NASA Mainframe Decommission

The Situation

The advent of mini computers, client servers and mid range computers has reduced the need for organizations to keep once essential mainframe computers up and running.  NASA was no exception. 

After dramatically downsizing its mainframe capacity over the last ten years, NASA was down to one remaining operating mainframe. In the name of convenience and cost-efficiency, NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) officials made the decision to decommission this final mainframe.  By switching to a Microsoft Windows Server environment, NASA estimated the agency could cut costs by roughly $5.5 million per year.   NASA required an expert IT project management contractor to come in and manage all aspects of this extremely complex venture. NetLander was assigned to manage this project given its IT Project Management contract with NASA.

The Challenges

  • The first challenge was financial.  The application migration was an unfunded mandate.  NetLander constructed the strategy and presentation to secure agency fund of $1.4 million to conduct the mainframe decommission.
  • NASA’s final mainframe was the most difficult to decommission.  Since NASA had moved their most critical information and applications onto it, minor mistakes could result in major loss of data and systems.  Supreme accuracy was key.
  • A major obstacle was to migrate off of the mainframe without impacting current users and operations of current systems.
  • Ensuring a smooth transition to a platform so NASA could move to an interim state, future state, and within a reasonable budget.
  • This decommission project required maintaining several critical applications while converting to the new platform:
    • A training and certification system:  System used by NASA and Contractors to track training and employee certification.
    • The Configuration Management Data System, which links all the facilities drawings, blueprints, and ground support equipment (since 1982).
    • Financial Data (legacy):  Applications not used but it is the only way to access old financial Data.
    • Procurement Data (legacy):  Applications not used but it is the only way to access old Contract Data.

 

The Solution & Results

  • NetLander worked with stakeholders, 10,000 plus users, IT management, and management from every directorate within NASA-KSC. The team crafted a set of alternatives to get a technical concept approach that met stakeholder’s requirements.
  • NASA was able to shut down NASA’s final mainframe due to NetLander’s actions along with an exceptional team of IT professionals at KSC.
  • The team’s ability to convert to Windows servers will save NASA an estimated $5.5 million per year.
  • With a Windows server platform, KSC is better postured for future modern technology as there is a plentiful population skilled in the new system versus the small and aging population skilled in mainframe aspects.

 

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