St. Petersburg College of Music, named after the renowned composer Rimsky-Korsakov, has reported plans to acquire an Apple Mac Pro computer for 2.9 million rubles. This information comes through Daily Storm, which cites data from the government procurement portal detailing the signed contract and the chosen supplier. The procurement news has sparked discussions about price discrepancies and the practicality of the specification set for the device.
According to the Daily Storm report, the official Apple website lists a retail price not exceeding 800 thousand rubles for a Mac Pro configuration. The contract confirms a different price point, raising questions about procurement processes and value for money. The supplier named in the agreement is TIDZHIAY LLC, and the contract has already been executed, indicating a completed procurement transaction monitored by state authorities.
Technical requirements outlined for the Mac Pro emphasize performance capabilities that cater to demanding workloads. The device is expected to operate with a 28-core Intel Xeon W processor, support up to eight 4K monitor outputs, and include a solid state drive with ample storage. These specifications point to an emphasis on high-end computation, professional multimedia production, and data-intensive tasks typical of an advanced conservatory computing environment.
Founded in 1882, the Music College named after NA Rimsky-Korsakov has a long tradition of producing notable musicians. Its alumni include internationally acclaimed opera soprano Anna Netrebko, trumpeter Valery Chirskov, and conductor Veronika Dudarova, among others. The institution’s legacy is often cited when discussing its influence on the regional and international music scene, underscoring the importance of robust technology in supporting artistic education and performance preparation.
In a related development, the Russian tech company Delta Computers announced in July a new line of desktop personal computers named Raven and Beaver. These machines feature a fresh motherboard design called Anemone 2, which is produced in-house and is compatible with modern Intel processors. The introduction of these systems reflects ongoing efforts to offer higher-performance desktops for business and creative use cases inside the market that intersects with music education and production workflows.
Preliminary reports also noted that a Windows 11 environment was part of the setup for certain configurations, with discussions about a bug affecting system speed. This detail highlights ongoing considerations around operating system choice, driver support, and software optimization critical for institutions relying on stable performance for teaching, recording, and administrative tasks. The broader implication is that institutions must balance hardware specifications with software environments to achieve reliable day-to-day operations and long-term scalability. [Cited sources: Daily Storm]