialist who can get your systems up and running after ringing in the new year.

1. Contact your lender to find out about the SBA Y2K Action Loan, a congressionally-sponsored, lower-interest loan with longer-term payback features that assists small businesses with their Y2K preparation.

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