IT File - Euro squad formed.

E-business management solutions provider Scala has announced it has formed a ‘Euro Hit Team’ to help clients change over to the euro and avoid Y2K-style panic.

All businesses currently using a eurozone currency must convert their accounts to the euro by 31 December 2001.

If a business is trading in the countries that have accepted the euro – including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany and Ireland – there is no avoiding a conversion.

However, if a business is based in a European country that has not yet accepted the euro – such as in the UK, Denmark or Sweden and trades with businesses in the eurozone, it must deal in euros to stay competitive.

The launch follows concerns expressed by BASDA of low take-up rates.

Dennis Keeling, chief executive of business software developer trade association BASDA, recently revealed the EC was very concerned about the low numbers and expressed a wish to find out whether there were any problems with software.

‘Many of our global clients are starting to realise that the deadline for converting their accounting systems to support the euro is getting closer, and they should plan now to avoid taking any risks,’ said Steve Humble, Scala’s senior vice president of client solutions.

‘By forming a ‘hit team’ to co-ordinate euro conversions across borders and share expert knowledge, we are assuring our clients who trade in or with European markets that they will be ready in time.’

The Euro Hit Team includes consultants from European countries – in the eurozone and outside – with experience of implementing changing business processes.

According to Humble, changing to the euro is not just about software.

‘Knowing how to deal with business issues is vital,’ he said. ‘Some issues are obvious, but others have more subtle effects like changing competitive markets and opportunities for buying and selling. Changing from national currency units to the euro may affect your existing internal business processes. As a result of the currency change by a supplier, your trading operations may also be affected.’

[email protected] www.scalaworld.com.