This ISP assessment lifecycle is designed to be an example only - it is not complete (your suggestions are welcome).  Only ISPs know their own networks.  Adapt this example to your own needs so that you conduct a complete assessment of your network.  If you do not have time to complete the lifecycle, prioritize between critical systems and lower priority systems, and remediate accordingly.

Inventory: The listing of every component of your system that could possibly have a date conversion problem.  This includes critical and supports systems (such as security systems on your doors).

Assessment: This is the determination of the Y2K vulnerability of your inventory.  Many manufacturers, like Cisco, have extensive information on their websites.  Consult the websites, and compare the inventory to the manufacturer's database.  If there is no online database, you may have to contact the companies directly.  If the component is not Y2K compliant, what needs to be done?  Upgrade?  Replace? Repair?

Remediation Go and do.  In this step, you conduct those actions determined necessary during assessment.  If you are a large company and you have time, you may remediate one small portion of your network and then test it.  If it works, you then rollout your remediation to your entire network.

Testing: Test everything that you can.  Testing is likely to take up most of your time.  Tests must be set up with care so that you do not actually damage your systems.  First test the individual units.  Then slowly plug it back into your system, testing it in an ever expanded environment.  Some 24x7 systems can only be tested in lab conditions.  It is said that for every 4 fixes, 1 error is introduced.

Contingency Plans: Anticipate likely failures and plan for them.  You may wish to have a full technical staff on board and working that night.  You may also want to make sure you have readily accessible funds for repairs.  Know when to operate at less than optimum levels and when to simply shut down, and have someone clearly designated to make these determinations.  Do you need a backup power supply?

Share Information: Take advantage of the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act and share as much information as you can.

For more information, see The President's Council <www.y2k.gov> and the U.S. Small Business Administration <www.sba.gov/y2k/>.

FCC Y2K Souvenirs