The Ministry of Construction of Russia plans to revise the requirements for including domestic software in the register, aiming to ensure compatibility with at least two Russian operating systems. In addition, to qualify for preferences in public procurement, the software must utilize at least one processor from the register of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
These proposed changes have sparked a debate among industry stakeholders. While some support the amendments, others express concerns about potential cost increases for developers and potential issues for Windows users. However, there seems to be a consensus that the requirements for processor compatibility are premature.
The Ministry of Construction, also known as Minzifra, intends to implement the new rules starting this year, gradually phasing in the changes until 2024.
The RUSSOFT Association reports a decline in the percentage of Russian developers creating applications for Windows, currently standing at only 68%. Meanwhile, the popularity of Linux is on the rise, with the share of projects on this operating system increasing from 49% in the previous year to 61% in 2022.
The Red Soft company predicts that by 2025, Windows could lose its leading position in the Russian corporate market due to these government innovations.
Amidst international sanctions and decisions by several major Western companies to cease cooperation with Russia, prioritizing domestic developments has become imperative. Pavel Kalyakin, the General Director of Moofis, believes it is inappropriate to solely encourage development for foreign platforms.
Overall, these measures can be seen as a response to global challenges and an attempt to bolster national IT development in the current international landscape.