Silicon Valley is grappling with an outdated floppy disk-based train control system, raising fears of potential failure and the need for an urgent upgrade.
Floppy Trains
Outdated San Francisco Technology
In San Francisco, the center of Silicon Valley, the public is alarmed by the use of automated train control system running on outdated floppy disks. The head of a local transport company expressed concerns about the risk of a critical failure, since the system has exhausted its resource, and its replacement is not planned for at least the next ten years.
Continued use of old technologies
Around the world, some critical infrastructure still relies on technologies of the last century. Until 2019, US nuclear forces used 1970s IBM computers and 8-inch floppy disks to transmit commands. Given the difficulty of modernizing such systems, the situation in San Francisco is not surprising, but it is a clear example of the use of outdated technologies.
Problems and plans to replace the system
The head of the San Francisco transportation company noted that the system , introduced in 1998, was developed in an era when computers did not have hard drives. However, hard drives were already common in the early 1990s. The system has exceeded its service life of 20-25 years, and every year the risk of data degradation on floppy disks increases. The implementation of a modern management system requires significant funds and time - several hundred million dollars and at least ten years. Local officials are aiming to create an integrated system for trains and subways in San Francisco and surrounding areas, but there are no contracts or timelines for the project yet.
Glossary
- Silicon Valley is a region in California known for its high concentration of high-tech companies and innovative startups.
- SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) is the municipal transportation agency of San Francisco, responsible for the city's public transportation.
- SACCS (Strategic Automated Command and Control System) - an automated strategic control system for US nuclear forces.
- IBM Series/1 is a series of minicomputers produced by IBM in the 1970s.
Links
- ABC7 News: San Francisco train system has been running on floppy disks. ..
- C4ISRNet: The US nuclear forces' Dr. Strangelove-era messaging system finally got rid of its floppy disks
Answers to questions
What's the problem with San Francisco's train control system?
Why is such an old system used?
What are your plans to modernize the system?
How long can the current floppy disk system last?
Is the problem of outdated technology common?
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Discussion of the topic – Floppy Diskettes Don't Give Up: San Francisco Trains Are Run by an Outdated Floppy Disk System
In San Francisco, the center of Silicon Valley, trains are controlled by a floppy disk system that must remain in service for another 10 years, raising concerns about the risk of failure.
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Aleksandr
It's amazing that even in a tech hub like Silicon Valley, floppy disks are still used! 💾 I can imagine the reaction of young people when they find out that our critical infrastructure is supported by floppy disks from the last century.
Inga
Yes, the situation is surreal! 😳 But to be honest, I'm more concerned about the mention of the risk of a "catastrophic error" due to the aging of the system. Was it really impossible to show foresight and modernize it earlier?
Maksym
There is clearly a lack of funding and priorities among local authorities. 💰 Although, in theory, the San Francisco transport system should be a flagship for innovation. The article mentions costs of hundreds of millions of dollars - this is, of course, a significant amount, but we are talking about the safety of people.
Günther
Did you notice the journalist's mistake about the size of the floppy disks? 🤓 It seems that the younger generation is no longer aware that there were such retro media as 5.25-inch floppy disks. Times are changing, technology is developing rapidly.
Hermann
Come on, this is all nonsense and ridiculous trends! 😒 Why do we need newfangled technologies if the good old system has been working properly for so many years? All these modernizations are simply pumping money out of the budget under a plausible pretext.
Veronika
As a tech enthusiast, I would happily welcome innovation in transportation management. 👩💻 Imagine what prospects cloud technologies, big data analysis and artificial intelligence open up for optimizing logistics and increasing efficiency!
Matteo
It seems to me that an obvious problem cannot be ignored just because replacing the system will require financial investments. Considering the cost of operation and maintenance each year, not to mention the risks, upgrading is an investment that will pay off in the long run. 💰💡
Alina
You know, in my opinion, the main problem here is the lack of flexible and strategic thinking among local officials. 🤯 Thanks to stories like this, we see how outdated technologies slow down progress. Instead of excuses, we need to look for solutions - attract experts, introduce new practices.
Juan
Whatever one may say, hard drives began to be used everywhere long before the end of the 90s! 🤔 So the reasoning of the head of SFMTA about the reasons for the introduction of floppy disks sounds incorrect. This is simply an attempt to justify poor management and delaying the modernization of a critical system.