Japan eliminates the usage of floppy disks - in 2024?

[phenomlab]

In a significant move towards modernization, Japan is finally phasing out the use of floppy disks in its governmental and administrative processes. This step is part of a broader effort to streamline and digitize operations, marking the end of an era for a technology that has long been outdated in most parts of the world.

Floppy disks, once a ubiquitous medium for data storage in the 1980s and 1990s, have been largely obsolete for years, replaced by more efficient and higher-capacity storage solutions like USB drives, cloud storage, and solid-state drives. However, Japan has continued to rely on these antiquated devices, especially within various government departments and public services.

This decision to eliminate floppy disks is driven by the need to enhance efficiency, security, and reliability in data management. Floppy disks are prone to physical damage and data degradation over time, making them a less secure option for storing important information. Additionally, the availability of devices capable of reading floppy disks has diminished, further complicating their continued use.

The push for digital transformation in Japan has been gaining momentum, particularly under the leadership of Digital Minister Taro Kono. Kono has been a vocal advocate for reducing bureaucratic red tape and accelerating the adoption of digital technologies across the government. His efforts aim to not only improve internal processes but also to make government services more accessible and user-friendly for the public.

The transition away from floppy disks is part of a broader initiative to overhaul Japan’s digital infrastructure. This includes promoting the use of online forms and digital signatures, which can significantly reduce paperwork and the time required to process documents. By embracing modern technology, Japan hopes to improve the efficiency of its public services and better serve its citizens in an increasingly digital world.

While the move to retire floppy disks might seem overdue to some, it reflects a larger trend of technological updates within government systems worldwide. Many countries are grappling with similar challenges as they work to modernize legacy systems that were once state-of-the-art but have since become inefficient and outdated.

Japan’s decision to bid farewell to the floppy disk is a symbolic and practical step forward. It underscores the nation’s commitment to digital innovation and sets the stage for further advancements in how the government interacts with and serves its people. As Japan continues to embrace new technologies, it is poised to enhance its administrative capabilities and pave the way for a more efficient and connected future.

[phenomlab]

This is worth listening to

Tech Life - Tech that refuses to die - BBC Sounds

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[phenomlab]

Something of an update to this article in lieu of Microsoft shutting down Skype. Really confirms how everything has its heyday before being made obsolete by newer technology.

Microsoft is shutting down Skype: What other technologies have become obsolete?

From Blackberries to floppy disks and MP3 players, Sky News looks at software and hardware that were once ubiquitous but are now obsolete.

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[Madchatthew]

This is the first I heard of MS shutting down skype. And that is crazy that they are just now making floppy disks obsolete haha. I don’t even think you can buy a pc with a floppy disk anymore haha. And most of them don’t even come with cd-rom drives anymore.

[phenomlab]

@Madchatthew yes, even the CD-ROM drive disappeared from mainstream pc’s some time ago. I know floppy disk usage in Japan went on for some time whilst other countries deprecated them completely.

Surprising really for a country that leads in the technology market.

I’m also surprised M$ are killing Skype. They have been trying to move this user base to their flagship teams product.

[Madchatthew]

@phenomlab I’m sure that some people like teams, but I think it sucks. I am sure there are better platforms out there that work better. I think that is what they are going to make us go to eventually where I work. We use Webex right now and that doesn’t seem to bad, but try to used teams for some things and it sucks.

[phenomlab]

@Madchatthew said in Japan eliminates the usage of floppy disks - in 2024?:

@phenomlab I’m sure that some people like teams, but I think it sucks. I am sure there are better platforms out there that work better. I think that is what they are going to make us go to eventually where I work. We use Webex right now and that doesn’t seem to bad, but try to used teams for some things and it sucks.

Yes, you’re not the first to say that. My team and I use it extensively for work and wouldn’t be without it to be honest. When we were effectively “in the market” for a messaging app, we also looked at Slack. Nice product, but so expensive. We onboarded Teams because with our Office365 licensing, it made sense.

[Madchatthew]

@phenomlab yeah that makes sense and it would make sense for my work place to 100% switch to it because they also subscribe to office 365. Some people are using it where I work, but I just don’t want to switch back and forth between application and have conversations in two different places. If they do actually switch and get rid of Webex, then I would do everything in teams. Even if I do dislike it. I do like how it is easy to share files and such in teams.

[phenomlab]

@Madchatthew Yes, it does have it’s benefits. Personally, my job would be much harder without it.

[Madchatthew]

@phenomlab maybe I should give it more of a try and see. It is MS though so there is that haha

[phenomlab]

@Madchatthew They are constantly updating the platform, and I have to admit, it is better than it was when I first began using it.

[Madchatthew]

@phenomlab that is good to know. I will check it out more closely

[Madchatthew]

I am playing around with Teams and am wondering why they don’t have outlook incorporated into it or an email app. I see that there is an Activity section, but that appears to be only the calendar portion. I see that they have the icon there is all apps, but that brings me to a browser webpage. It would be nice if it could stay in teams.

[phenomlab]

@Madchatthew whilst an unofficial POC, there’s always this

Adding Outlook Email and Calendar App to Microsoft Teams, a proof...

DISCLAIMER – This is a community-written Proof of Concept custom App This is not an official Microsoft app. This is a custom app that was written usin...(more)

Tom Talks

[Madchatthew]

@phenomlab doh, they have that teams email webpage blocked. I am surprised they even let us go on the internet at work. My theory is that we are all adults and if people are wasting time on the internet when they should be working then that is going to show. Then deal with them. But I can kinda understand it as well. To bad, I would have liked to have had that in teams.

Maybe I will download it at home and email it to my work email and see if that works haha

[phenomlab]

@Madchatthew