news
year 2023
Why airports should never take the risk of being locked in…
In today’s world modern airports are heavily reliant upon IT systems and there are many around.
Whatever the solution – whether pure software or hardware based or a mix of both – the risk exists that by making the wrong choices at the start, there is no longer another choice possible in the long run.
The adoption of open-source solutions is paramount to ensure a long-term flexibility and to mitigate the risks associated with a vendor lock-in. Many airports have been struggling with proprietary solutions deployed at their airport as there is often no way to update these without heavy investments.
Proprietary software and hardware solutions often create a dependency on a single vendor, limiting an airport’s ability to adapt to evolving technologies or seamlessly transition between suppliers.
Open-source solutions, based on widely available technologies offer airports the freedom to customize, modify, and extend their systems according to new needs and this often by themselves without having to rely upon their vendor to make changes or create updates.
This flexibility facilitates interoperability, enabling airports to integrate new technologies seamlessly without being bound to a specific vendor’s proprietary protocols.
Proprietary, closed systems lead to increased costs and complexities when attempting to integrate diverse technologies or upgrade some of its components as it can only be managed by the specific vendor and that is a position you don’t want to end up with.
The aviation industry is inherently dynamic, with technological advancements and regulatory changes occurring frequently. Open-source solutions empower airports to stay agile, fostering innovation and collaboration within a broader community. This collaborative approach often results in more robust, reliable, and secure systems, as a diverse group of contributors – often within the airport itself – can identify and address vulnerabilities much more effectively.
Moreover, embracing open source aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability, allowing airports to maintain control over their own IT infrastructure.
In the event of vendor dissatisfaction or unforeseen circumstances, airports leveraging open-source solutions can transition between suppliers without encountering compatibility issues or substantial reengineering costs.
Whenever new solutions need to be integrated whether full software driven or whether a combination of hardware and software – think of Airfield Ground Lighting Management Systems (ALCMS) – you have every interest to understand the technology used, how it has been adopted by major companies around the world and what you – the airport decision taker – can do to operate and manage it yourself.
By adopting standardized technologies, airports not only future-proof their IT infrastructure but also contribute to the growth of a collaborative ecosystem that benefits the entire aviation industry.
In an era where adaptability is key, open source emerges as a strategic choice, empowering airports to navigate the complexities of technological evolution without the shackles of vendor lock-in.
Check out OCEM Airfield’s latest ALCMS system built upon the principles of web services and easily implementable (or even integrable) no matter what existing IT system here or get in touch with us via marketing@ocem.com to know more about our approach.