Cloud Computing

Re-imagining an Airport IT Infrastructure

Motivation

Airlines increasingly rely on computer and network connected systems for their day to day operations.

When these systems fail or networks become unreachable, the effects can cascade quickly.

Cloud technologies are seen as a solution to availability problems in much of the IT world.

Common Use refers to an airport platform on which all passenger processing can take place.

Going back a while

Back in 1984, IATA created the Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) standard for passenger check-in and boarding.

Supported high demand from the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Implementation challenges

CUPPS - Common Use Passenger Processing Systems

It is simpler to install and provide support for passenger processing operations, which means lower costs for airlines and airports.
 

Neither CUTE nor CUPPS allow for true location-independent passenger processing – they are not fully cloud based

The need for the cloud arises, allowing airlines and airports the flexibility to adjust their systems according to their needs.

Technology Trends

Application Virtualisation

The cloud provider update or install applications at all supported sites simultaneously.

Decoupling applications also puts less demand on the workstations and means they can be run as thin clients.

Improved Networks

Networks have improved both in terms of capacity, or bandwidth, and speed.

It is now possible to cost-effectively move large amounts of data over networks.

New Devices

The ability to use tablets and other portable screens anywhere means staff can be more flexible with location as long as they can connect to a network. 

Advantages

Reduced Hardware costs

Reduced maintenance costs

Maximizing the efficiency of local IT staff

Reduced Network Costs

Cheaper to use the Internet vs WANs

Energy Efficiency 

Thin clients. Laptops, Tablets, Smartphones

Ease of Certification

One size fits all.

Physical Space

Move it away. Repurpose the space.

Location Flexibility

Myths

All Clouds are public

“The research shows a continuing trend toward both private and public clouds being delivered as a managed service by cloud service providers.” - VMware

The Cloud is not secure

Using techniques such as:

• distinct pools of resources with access restricted to connections made from behind one organisation’s firewall

• dedicated leased lines

• on-site internal hosting

can ensure that operations are kept out of the reach of prying eyes.

Control is lost when moving to the cloud

• Private cloud is only accessible by a single organisation

• Ability to configure and manage the private cloud inline with organizational need

Result: Tailored Network Solution

Systems must stop when connection goes down

This can be mitigated by using mechanisms such as:

• ​Cached data
• Version Control
• Asynchronous software

Is it risky to migrate to the cloud?

State of the cloud in 2030

19% 
Traditional IT

29% 
Private
Cloud

52% 
Public
Cloud

source:  VMWare