This bug that affected computer devices during the transition from 1999 to 2000 occurred because the display of years in the date was coded for most devices on two digits (those of the tens) and not four. Many computer interfaces thus displayed 1900 instead of 2000
In three years, we will change century and millennium. An important date for the computer specialists responsible for ensuring this transition on software that did not anticipate this situation. Commentary and factual images alternate with the explanations of Michel GUILLOT, CEO of easier, IT company.
The Ministry of Economy has mobilized nearly 500 people plus a whole network of informants around the world to watch for the year 2000 and a possible computer bug. Comment on factual images, interviews with Gérard THERY (mission manager "Passage An 2000"), Christian SAUTTER, Minister of Economy and Michel LE CLAINCHE (communication ministry of economy).
En prévision du changement de siècle et de millénaire, le monde de l’informatique craignait le bug ultime : l’impossibilité pour tous les systèmes de passer de 1999 à 2000, les dates ayant été formatées en ne gardant que les deux derniers chiffres. Le premier janvier 2000 serait donc lu comme le 1er janvier 1900. Une belle panique en perspective.
Thousands of technicians worked hard during the New Year’s Eve to avoid the computer bug that finally did not take place. State of play at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport and abroad (Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Spain). The Minister of Economy and Finance, Christian Sautter, is reassuring and says that economic activity will restart normally.
The Minister of Economy Dominique STRAUSS-KAHN has announced a dozen measures to help businesses and administrations free them from the effects of the year 2000 bug on computer systems. Commentary on factual images and interviews with the Minister of Economy and Finance, Dominique STRAUSS KAHN and Marylise LEBRANCHU (Secretary of State, in charge of SMEs, Trade and Crafts).
The Y2K bug is not only the business of businesses and merchants, it is also the business of all computer users. The PC clock could be a source of problems but a solution exists with the use of CD Rom verification. Comment on factual images and explanations by Jean-Charles GRUMBACH, IT specialist France 2.
The fear of the Y2K bug made air passengers flee for the night of 31December. This led the airlines to cancel almost all flights. Yet, they prepared with enforcement. Commentary on factual images and interviews with Jean CREMET (Head of "An 2000" Air France), Francis CLINCKS (Deputy General Manager Paris Airport) and Anne-Marie LAUNAY (Operations Coordinator).
Marylise LEBRANCHU, Secretary of State for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (Smes), has just announced that Microsoft software and Windows 98 were not configured to go beyond the year 2000. The claim was denied by Microsoft. The commentary on archival and illustration images alternates with interviews with Marylise LEBRANCHU, Secretary of State for Small and Medium Enterprises and Olivier EZRATTY, Director of Marketing and Communication at Microsoft France.
The only computer problems recorded after the year 2000 concern traders or SMEs which have not anticipated and verified the compatibility of their terminals. Example in the Bouches du Rhône where Polytech makes emergency repairs.
The dreaded computer bug did not finally happen, most of the big French companies have resumed work today. Examples include Mulhouse health insurance, the Post Office, and a computer repairman. Marylise LEBRANCHU, Secretary of State for SMEs, Trade and Crafts justifies the expenses incurred to avoid the bug.
The "bug" of the Year 2000 did not finally take place. Was the money spent to avoid it justified? Apart from some technical problems of bank terminals, the National Year 2000 Committee installed at the Ministry of Economy and Finance ensures that the worst was avoided. Interview with Pierre Yves LE BIHAN (delegate general IT club of the big French companies) and statement to the press by Christian SAUTTER, Minister of Economy and Finance who justifies the financial effort made to avoid the bug.