Gartner advises caution on Y2K recommendations

Poorly considered Year 2000 statements can create a crisis where none exists, according to industry analysts Gartner Group.

In a Gartner report, analyst Andy Kyte said regardless of industry or area, politicians and Y2K programme managers should be wary of making logistically impossible recommendations, which increase the potential for panic related behaviour.

Kyte cited as an example as US Department of the Energy (DOE) statement issued earlier this month which said it was "cautiously optimistic" that US oil supplies will not be disrupted due to Y2K related issues, but recommended that consumers and businesses should have back up fuel plans, just in case Y2K computer problems disrupt fuel supplies.

Kyte said this statement might actually create problems as customers decide to stock up on fuel at the end of the year.