#44531 - Operational Data and System-to-System Messaging Platforming

Tender description

Network Rail currently operates two platforms (EMS Hub and LINX) that perform broadly similar roles in transporting operational data and enabling system‑to‑system messaging across the railway ecosystem. The EMS Hub has been in use since 2005 as a real‑time messaging platform serving Network Rail and industry partners across multiple business sectors. LINX, introduced in 2017, was initially designed to act as a linkage layer between newer train management services and legacy systems. Over time, both platforms have evolved in parallel, resulting in significant functional overlap, duplicated dataflows, and an unclear delineation of responsibilities between them. Network Rail is exploring options to move toward a single, modern strategic platform to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and realise long-term operational and financial benefits. Any future platform would need to provide a fully generic messaging capability to support all Network Rail services and departments, not solely train‑related data, enabling consistent system‑to‑system integration across the organisation. This includes understanding both transition considerations and the ongoing cost to operate and maintain any future solution. The intent of this RFI is to understand strategic options for providing this capability in future, rather than to specify a detailed solution or architecture. The information provided is therefore indicative and intended to help suppliers form a view on scale, criticality and operational context, rather than to define prescriptive technical requirements. For further information relating to Network Rails requirements, and to respond. please review the documentation attached to this Opportunity Listing. Once completed please send your submission document via email as attachment to tom.weatherley@networkrail.co.uk with the email subject "LINX/EMS Re-platforming RFI".