How Stromasys Eliminates the Hidden Risks of Legacy Hardware in Air Traffic Control

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Downtime in Air Traffic Control (ATC) is more than just a technical problem. Because lives depend on uninterrupted flow, precise data, and seamless coordination. Imagine an ATC system locking up as outdated hardware fails, diverting flights and risking lives.

This threat is real for ATC organizations worldwide. Unfortunately, many of these ATC systems STILL rely on hardware that’s far beyond its prime.

Finding a reliable and affordable way to support important legacy software is the key challenge. Stromasys’ hardware virtualization solutions solve this problem, offering business continuity to ATC systems. This article delves profoundly into this situation, discussing the underlying problem and subsequently offering a sustainable, budget-friendly solution.

How Aging Hardware Puts ATC at Breaking Point

In many situations, the hardware (processors or specific device types) they use can become outdated much sooner than the software that runs on them.

What if the underlying hardware is silently damaging mission-critical ATC operations? The potential consequences can be severe. Legacy hardware brings three primary hazards:

• Unpredictable Instability: Worn parts degrade, raising failure rates with each passing year.
• Runaway Maintenance Costs: Many operators spend over 50% of their annual IT budget on maintaining old infrastructure.
• Replacement Parts Scarcity: Rare spare parts make repairs take longer and cost more.

The financial impact is significant. Even worse? When hardware malfunctions, the ATC operations are at severe risk. Not only that, but it also endangers the lives of crew members and passengers.

Why Uninterrupted Mission-Critical Applications are Non-Negotiable

ATC is probably the most critical component of the aviation industry. And the applications running ATC are responsible for managing the safe and efficient movement of aircraft both in the air and on the ground.

Simply put, they manage airspace allocation, flight plans, and live communications relentlessly. Interruptions can disrupt schedules and create chaos. This can ultimately put lives at risk.

But replacing the applications is rarely feasible. Because these software applications have gone through robust testing & certification and are not easy to replace. In fact, ATC operators are often reluctant to change these efficient, reliable, and familiar methodologies.

However, if you’re exploring alternatives, it’s important to recognize that rewriting or re-engineering these systems can be both costly and time-consuming. As a result, many are compelled to seek more cost-effective solutions.

How Stromasys Charon Removes the Risk

Everything boils down to this: how to keep using valuable software or applications when the hardware they are meant for is risky, costly, or no longer available?

Stromasys has proven experience in helping the ATC Sector solve the problem of the aging hardware that can undermine the stability and security of the software applications.

It offers just-in-time emulation for SPARC, PA-RISC, AlphaServer, and VAX servers on standard x86 technology. This enables the creation of a new infrastructure for all ATC applications that operate on Solaris, HP-UX, TRU64, and OpenVMS – without any modification at all to these operating systems.

There is no need for re-certification as ATC applications can run unmodified on the new x86 infrastructure without any changes. This way, ATC operators can sidestep the immense cost and time associated with re-certification.

Benefits

With Stromasys, the ATC system remains safe and reliable. Operators don’t need to worry about compatibility issues.

Whether using physical servers, virtual servers, or even cloud servers, Stromasys ensures ATC applications can move to new infrastructures without any friction. This, in turn, helps them meet the ongoing business continuity and safety standards (so critical in the aviation industry). This flexibility also helps ATC save on costs while keeping long-term data storage affordable.

Moreover, this new environment prevents collisions, organizes air traffic flows, provides pilots with crucial information, and helps coordinate take-offs, landings & route adjustments.

Ultimately, the variety of possible infrastructure layers is crucial for providing a cost-effective, long-term archiving solution.

Final Message for ATC Operators

Vulnerabilities arise as this ATC hardware gets older. In addition to operational risks, safety and security are also compromised.

With Stromasys, ATC operators get futuristic dependability. Charon solutions bridge legacy and modern technology to protect critical air traffic systems, remain compliant, and achieve new advances in aviation.

The choice is clear for aviation leaders: embrace modern infrastructure as business evolves. To ensure uninterrupted business continuity, connect with Stromasys’ legacy experts who have extensive experience in similar projects.

Talk to an Expert

About Author

Tuhin Das

Tuhin is a passionate writer with more than 7 years of experience in technical and marketing writing. With a unique ability to connect with his readers on a deeper level, he crafts content that not only captivates but also inspires action. Always on the cutting edge of industry trends, he excels at breaking down complex ideas into clear, engaging narratives that drive engagement and fuel business growth. Beyond his inherent inclination for writing, he is a sports enthusiast and a traveller, always seeking new experiences to enrich his perspective and creativity.