An information technology consultant believes that Bermuda can take advantage of a global weakness that has been discovered in computer programmes that threatens to create havoc in the year 2000. Ian Linnegan, the former director of education and training at the Bermuda Insurance Institute, is doing research work for the KPMG Impact Programme in London, which is seeking to address the issue. Recently on the Island, Mr. Linnegan said, "I've spoken to about 20 different companies and the government and I'm quite impressed with the general awareness of the year 2000 issue in the information technology sector. "But I'm not convinced at the moment that that knowledge and awareness of the problem have been passed up to the executive level. This is a fairly complex issue and it's not just a matter of a company getting its act together. "It will have to work in conjunction with the banks, the government, customs here in Bermuda and any number of other entities. They all have to work together. "But Bermuda is in a good position because of its centrality and its history of government and companies working together toward a common goal.'' But he believes that too many people here have not yet examined the problem in detail or prepared accurate budget projections, to have them approved by executive management so that the problem can be resolved. Mr. Linnegan has been involved in discussions with Charles Katt, a partner at KPMG in Bermuda, toward possibly staging an on-Island educational conference in the coming weeks to address the issue. Mr. Linnegan said, "This whole thing is going to be a threat to a lot of business domiciles. But with correct management, the whole issue can be used to Bermuda's advantage, if various groups here work together. If Bermuda is ahead of the competition, it can market itself as being `2000 compliant'. Other jurisdictions, we know, will have to get on line, one way or the other. But the KPMG Impact Programme's research shows that has not happened yet.'' He has been having discussions with leading international companies in Bermuda toward future solutions. He said, "We've already done some research in London with UK companies and it will be great if Bermuda could utilise that information so that it can move ahead at a much faster pace.'' PHOTO IAN LINNEGAN -- Complex issue.