Author(s)

RÚBEN ARAÚJO, JOAQUIM NUNES, AFONSO FERNANDES, ROLANDO MARTINS

Abstract

The ongoing technological evolution implies a continuous effort to update OCC (Operation Control Centre) solutions to match market needs and directives. Given that, EFACEC, a long-time player on the transportation business domain, is actively seeking novel solutions to correspond to customer requirements. From this context NewDimensions was born, a project that aims to make use of the current scientific state-of-the-art technologies and architectures for a new generation of company’s software solutions for the railway market, through seamless integration of cloud computing, machine learning and cybersecurity. A particular product (INOSS PIS Rail) is becoming a pilot project for the ongoing modernization that is taking place within EFACEC’s transportation solutions. A modular microservice oriented approach was chosen to drive the development onwards. Moving from legacy architecture to microservices allows us to build more reliable products, that are easier to scale up and down while having simpler deployment processes. In this paper we reveal the first steps taken to achieve a modern “OCC-as-a-service” solution. It is analysed the impact of the new architectures and technologies implemented, why they were chosen and their practical application. We also address the principles followed during the progressive modernization process. Finally, we present the next steps to continue this modernization and the direction that shall be taken.

Keywords

OCC, cloud computing, microservices, machine-learning, cybersecurity, NewDimensions