Back to the Future - How We Integrated a 40 Year Old Software System

Embark on a journey through time in this 46-minute conference talk that explores the integration of a 40-year-old software system into a modern e-commerce platform. Discover the challenges faced by Deutsche Bahn's team as they rebuilt their sales platform, incorporating over 100 microservices and involving 400 people across 30 teams. Learn about the integration of the "Elektronische Platzbuchungsanlage" (EPA), a system from 1983, and the obstacles encountered along the way. Gain valuable insights into enterprise software engineering, legacy system integration, and the complexities of bridging generational gaps in technology. Explore topics such as poorly accessible documentation, endangered expert knowledge, interface incompatibilities, and the intricacies of distributed systems and transactions. Reflect on the solutions discovered and consider smarter approaches to legacy integration. Contemplate the concept of "future-proof" software, documentation, and organizations, and understand why today's systems may become tomorrow's legacy. Walk away with valuable lessons learned and a deeper understanding of the importance of adaptability in software development.