Project E-PICS3: Replacement of Cumulus Software

The E-Pics product is based on Cumulus (back end) and Attention Web Platform (front end) software. Cumulus will reach its end of life at the end of 2023. To replace the Cumulus system, we are evaluating new software for the management and presentation of images and objects and plan to introduce a solution that meets the requirements of the relevant stakeholders.

Project objective

Evaluation and introduction of new software to enable the continued use of E-Pics.

Description of the project

The project “E-PICS3: Replacement of Cumulus Software” comprises the evaluation, procurement and introduction of a suitable system, as well as the migration of all catalogues. It will run from 2022 to 2024. The back end of the E-Pics platform is based on Cumulus software, which will reach its end of life at the end of 2023. To enable the continued use of E-Pics and the 40 image catalogues and 2.3 million records it currently contains, it is necessary to evaluate, procure and introduce a new software product. The objective is to continue fulfilling the varied and demanding requirements of E-Pics catalogue managers, their colleagues and end users at the current level.

By 2024, the project will ensure the successful selection of a successor solution, as well as the transition to the new software and its switch to production both on time and without the loss of data. The procurement of the new system and the required WTO tender are expected to run until the end of 2022. The introduction of the software and the migration of the majority of the catalogues are planned for 2023 and expected to be complete by April 2024.

Synergies and context

The valuable image collections of ETH Zurich (e.g. the Image Archive, Corporate Communications and Campus Services) shall, in future, continue to be managed using a common software solution and made available to the public where legally possible.

Time frame

18 August 2021–30 November 2024

Cooperation partners

ID ETH Zürich