Remember those clunky floppy disks from the early days of computers? Believe it or not, some government offices around the world still relied on them! But that’s no longer the case in Japan.
Japan’s Digital Agency recently announced a major victory – they’ve finally eliminated the use of floppy disks in their government computer systems! While most systems have transitioned to more modern storage solutions, there’s one lone holdout: an environmental system monitoring vehicle recycling that still uses floppy disks.
Digital Minister Taro Kono declared this a win in the “war on floppy disks,” much to the amusement of many (we can only imagine the relief of not having to deal with those frustrating, hard-to-tear dot matrix printer papers anymore!).
Minister Kono’s crusade against outdated technology began in 2022. Back then, a staggering 1,900 government procedures relied on floppy disks, alongside other relics like fax machines, CDs, and MiniDiscs. His declaration of “war” on floppy disks on a popular social media platform gained significant attention, highlighting the need for modernization.
Interestingly, Japan wasn’t alone in its reliance on floppy disks. The US military, for example, once used 8-inch floppy disks in their Strategic Automated Command and Control System (SACCS) – a system responsible for handling nuclear launch codes! Thankfully, this Cold War-era system was finally phased out in 2019. Let’s hope they also upgraded the office decor along the way!
This news from Japan serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing technological advancements. By moving away from outdated systems, governments can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure better security for their data. So, sayonara floppy disks, and hello to a more digital future!
Source: hEngadget.com
