SCOUT² Brings Platform Freedom to Dutch Centre for Vehicle Technology, Approval and Information

RDW, the Centre for vehicle technology, approval and information in The Netherlands has decided to modernize their complete application architecture. There are currently more than 13,000 application modules deployed on a Unisys mainframe running OS 2200.

As the first step in the new strategy, RDW has now successfully implemented the SCOUT² Development Platform from Delta Software Technology for their multi-platform development, off-loading application development from the mainframe onto PCs.

SCOUT² ends the "fight against the infrastructure." The flexible and extensible development platform offers RDW a consistent, seamlessly integrated platform-independent view of their diverse portfolio of platform-specific development, test and deployment systems and technologies.

RDW

RDW maintains details of the 7 million vehicles registered in the Netherlands, as well as all drivers’ licenses. Around 1 million vehicles and 1.7 million licenses are added or changed each year. Hence, most of the 16 million Dutch residents come into regular contact with RDW.

"At RDW we have sensitive applications and very personal data. The security and quality of our development processes are our highest priority. SCOUT² not only allows us to support our mainframe and PC-based development processes, but it also fully embraces our special security and quality management processes."
Gerard Doll
Manager RDW ICT

Development Processes

RDW has responsibility for technical standards, vehicle approval, annual vehicle inspections, safety and environmental monitoring, and so must quickly respond to changes in the rapidly evolving Dutch and EU legal frameworks.

"We need a new software architecture to exploit opportunities in the dynamic European market. We work with the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) standard. It is therefore critical for us that all new software tools fit seamlessly into our overall IT Governance strategy."
Hans van Santen
Board member responsible for IT
RDW

The extensive SCOUT² scripting language allowed RDW to quickly and reliably implement their processes. SCOUT² processes are platform independent, transparently supporting the move from the mainframe to a new platform. The 45 developers at RDW ICT are now free to focus on business requirements and do not have to worry about the technical issues of the deployment platform.

SCOUT² is the ideal tool for development teams that need a consistent approach to developing, integrating and supporting a range of different platforms, technologies, custom and standard application solutions.

Delta worked closely with RDW to analyse the existing development processes and to configure SCOUT² to support RDW’s unique requirements.

"RDW works within a demanding legal framework and it was a challenge to support all of their development processes. The SCOUT² Development Platform was always up to the job. We defined all the processes. It was never necessary to bend RDW’s existing processes to fit the tool."
Dirk Meyer
Manager Professional Services
Delta

Next Steps

As a long-term user of Delta’s COBOL application generator ADSplus, RDW is ideally positioned to move to a new architecture. RDW ICT and Delta are already working on the next step, using Delta’s generative transformation tools to remove any platform-specific logic that has crept into the applications over the years. RDW will then be in the happy position of having total freedom to choose their new platform and architecture.

"With the successful migration of our development environment we have taken the decisive first step to modernizing our application portfolio. The co-operation with Delta has been convincing. We are pleased to now be working with Delta on the next steps."
Gerard Doll
Manager RDW ICT

Further Information

If you would like to know more about the SCOUT² Development Platform then you will find comprehensive information in the Product area of our Web site. Alternatively please contact your local sales representative.

Who is RDW?

Since 1949, RDW (www.rdw.nl) has ensured that road transport in the Netherlands is as safe, clean, economical and orderly as possible. In this regard, RDW implements diverse legislative tasks commissioned by various ministries. In its provision of services, RDW follows the entire lifecycle of vehicles: from the development of vehicle categories to end-of-life disassembly.

The products and services of RDW arise primarily from four related core tasks: Admission, supervision and control, registration and information provision, document issue.

As an independent governing body (IGB), RDW is a non-profit authority governed by public law. In general terms, RDW is accountable to the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management for its functioning. However, RDW bears sole responsibility for the implementation of its tasks. For this reason, RDW also finds it important that it is accountable to the wider public in general and to its direct clients in particular for its chosen working method.

Through consultation and cooperation with all the parties involved (the public, industry and government), the RDW aims to continuously optimise its service provision and, if possible, align these services to the wishes of both public and private parties.