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San Francisco to pay $212 million to end reliance on 5.25-inch floppy disks (arstechnica.com)

submitted 4 weeks ago by todd_bonzalez@lemm.ee to c/technology@lemmy.world

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[–] reddig33@lemmy.world 19 points 4 weeks ago (2 children)

According to the article, the other improvements are priced separately from the $212 million de-floppy-ing.

[–] halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world 31 points 4 weeks ago

And that cost includes decades of support.

The $212 million contract includes support services from Hitachi for "20 to 25 years," the Chronicle said.

[–] exasperation@lemm.ee 22 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

No, the $212 million includes the entire upgrade (and 20 years of support) of the automatic train control system. The full $700 million plus is for the overall modernization of multiple systems.

[–] reddig33@lemmy.world 7 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) (1 children)

Not disputing what you said — just clarifying that other upgrades are not part of the $212 mil and what is meant by “whole system”. The $212 is just to replace the floppy based system with something newer that includes a service contract.

“Beyond the floppies, though, the Muni Metro needs many more upgrades. The SFMTA plans to spend $700 million (including the $212 million Hitachi contract) to overhaul the light rail's control system. This includes replacing the loop cable system for sending data across the servers and trains. The cables are said to be a more pressing concern than the use of floppy disks. “

Supposedly the new system is five gens ahead of the old system and would have additional features. Some would say “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” but whatever. I’m sure it will be as fancy as upgrading to Windows 11 at that price.

[–] exasperation@lemm.ee 2 points 3 weeks ago

Yeah, I understand the article to be saying that the Hitachi contract is for the train control system, including the software and equipment necessary for the operation of the train underground. The broader system upgrades include communications systems between trains and stations. At least how I read it.