The USDA updated the existing system between Jan. 20 and Jan. 24, increasing the network's bandwidth and security capabilities, adding channel capacity to its servers and new hardware and software to improve firewall performance and increase data throughput. The USDA also re-aligned and re-indexed the databases that support the payment application, which further improved transaction response times.

The spokesman said the agency expects eventually to is replace the AS/400 and Cobol-based payment applications with a completely Web-based system. "The AS/400 systems are so obsolete we can't even buy new parts for them and we have maxed out the available data storage space on them," the spokesman said.

He declined to estimate the cost of replacing the system, or to provide a schedule for completing the work.