COTS: Proving the Point

The future of rail safety has been decided. Standardized commercial off-the-shelf controllers are replacing proprietary systems as the go-to safety hardware in more and more parts of the world. System integrators are now taking the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to free themselves and their customers from vendor lock-in, creating safety solutions that are not only more adaptable to new situations but reduce costs. One hotspot is France, where system integrators are proving the point that COTS is indeed the industry’s future.

If you could get a first-class ticket for less than a second-class ticket, would you take it? Of course you would. No wonder solution providers, engineering companies and operators alike are now switching from cost intensive proprietary systems to COTS controllers that even increase the safety level: from main train lines and interlockings to tunnels and signaling. In France, open, easy-to-commission, and ready-to-use rail safety systems see a boost.

What a quick ride! When the city of Caen needed to replace its guided busway that carries 42,000 passengers a day, our partner Mobility-Crossway was on board. Its COTS based signaling solution was completed way ahead of schedule (not a fluke, as you can see here!).

Find out more about our partner Mobility-Crossway

Read the Caen le Mer story