From the Publisher
The Millennium, and the associated fear, excitement, biblical overtones, and now the looming "Y2K" (Year 2000) computer crisis presents an opportunity for a book that is a light-hearted look at the phenomenon - as opposed to the "doom and gloom" propounded in the increasing volume of Y2K publications.
The title itself is a play on words - "Why 2K is OK". The book:
* Appeals to a wide range of audiences interested in the problem, and needing a little relief.
* Is an inexpensive paperback, black and white book.
* Has humorous essays, witty photographic contrasts, and an appendix of resources (giving the book "value added" beyond mere humor).
* Has a preface written by Representative Connie Morella, MD, Co-Chair, House Y2K Task Force
* Is the first in a series of Why...technology books aimed at the "techie" and the technophobe.
* Is a computer book, a popular culture book, and a satirical book all in one.
About the Author
Jon Kendall is the typical Silicon Valley-type entrepreneur, only on the wrong coast and without a Stanford education and without the millions of dollars. He has worked in the technology industry since graduating from college. While still in college, he went to work repairing sensitive electronic equipment in a recording studio and tape duplication house. When his tool kit evolved into a wide collection of different size and styles of hammers, used to hit the sensitive electronic gear ("Oh well Boss, this one is REALLY broken, send it back to the factory"), he realized that he should find something better to do than starve to death. At this point he went to work for technology contractors and learned the craft of technology, systems integration, selling, and management. He found that figuring out what the client needs done and applying the appropriate technology to meet the need actually worked better than throwing technology at the problem hoping that something will work (like the competition seemed to do!) His first startup in 1988 appropriately named Kendall Associates, concentrated on integrating technology into education and healthcare facilities. In 1993 Jon wised up, got some partners (who were smarter than he - not hard) and formed INTEGREX Systems Corporation. In 1997, INTEGREX was acquired by DAOU Systems Inc. of San Diego which is now a successful publicly-traded, $100M, 800-person healthcare technology firm. Jon's new startup is ideaReserve LLC, a professional services firm assisting educational institutions with the application of technology into the learning environment. Jon is also a regular speaker at conferences such as the American Institute of Architects, Society of College and University Planners, and Health Information Management Systems Society on technology in the future.
Paul, the typical first-born overachiever, has his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Masters in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey; just the thing for a post-industrial society to rebuild. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (Yes, another lawyer...) Paul has worked for numerous "Beltway Bandits" (those technology and management firms distributed around the Washington, DC beltway whose sole goal is to coax money out of the United States Government to do "stuff"). His illustrious career has brought him from the intricacies of solar energy ("It's the next big thing!..you might need it now that the power's out") to nuclear submarines (no longer necessary), website development, computer programming, and environmental clean up. His background in dealing with the Year 2000 computer problem is rooted in reading newspaper stories and preparing his concrete lined bomb shelter with soybeans and Pepsi One.
Other members of the team include... well, there are no other members of the team! Just two guys heavily invested in Millennium Bug Spray futures. Two guys that see the future... and the future is, well, not so bad as long as you don't mind BACK BREAKING LABOR AND STARVATION.
