Spring Time-Change can Cause Issues

By Gary Armstrong

Although not as big as Y2k, this time-change could make your calendar seem like a disaster.

February 24 | 2007

On March 11, 2007, Daylight Savings Time will start three weeks earlier and will end one week later than what has traditionally occurred. This change is typically referred to as DST 2007. Under the DST 2007 rules, in the United States, clocks change at 02:00 local time. Along with this change on November 4, 2007, clocks will move backward from 01:59 to 01:00.

Some of the Microsoft products affected by this change are:

• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services
• Microsoft Exchange Server
• Microsoft Office Outlook
• Microsoft Office Live Meeting
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• Microsoft SQL Server Notification Services
• Microsoft Entourage

Microsoft has already released patches for most of the products on the above list. The patches can be easily downloaded off Microsoft’s site by clicking the link on their home page titled Daylight Savings Time updates. Computers set up to receive automatic updates most likely already have the updates. For updates to other Microsoft products just do a simple search for DST updates on Microsoft’s site.

The two main processes likely to be affected by the change in DST are appointment scheduling and payroll hours calculations. In addition to operating system updates, Outlook users should run the Outlook Time Zone Update Tool. Users should also double-check appointments that fall into these date ranges and communicate with all meeting invitees to make sure that the item shows up correctly on everyone’s calendar both internally and externally.

If you’re using our Ultimate IT service you have nothing to worry about as we’ve already taken care of these Microsoft patches for you.

Here are some steps to help prevent errors on your calendars:

• Include the time of the meeting in the e-mail request so that invitees can double check the correct meeting time (such as, “Project brainstorming - 11:00 A.M. Central Time”).
• Exercise caution with the appointments and meetings in the extended DST period. When in doubt, verify the correct time with the appointment organizer.
• Consider printing out your weekly calendars during the extended DST period prior to applying the Windows patch containing the updated time zone definitions and running the Outlook Time Zone Update tool so that you can keep track of which meetings were scheduled before and after you run the tool.

Other programs may be affected by the change in DST as well. It’s best to check with the software vendor to see if patches are available. Custom developed programs and in-house applications typically may not have a patch readily available. If your company has any programs that you think will need to be patched, Ignus has a talented programming group available to help out. If you have any other questions just give Ignus a call at 280-9040.

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