Our company uses RSSS and has been in the process of upgrading our old software. Our computers previously used the Zenix program, which has no support for Y2K; we have switched to Unix software, which is Y2K compliant. We are also in the process of getting rid of some older computers. Our goal is to be finished updating all our systems by July 1, 1999.
We have not taken an aggressive stance to ensure that our vendors are taking steps to be Y2K-compliant, but we should. Sending out surveys is a possibility.
John Ketchum
ALL-PRO RENTAL-PURCHASE INC.
DOUGLAS, GEORGIA
We have verified our computing systems and are currently ready for Y2K. All-Pro hired a computer technician who has been updating our banking system and running diagnostics on all our computers for the past six months.
All-Pro is a small company. We don’t anticipate any problems. We are prepared and our bank is up to speed. I believe that those who have not made adjustments for Y2K will have some big problems on their hands.
Tracey Morgan
ODYSSEY LEASING INC.
GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND
Our company has been High Touch software users for a long time and is scheduled to have the Y2K compliant version installed in our stores in March 1999. We have already encountered problems with customer payment plans that extend beyond 2000. An example of this is where a customer had pre-paid up until January 2000, but our system couldn’t recognize it and considered the payment overdue.
To avoid any more problems like this one, we are exploring Y2K issues and options regarding our account system. Mid-summer is our goal to have all updating completed; any later and it’s right in the middle of our fourth quarter busy season.
C.C. and J.J. Engeran
NATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS INC.
SLIDELL, LOUISIANA
The computers in our stores run on the “different” program, an old program we own the rights to. This program has allowed us to enter payment dates way beyond 2000, as well as different data. As for the accounting in our corporate office, those computer systems will be receiving updates to ensure their compliance with Y2K.
Customers want support when they rent a computer. We do anticipate a few kinks with vendors, but we have documentation that our systems are ready. We truly believe that everyone should be patient in regards to Y2K.
Terry Mullins
RARICK’S RENTALS INC.
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
Rarick’s changed its operational software one year ago. All of our systems are presently Y2K compliant; however, we will be running another check in a few months.
We have customer rental agreements well into the next two years and pay-on dates past 2000.
We feel safe about our software, but our hardware needs to be double checked. Accessories like printers, etc., are and will be important to our company’s communications in the future.
Bob Porter
COLORAMA RENTAL CENTER
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
We have two major considerations with Y2K — our software and hardware. We have assurance that our software is Y2K compliant at this time. During the next six months, we will systematically replace outdated hardware with June 30, 1999, being our goal for completion.
Above all else, I believe we all need to depend on each other to get all aspects of the RTO industry Y2K compliant. However, if a vendor can’t bill us, that’s not the worst thing in the world!
Ed Stanko
RENT RITE RENTAL PURCHASE
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
Luckily, because our company is less than one year old, we have been Y2K compliant from the start. We feel comfortable that we have done all we can do on our end. We do realize, however, that we are just as susceptible to problems as the next company and will stay in contact with our venders to make sure things keep running smoothly.
Allison Hunt is a journalism student at the University of Texas at Austin.
