What is the problem? Simply put - many Information Technology systems may not be able to process dates in the Year 2000. The problem arises because many systems have been designed to only use 2 digits to represent the year, for example 98 for 1998. Therefore these systems will represent Year 2000 as '00' and because this cannot be distinguished from 1900, processing problems occur. The problem is not restricted to computer systems but extends to networks, security systems, lifts, telecommunications switches, cars, video recorders, and anything with embedded chip technology.

In order to assess the extent to which the business might be affected by the Millennium Bug it was first necessary to assemble a full inventory of all systems and equipment. Then an impact assessment was carried out to investigate whether or not the system or equipment was in fact time/date dependent. In many cases it was necessary to write to the suppliers of the system to fully ascertain its compliance status. Other activities included setting budgets and drafting of detailed business and project plans.

This phase began on 2 June 1998, with the Regional Testing Workshop, held in Barbados. The purpose was to look at the ways in which to approach the testing of the Millennium Bug "fixes" that required to be implemented across the region. By sharing the workload for testing common components, Cable & Wireless businesses across the region were able to leverage off one another and achieve one of the key objectives of the programme – ensuring minimal duplication of effort through the sharing of information. To facilitate this sharing of information, a secure internet site, "Knowledge Library", was developed. Phase 2 was by far the most labour intensive of the programme and has overun the original deadline of 31 December 1998. This is due mostly to the dependence on suppliers to deliver the "millennium ready" versions of their products.

Cable & Wireless has a risk strategy designed to identify significant risks at the Group level and to monitor the resolution of these risks, escalating where necessary. This strategy is then enhanced at the business unit level and allows each business to identify and mitigate risks locally. In January 1999 at the Regional Contingency Planning Workshop in Barbados, Cable & Wireless focussed on how existing business continuity plans could be utilised to deal with the potential risks posed by the millennium. Cable & Wireless has also developed a comprehensive "toolkit" to assist businesses in preparing their millennium contingency plans.

The sheer scale of the millennium programme and the fact that almost every business function is in some way impacted means that the cost is considerable. Capital investments have been necessary to repair or replace non-compliant kit with compliant kit. Software systems have been re-written to accommodate the expanded four digit date field for the year. Cable & Wireless has striven to keep programme costs to a minimum by exercising its position as a global customer with key suppliers to get the best possible price deals on system upgrades. Nevertheless the estimated cost of the programme across all Caribbean businesses is around 25 million pounds sterling.