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30 Looking Ahead 1 (1998-1999)

handle is hein.journals/trends30 and id is 1 raw text is: VIEWS FROM THE CHAIR Secion to, Undertake New Initiatives El by George M Knapp I a Section, we periodically address the question of how we can provide the type of information and other services of highest value to our members. When I look at this issue, two considerations are paramount. From a long-term perspective, the type of work we do, and even the regions of the world where our services are required, will change. From a day-to-day stand- point, the need for timely delivery of information is critical-to a significant extent, lawyers' stock-in-trade is not so much what they have done, but what they know. Those considerations help explain the specific goals I have selected for my term a Section Chair. - My highest priority will be to direct Section resources so that Section com- mittees, and Section members, can use technoloy for real-time delivery of information. The day has already arrived when Section members have used the Section's e-mail forum to deliv- er information ahead of the trade press. For example, a query from a Section George M. Knapp is Section Chair. He is a partner in the Washington, DC, office of Coudert Brothers, and con- centrates his practice on the develop- ment and financing of domestic and international infrastructure projects. member has led to a candid discussion among Section members of the causes of recent price swings in midwestern power markets, and the potential for changes in approaches to energy indus- try restructuring. Section members have already used the Section's listserv to identify potential pro bono counsel, research precedent from other jurisdictions, and notify members of new court decisions and agency action. All of these uses of tech- nology provide further proof of the importance for the Section, in providing member services, of upgrading our tech- nical capabilities and supporting innov- ative uses of technology. The benefits derived from increased use of technology reflect the fact that, as a national association with international membeiship, this Section provides a forum for members to discuss issues and benefit-from experiences gained in different regions, and different practice areas. Historically, we have relied on CLE programming, publications, and Section meetings to provide this exchange of ideas. Technology allows for wider dissemination of information. But we need not stop there. I have proposed that we expand the focus of our Section meetings to allow time for a dialogue and discussion of issues. Our organizational work-the internal discussions-need not con- sume vast blocks of time at our Council meetings. We will experiment with a new structure for our Fall Council Meet- ing. At the Sunday Council meeting, we will discuss some of the key topics that have been the focus of CLE presenta- tions at our Fall Meeting. As a Section, we can then decide on future initiatives, such as public service programming, issues papers, or policy resolutions. The increased use of technology and the broadening in focus of our Council meetings reflects a great strength of our Section. We are fortunate to be a diverse Section of interrelated practice areas. This diversity has an added bene- fit. Our practices will change over the course of our careers. In a Section of our size, there is bound to be at least a handful of members that are already doing the kind of work' that others will need to do (or be expected to do) in the continued on pale 7. Environmental Risks fortusinessEIndustry: Embedded Systems and the Y2K Problem M by Claudia Rs T he Year 2000 (Y2K) problem has the potential for wreaking real havoc with environmental compliance, yet sur- prisingly few seem aware of the dangers. While most may associate the Y2K problem with computer software and hardware, looming larger may be the Y2K failures from embedded systems. Claudia Rast is a partner at Dickin- son Wright Moon Van Dusen & Free- man in Detroit. She is Chair of the Section's Special, Committee on Com- munications Technology and a liaison to the ABA Coordinating Committee on Legal Technology. This article origi- nally appeared in Vol. 14, No. 3 of Environmental Compliance & Litigation Strategy, August 1998. What Are Embedded Systems? Embedded systems are typically written in a low-level code that is burned (or embedded) into a microchip's read- only memory (ROM), and cannot be altered. The U.K. Institute of Electrical Engineers describes their presence as far from obvious to the casual observer, and even' the more technically skilled might need to examine the operation of a piece of.equipment for some time before being able to conclude that an embedded control system was involved. in its functioning: Thus, the first trick is to find all the embedded systems in your operations. Finding Embedded Systems Embedded systems are usually a part of computerized control panels, which carefully monitor and- regulate every- thing from nuclear reactors and electric power grids to waste water treatment operations and underground tank farms. Embedded systems can also be found as a part of stand-alone equipment that is not connected to a computer system or control panel. A familiar example in the medical context is the defibrillation machine. Y21K experts in the embedded systems area offer checklists to help nar row the search for-stand-alone embedded systems. In the May/June 1998 edition of the Year 2000 Journal, Dave Bettinger set forth the following checklist of questions to ask about stand- alone devices: * Does it operate with electricity? If yes, continue. If no, it's low risk. - Does it have a battery or similar backup power supply? If yes, contin- ue. If no, it's low risk. * Does it have a display? If yes, con- tinue. If no, it's low risk. * Does it have a microprocessor? If yes, continue,. If no, it's low risk. • Does it have a calendar? If yes, continue. If no, it's low risk.

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