Bay Networks has implemented a Year 2000 program designed to reduce business disruptions caused by the critical date issue and assist customers in developing enterprise networking infrastructures that are Year 2000 compliant.
The program includes training for end-users, network device assessment services, training and certification for resellers, an interactive Web site, and incentive programs to help defray the cost of replacing non-compliant network equipment.
According to computer industry analyst firm Forrester Research, only 35 percent of the world`s companies are expected to have prepared for the Year 2000 challenge such that they will experience little or no disruption in their business. Adding to the challenge is the lack of a worldwide date standard for the many critical date issues the coming millennium will bring.
"While the IT community has been very focused on resolving Year 2000 issues, the emphasis has primarily been on applications," said Bay channel and marketing manager Francois Bodart.
"Now that customers have a clear action plan for bringing their applications into compliance, we want to help them address the infrastructure issues they now face. Accomplishing enterprise-level compliance is a huge task for customers, and they are looking to vendors for assistance in meeting this challenge."
"We have performed extensive compliance testing on our products. A compliance matrix and detailed Year 2000 test methodology are available to our customers via the World Wide Web at http://www.baynetworks.com/year2000.
Bay has developed the Bay Networks Service Methodology for use by its field technical force and Bay Service Partners. One of the services, the Year 2000 Network Device Assessment Service for Bay products, is designed to reduce internal IT staff burden, while providing customers expert assistance in determining network device compliance and planning for the phase out of non-compliant products.
Services range from a compliance assessment of Bay`s devices, to the development of migration strategies and network design. Bay business partners and internal consultants are being trained to offer these services to customers. Customers interested in receiving network assessments should contact their local sales and service representatives.
Customers who prefer to perform their own network assessment can do so using a variety of tools available on the World Wide Web. These tools include Bay Year 2000 test methodology, product compliance tables, and Year 2000 Policy.
An important tool available to customers is the Year 2000 product compliance database, which allows customers to determine if a product is compliant by simply entering the product order number. For products that are not compliant, the database will also provide recommendations on comparable products that meet compliance criteria.
"Because migrating to a Year 2000 compliant network can mean replacing several pieces of equipment, it can be an expensive project," said Bay country manager Doug Batchelor. "In an effort to reduce the burden on customers, Bay is offering customers worldwide a trade-in incentive of up to US$700 (about R4 200) per port for non-compliant products - depending on product family."
This rebate is available for all non-compliant Bay products, as well as devices from other vendors that customers suspect may not be compliant. This offer is void where prohibited, and certain restrictions may apply. Year 2000 compliance is subject to certain terms and conditions included in Bay`s sales agreements with its customers. Official terms and conditions are available
at http://www.baynetworks.com/switchtobay.
The Network Assessment service is currently available in North America and will be rolled out worldwide over the next several months. Pricing is provided through custom quoting and will vary according to customer requirements. The Y2K trade-in rebate program is available to end-users worldwide. Other Y2K programs are provided at no cost to customers. For more information please visit http://www.baynetworks.com/year2000.
In addition to Bay`s Year 2000 initiatives, Nortel`s other lines of business have comprehensive Year 2000 programs in place. All Nortel`s lines of business plan to substantially complete their Year 2000 product programs by December 31, 1998.
Nortel anticipates that deployment of Year-2000-ready-products and product upgrades will continue throughout 1999 at the request of product users. More information about Nortel`s Year 2000 program, including the Year 2000 upgrade status of specific Nortel products, can be found on the Nortel Year 2000 website at http://www.nortel.com/year2000.
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