Russia to Spend $4.9 Million to Develop Linux Based OS to Rival Windows

Russia will earmark $4.9 million to build a new operating system based entirely on Linux to reduce its dependence on Windows based solutions. The new OS will be deployed across government departments.

[image via linux wallpapaers]

Russia to Create 'Windows Rival'
The Russian state plans to revamp its computer services with a Windows rival to reduce its dependence on US giant Microsoft and better monitor computer security.

Moscow will earmark 150 million rubles (3.5 million euros, 4.9 million dollars) to develop a national software system based on the Linux operating system, Russian deputy Ilia Ponomarev told AFP, confirming an earlier report in the Vedomosti daily.

"The devil is in the details," said Ponomarev, a computer expert, adding those details would be hashed out during a December meeting headed by vice-prime minister Sergei Ivanov. "We will become independent of Windows, but it risks becoming an unthinking implantation of Linux," he added. [via yahoo news]