Companies join together to create cloud for aviation professionals

A group of researchers from General Electric Company have formed a partnership with NASA to work toward allowing air traffic management for NextGen to connect to the cloud. According to Scientific Computing, it will allow air traffic managers to share information with airlines in real time by providing data analysis and support tools to improve aircraft operations and flight efficiency.

"Cloud computing is computing that allows a user to tap into a remote location where data storage and computational capabilities are virtually limitless," the source reported. "It already is revolutionizing how information storage and business operations are managed on the ground but has been slower to progress in the aviation sector, especially in safety-critical areas, such as the [air traffic management] arena."

The shift to cloud won't be much different from what many commercial airlines are currently doing. According to the source, many corporations are currently using the cloud to replace most of their data centers, which is saving them millions of dollars in maintenance and capital spending.

According to business management software company SAP, the cloud can be used for many purposes, but one of its main benefits is the amount of money that companies can save by implementing the technology. Adopting cloud solutions allows for many processes to be automated, which allows IT professionals to focus on other tasks and can help companies become more efficient and reduce IT training.

"Since cloud-computing software isn’t hardware, there are less expenses associated with the upkeep and updating of the programs," the source reported. "Updates are made to the service and time isn’t wasted downloading new software and figuring out how to install. Also, if there is an IT issue with the program or confusion about how to use a specific function, cloud services have exceptional customer service and IT consultants ready to help with any issue. This reduces the need for heavy on-site IT services and constant training."

Through integrating the cloud to air traffic management, GE said  that it will be able to continue to build the Industrial Internet, an expansion plan that was introduced last November. The Industrial Internet, which Scientific Computing refers to as "the next evolution in product development," is a network of machines that will enable consumers to realize the cloud's benefits. The company intends to continue integrating the cloud with aviation technology in an effort to revolutionize the industry. 

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