US nuclear force will phase out floppy disks next year: The Pentagon and other US agencies still rely on outdated technology to carry out important functions — including some nuclear operations — according to a new government report. The report, published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shows that a command and control unit tasked with coordinating "the operational functions of the nation's nuclear forces" still uses 8-inch floppy disks and runs on an IBM/Series 1 computer — a model that was first produced in 1976. Other agencies, including the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Veteran Affairs, reported using IT systems that are at least 50 years old. Continue reading… #theverge #technology http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/26/11782716/pentagon-nuclear-force-floppy-disk-outdated-tech