Russian Linux Will Be Installed in Every School

A Linux operating system will be installed on every school computer in Russia until 2009. Moreover, every pupil will have the opportunity to use software produced in Russia. This could significantly reduce Russia's dependence on foreign commercial software.

Leonid Reiman, acting Minister of Communication, considers the development of the Russian operating system and software development of vital importance. In a press conference, he said: "In 2008 Russian software is to be tested in three pilot regions, i.e. Tomsk region, Perm Regions and Republic of Tatarstan. While by 2009 domestic software is to be installed on every school computer".

Sergey Shalmanov, CNews Analytics Analyst commonets on the existing model for the use of software in education in Russia: "The historically existing model to use software in education in Russia is sure to fail. It has already lost some of its advantages because of widely spread illegal practically free Miscrosoft software. The existing practice to install Windows software on school computers is not profitable both economically, because of discounts for client license, and strategically as it initially ties a young user to the platform and products of one company, although very popular and convenient in operation."

The ALTLinux company has already announced its desire to put in a bid for the tender to develop alternative software. Alexey Smirnov, Director General at ALTLinux, considers that the developers should just adjust the given operating system to school conditions. In this way, the work will be finished by the end of this year and the testing will be done in 2008, launching it into mass production in 2009.

Alexey Novodvorsky, ALTLinux Deputy Director General, believes that the creation of a national infrastructure for development, support and information will be needed, and the cooperation between the software developers, authorities and educational institutions is of great importance.

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