ctivity in the field of information technology had two main priorities in 1998: the gradual ensurance of the safe transition of the company's information systems into the approaching year 2000 - the Y2K project, and the introduction of a new communication system into daily practice - the Intranet.

CSA has been devoting itself to ensuring the smooth transition of information technology into the year 2000, since 1997. The Y2K project has a high priority in the company and includes both the checking of all computer systems and their preparation for the year 2000, and also the examination of deliveries and services from the external suppliers on which CSA depends. It is the duty of two working teams to solve all problems connected with Y2K transition.

The first team is responsible for the area of information technology systems (guest systems, in-house systems, computer hardware and software, computer networks). Stock-taking of these systems was finished in the first quarter of 1998 and their renovation was begun and continued throughout the year. At the same time, the adjustment and testing of the programmes that CSA has access to and the testing of "guest systems" went on. 30 June 1999 is the planned date to have all tests successfully completed.

The second team is dealing with solving external problems. Its main task is to ensure that all CSA partners are prepared for a problem-free transition into 2000. In the course of 1998, all CSA sections carried out an inventory of external contacts, i.e. CSA's commercial partners - aimed at checking their readiness by the end of June 1999. The second half of 1999 will serve as a reserve for problem-solving.

In connection with any possible external and internal risks which may appear at the time of transition into 2000 - in 1998 CSA carried out, and has continued to carry out throughout 1999, the checking and updating of current procedures and to see if there is a need to work out new, alternative procedures for possible emergency situations.

The second priority in the area of information technology was to make the "CSA Intranet" functional. This task was successfully completed in May 1998 and thus, made a considerable improvement in communication within the company. The "Intranet" is divided into two parts - one public, available to all computer network users, and another, closed part, divided according to individual divisions and available only to the employees of the given division.

The public part is used to distribute up-to-date information to all employees, for example, instructions and advice for software users, the distribution of current versions of software, a telephone directory, organisational standards and regulations, special bulletins, the offer of training courses for employees, employment opportunities, holiday information, etc. The closed part contains, especially, the operational regulations of the given division, divisional newsletters, the internal regulations of Vice-Presidents, etc.

CSA also utilises the Internet as a source of information. Via E-mail, it communicates with external bodies and commercial representations in the Czech Republic and abroad.

CSA's information pages are published at www.csa.cz and contain a wide range of information for the public.