Technology chiefs blase about bug in business

By Adam Gifford

Only 25 per cent of New Zealand information technology managers think the year 2000 computer bug will have a serious impact - and only four per cent rate the likely impact "very serious".

That's the finding of a new survey of 180 businesses by Research International [www.research-int.co.nz].

One in four thought the impact would be not at all serious - the same percentage as admitted having no understanding or only a limited understanding of the year 2000 problem.

Only 10 per cent believed a doomsday scenario of power outages and food shortages was likely, but almost 90 per cent intended to be ready - just in case.

Some 85 per cent perceived the business community was well prepared to deal with any year 2000 issues, but almost half believed the Government's preparations were inadequate.

The sample was evenly split when asked whether they thought their business would be affected.