Pentagon still lags in Y2K compliance

After spending more than $8 billion, 97% of the most

important computers controlled by the United States government are now

certified Y2K compliant according to a report released by the White House

this week. Still lagging is the Pentagon, according to the report, issued

by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Some 169 military

"mission critical" systems, including 53 "secret"

systems, remain non-compliant. With a number of these system updates

scheduled for completion after January 1, the Y2K code glitch is expected

to cause some problems with military computer systems and networks.

In all some 217 "mission critical" government systems

operated by nine of the 24 Cabinet departments and key remain

non-compliant, down from 410 in June. They include systems in the

departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Health and Human

Services, Justice, Treasury and Transportation, as well as the Agency for

International Development. The U.S. Military has been carrying out the

largest and most complex Y2K testing operation initiated anywhere. To make

sure that all mission critical systems are operational if armed forces are

involved in a major conflict, at least two war conflict simulation

exercises, involving every branch of the military, are being conducted.

With so many systems involved, the OMB said the military is certain to

experience some Y2K difficulties. Overall, "We feel confident as we

go into the home stretch," said the OMB spokeswoman Linda Ricci.

"The U.S. government is in good shape for the calendar rollover.