From Monoliths to Modules: The Strategic Imperative for Multi-Vendor ATM

An article by Magnus Mar Thordarson CEO at Tern Systems

Air Traffic Management (ATM) is undergoing a much-needed transformation. While new technologies promise greater efficiency, scalability, and safety, progress has often been slow. Complex, monolithic systems dominate the landscape, leading to vendor lock-in and limited innovation.

A promising solution is Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). Yet, the meaning of SOA can vary widely depending on whom you ask—a topic we’ll explore in more detail in upcoming articles. SOA is a modular software design approach. It breaks large systems down into smaller, independent services. This allows ANSPs to integrate best-in-class components from multiple vendors rather than relying on a single supplier. SOA fosters interoperability, reduces costs, and accelerates innovation.

This kind of transformation is neither new nor unique. Other critical industries have already experienced similar shifts:

• Telecommunications: Previously dominated by single, large providers, this industry adopted modular, open systems. The result was greater competition, lower costs, and rapid technological innovation.

• Banking and Financial Services: Transitioning from large, proprietary mainframe systems to modular fintech solutions has revolutionized this sector, improving customer service and efficiency.

Similarly, SESAR Joint Undertaking and several forward-thinking ANSPs are recognizing SOA's potential to support flexible, scalable ATM environments. At Tern Systems, we are aligning closely with this vision through collaboration with various industry partners. Importantly, SOA also opens the door for smaller suppliers to contribute specialized modules, enhancing agility and encouraging fresh thinking—essential during this era of rapid technological change.

Yet, adopting SOA isn’t without challenges. Transitioning away from familiar, all-in-one solutions requires significant investment in new skills and infrastructure, careful management of operational risks, and a substantial shift in organizational culture. Many ANSPs hesitate to disrupt established systems, but that status quo can no longer keep pace with the industry’s evolving needs.

The Role of ANSPs: Leading the Change

To make multi-vendor ecosystems a reality, ANSPs must lead. It’s not enough to hope vendors will collaborate—they must create an environment that fosters innovation and incentives for openness and interoperability.

To enable multi-vendor solutions, ANSPs can:

• Clearly establish procurement strategies that prioritize modularity and openness.

• Reward open, modular proposals during procurement processes.

• Advocate for common industry-wide interoperability standards.

• Support joint development projects involving multiple vendors.

• Offer long-term commitments to vendors aligned with open architectures.

By taking these steps, ANSPs can unlock a dynamic marketplace where innovation thrives, costs are controlled, and operational resilience is strengthened. This shift will also rebalance industry power dynamics, moving influence away from dominant vendors and back to ANSPs, where strategic control rightly belongs.

At the same time, it's critical that evolving regulatory frameworks—such as upcoming EASA regulations—do not unintentionally hinder innovation. These rules must support flexible, modular architectures and the inclusion of diverse suppliers. Regulatory clarity and alignment with technological progress are essential to realizing the full benefits of SOA and multi-vendor ecosystems.

Looking Ahead

This is a pivotal moment. With vision and leadership, ANSPs can shift the industry away from lock-in and toward collaboration, competition, and growth. Multi-vendor solutions supported by SOA aren’t just possible—they're essential.

I look forward to discussing this further at Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, where we’ll explore how to build the future of ATM through vendor collaboration and SOA.

📌 Panel: Driving ATM Innovation Through Vendor Collaboration and SOA

📍 Location: Viasat Theatre, Lisbon

🗓️ Date: May 13, 2025 | 10:00 AM

Join us in shaping the future of ATM.