Banks are not the only businesses compiling lists of problematic companies, sometimes called "leper lists." Federal Express, for instance, has used a system of so-called green, yellow or red lights to assess the Y2K status of suppliers, vendors and airports.

There's been a lot of discussion among economists about the idea of some supplier countries being just sort of put on a leper list where it's clear that you're not going to be ready for Y2K so we're going to stop dealing with you.

Some firms worry that Y2K glitches might force unprepared clients, customers, and suppliers out of business, and to guard against such unpleasant surprises many are now creating leper lists to protect themselves from potential plague victims.