If it works, why change it? German rail traffic still relies on software that was released in 1993.
Some of the ICE trains operating in Germany rely on the operating system published more than 30 years ago. Darklanlan / All Over Press
The German state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn, perhaps better known as DB, is looking for a specialist to run an extraordinary old system.
Most obviously, the state-owned company no longer has enough know-how to maintain the mature Windows 3.11 operating system – or at least preparations have been made for such a situation.
The person hired for the position has to manage an operating system whose support has already been discontinued in 2001.
In addition to Windows 3.11 competence, experience with the MS-DOS environment and Windows for Workgroup is valued. The tasks reportedly include updating drivers and general maintenance of the old system.
The announcement published on the website of the recruitment company has since been removed.
An important task
Although ancient software is used in the task, it is not a trivial task in terms of rail safety either.
The old Windows is actually relied on in the system that runs the screens in the cabins of Intercity Express (ICE) trains, from which train drivers monitor the train’s technical data in real time.
The first ICE trains were introduced in Germany in 1990. They are scheduled to be replaced by newer ICE 5 trains in the early 2030s, so Windows 3.11 experts may still be needed for years.
Sources: Tom’s Hardware, Rail Tech