In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency still relies on 5.25-inch floppy disks to load the software required to run the central servers for its Muni Metro light rail line. This reliance on outdated technology has raised eyebrows and concerns about the safety and efficiency of the system. While it may seem like a nostalgic throwback to the days of dial-up internet and blocky computer graphics, the reality is that floppy disks are far from ideal for critical infrastructure like train control systems.
The director of transportation for the agency, Jeffrey Tumlin, has highlighted the risks associated with using floppy disks in a modern technological landscape. He warns that as the years go by, the risk of data degradation on the floppy disks increases, eventually leading to a catastrophic failure. With the lifespan of floppy disks ranging from 10 to 20 years when stored correctly, and the last diskette maker ceasing production in 2010, the SFMTA’s reliance on this technology is a ticking time bomb.
The SFMTA is not alone in its reliance on outdated floppy disk technology. In recent years, critical systems in industries such as aviation and defense have been found to still be using floppy disks for essential functions. Boeing was discovered to be updating its retired 747 fleet with 3.5-inch floppies as recently as 2020, while the US nuclear arsenal relied on a floppy drive-based computer system up until 2019. These examples serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of clinging to outdated technology in high-stakes environments.
While the SFMTA has acknowledged the need to update its train control system and eliminate its reliance on floppy disks, progress has been slow. Initial planning for the system upgrade began in 2018, but due to covid-related delays, the project is now expected to be completed by 2029-2030. This prolonged timeline raises concerns about the safety and reliability of the system in the interim, as the risks associated with floppy disk failure continue to mount.
Despite the widespread shift towards cloud storage, flash drives, and other modern data storage solutions, floppy disks continue to cling to relevance in unexpected places. The longevity of these seemingly obsolete storage devices is a testament to their durability and resilience. While their days may be numbered in critical systems like train control, floppy disks have left an indelible mark on the history of technology and continue to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era of computing.
The reliance on floppy disks in critical infrastructure like train control systems highlights the need for ongoing innovation and adaptation in the face of technological advancements. While the humble floppy disk may hold a certain nostalgic charm, its practicality and reliability in modern systems are highly questionable. It is imperative that organizations like the SFMTA prioritize the transition to more robust and efficient data storage solutions to ensure the safety and efficiency of essential services. The clock is ticking on the era of floppy disks, and the time for change is now.
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