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HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES University Prepared for Y2K By Alvin Powell
As anticipation grows and the time frame shrinks before Jan. 1, 2000, University officials are putting the finishing touches on their preparations to deal with potential disruptions resulting from the Year 2000 computer bug. Plans have been painstakingly drawn, generators installed, and dry ice ordered to keep hot things hot and cold things cold just in case of widespread power outages. One of the last pieces of the puzzle was put in place Dec. 1, with the establishment of a Y2K Information Line to answer questions from members of the Harvard community about the impending change. The number (617) 384-2000, is a university exchange and can be reached on campus by dialing 4-2000. "I feel very gratified at the participation across the University and from the Central Administration. That kind of cooperation is unique," said Elizabeth Eagan, project manager with University Information Systems and one of the University’s Y2K coordinators. Through Dec. 23, the special telephone line will be answered by the University’s computer Help Desk, which will handle University-wide issues and refer School-specific questions to the Y2K coordinators at the individual Schools. After Dec. 23, when University operations slow for the week between Christmas and New Year’s, the Y2K Information Line will supply recorded updates and referral numbers for individual Schools. To report technological problems during that week, employees should contact the usual technological support personnel. For medical and operational emergencies, use the normal emergency numbers (all 617 area code):Cambridge Medical and Police Urgent Response: 495-1212Cambridge Operational Emergencies: 495-5560Telecommunications Problems: 495-4900Longwood Medical and Police Urgent Response: 432-1212 Longwood Campus Security: 432-1379 Environmental Health and Safety: 495-5560 Longwood Computer Support: 432-2000 Longwood Telephone Support: 432-2335 As the clocks change on New Year’s Eve, the University Operations Center will be staffed with electricians and other specialized workers standing by in case of an emergency, Eagan said. Eagan and Scott Bradner, the University’s two Y2K coordinators, will be at the Operations Center that night until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Eagan said. She plans to post any needed updates on the University’s Year 2000 Web page on Jan. 1. In addition to the Web page update, there will be a written summary report e-mailed to Y2K coordinators and sponsors on Jan. 1, Eagan said. The Year 2000 page can be found at http://www.uis.harvard.edu/year2000. As for general predictions about Y2K, Eagan said she thinks preparations already taken will avoid major troubles on New Year’s Day. "We’ve been so focused on the weekend, that night will probably turn out fine," Eagan said.
Copyright 1999 President and Fellows of Harvard College |