Photo credit: www.entrepreneur.com
San Francisco Upgrades Ancient Train Control System Still Running on Floppy Disks
For those familiar with the evolution of technology, it’s astonishing to learn that San Francisco’s Automatic Train Control System (ATCS) still relies on outdated floppy disk technology for data storage. These disks, once indispensable in the computing world, offer a stark reminder of how far we have come in digital storage solutions.
Introduced by IBM in the 1970s, floppy disks dominated data storage throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their use began to decline as technology advanced, notably with Apple’s decision to remove floppy drives from the iMac in 1998, followed by Dell’s move in 2003. The last manufacturing of floppy disks by Sony ceased in 2011, marking the end of an era for this once ubiquitous storage medium.
Despite their obsolescence, these floppy disks have continued to play a role in managing the Muni Metro light rail system. Recently, the Municipal Transportation Agency board approved a significant $212 million upgrade aimed at replacing this antiquated method of data management. This transition will eliminate the daily routine of loading data from floppy disks, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
The existing ATCS uses wire loops to communicate data, a setup that is prone to disruption and operates at a slower speed compared to modern wireless modems. This presents vulnerabilities, particularly in a city like San Francisco, which is prone to seismic activity. With the region frequently experiencing earthquakes, maintaining a reliable communication system is essential for public safety.
According to Muni Director of Transit Julie Kirschbaum, the new system from Hitachi is projected to be “five generations ahead” of the current equipment. This upgrade is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reliability, signaling a much-needed advancement in the infrastructure of the city’s public transit.
As cities across the globe continue to modernize their transportation systems, the upgrade of San Francisco’s ATCS is a significant step toward embracing more modern technologies, leaving behind the remnants of the floppy disk era.
Source
www.entrepreneur.com