Symantec 1999 Annual Report Download - page 47

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33
We track the progress of the Year 2000 on a sub-project level. The following table is a summary of the completion
status and currently expected completion date of each phase for each sub-project. The expected completion dates are
subject to the risks and uncertainties of locating and correcting errors in complex computer systems. The actual dates
on which we complete each phase may vary significantly. Some sub-project completion dates have shifted since our
last 10-Q filing. We have realized that our principal software vendor will be providing delayed Year 2000 patches
throughout 1999. These patches need to be tested before installing them into our environment. In order to optimize
the usage of our special test environment and people resources, we have conservatively extended our Limited Systems
Test phase. Again, we realized that some of our primary hardware vendors would continue to supply delayed Year
2000 fixes through 1999 and therefore we will need to prepare accordingly. Building and related facilities dates were
modified to address the resources involved in the physical move of our World Headquarters in the latter half of 1999.
We believe that these conservative date modifications will not impair our ability to remain in business before,
throughout and beyond the transition into the new millenium. Periodic updates regarding the Year 2000 status are
provided to both the Executive Staff and Board of Directors.
Sub-Project Phase and Status or Due Date
Limited
Assessment Planning Remediation System Test
Business Systems Complete Complete Complete Jul-Dec 1999
Networks, Servers & Communications
Americas Complete Complete Complete Jul-Dec 1999
EMEA Complete Complete Sep 1999 Oct-Dec 1999
Japan & Asia/Pacific Complete Complete Sep 1999 Oct-Dec 1999
Desktop and Mobile Computers Complete Complete Sep 1999 Jul-Dec 1999
Buildings and Related Facilities Complete Sep 1999 Dec 1999 Jul-Dec 1999
Suppliers and Outside Services Complete Aug 1999 Oct 1999 Oct-Dec 1999
If our electric power or telephone services are interrupted for significant periods, some of our facilities might be unable
to operate. We maintain business recovery plans for our major locations to provide for an orderly response to various
disaster scenarios. We are reviewing and augmenting these plans to provide contingency plans for potential internal
and external Year 2000 related problems. We have scheduled completion of the analysis and the associated
contingency plans for September 1999.
We believe that, following our conversion to new software and modifications of existing computer hardware and
software, we will not suffer significant operational problems with our computer systems due to the Year 2000.
However, if we are unable to complete remaining modifications and conversions in a timely manner, Year 2000
noncompliance might materially adversely impact our operations. Because testing of the Year 2000 functionality of
our systems must occur in a simulated environment, we are unable to test fully all Year 2000 interfaces and capabilities
prior to the Year 2000.
We have not deferred any other information systems projects as a result of our focus on Year 2000 compliance issues.
We believe that our exposure from Year 2000 issues is not material to our business as a whole. However, if certain
key suppliers or distributors should suffer business interruptions due to Year 2000 problems, we could be forced to
delay product shipments.