FEDRO: phase-out of software with help of Zühlke

• Critical legacy system to be phased out

• Sensible, fast implementation thanks to trust-based partnership

• New system reduces maintenance costs and also offers new features and an improved end-user experience

A core application used by Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is built around an end-of-life technology and needs to be phased out for security reasons. Zühlke is handling the application modernisation project.

Legacy system as a security risk

The specialised application TRA has been used by FEDRO since 2010 and is a key element for planning maintenance projects on Switzerland’s motorways. The application is built around Microsoft .NET technology and, among other things, uses the Silverlight framework for the graphical user interface. Microsoft, and therefore the operator as well, will stop supporting Silverlight at the end of 2021. For security reasons, the affected applications must therefore be migrated and the existing framework phased out. FEDRO is bringing in Zühlke to handle the job.

Sensible implementation through trust-based cooperation

During the first stage, the Zühlke team will examine technology alternatives to Silverlight and prepare a proof of concept. Next, it will move forward with the implementation in collaboration with an external project manager from FEDRA. The focus here will be on the core functions. The partnership is rooted in a fundamental relationship of trust and a pragmatic approach to finding solutions. In the subsequent phase, Zühlke will also handle development, maintenance, and operations for the system.

A simpler application and lower costs

By phasing out the old solution, FEDRA once again has a functioning system that is fit for the future. New features can now be integrated, the UX has been improved for end users, and simpler maintenance has made it possible to reduce costs.