Russian Firm Moves Toward Loongson-Based Tech Stack
A Russian technology firm, Norsi-Trans, has announced a bold shift toward Chinese Loongson processors for its servers, data storage systems, desktop computers, and laptops. The disclosure came through Kommersant, which quoted Norsi-Trans chief executive Sergei Ovchinnikov as outlining the plan and the initial steps already underway. The announcement signals a strategic pivot in where the company sources core computing components and how it frames its future product lineup.
According to the report, Norsi-Trans has already secured almost a hundred Loongson chips. These processors will power a test run of multiple devices, with the goal of validating performance, reliability, and cost metrics before broader production. The company intends to register the upgraded equipment with Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and to offer it first to government clients and large corporate customers. This approach underscores a dual aim: to build domestic capability while opening a pathway to institutional buyers that require public procurement readiness and predictable support structures.
Norsi-Trans has teamed up with Basalt SPO, a software developer, to tailor systems around the Loongson architecture. Basalt SPO will adapt the Viola operating system to run efficiently on Loongson processors. The collaboration highlights a broader effort to harmonize hardware and software within a single ecosystem, ensuring that the new devices perform optimally under real-world workloads and security requirements.
Kommersant notes that Norsi-Trans is not alone in considering Loongson-based solutions. Other Russian electronics manufacturers, including Prombit, are exploring similar trajectories as part of their own road maps. The converging interest across multiple players reflects a shared objective: to reduce reliance on Western-made CPUs and related technologies from Intel and AMD. This shift aims to strengthen self-reliance in critical digital infrastructure, particularly for public sector and enterprise use cases where supply resilience matters.
Industry observers say the move aligns with a broader strategic reassessment of the technology stack used within Russian commercial and government sectors. The rationale is not only about cost or performance but about ensuring continuity of supply and avoiding single-vendor dependencies in a landscape of ongoing geopolitical tensions. In practice, the Loongson-based approach could offer an alternative that complements existing hardware options while providing a pathway to more domesticized innovation in the years ahead. The shift is framed as a step toward greater autonomy in computing infrastructure rather than a mere procurement change. (Source: Kommersant)
Beyond hardware choices, the discussion touches on software compatibility and ecosystem readiness. The Viola operating system, originally designed for other platforms, must be robust enough to handle diverse workloads—from enterprise storage management to desktop computing and edge deployments. The partnership with Basalt SPO emphasizes the importance of a strong software layer to realize the full potential of Chinese processors within a Russian product line. As with any new platform, the transition will require rigorous testing, performance benchmarking, and security hardening to gain the confidence of institutional buyers and end users alike.
Experts interviewed by the press suggest that the strategic pivot away from American processors and toward Loongson is a deliberate response to supply chain fragility and policy constraints. By cultivating domestic capabilities, the industry aims to insulate essential digital infrastructure from external shocks while fostering a local ecosystem of specialists, suppliers, and developers. In this context, the move is about long-term resilience as much as immediate product diversification. It is a pragmatic recognition that the technology landscape can shift quickly, and preparedness matters more than ever. (Source: industry briefings and market observers)
Analysts also point to the practical realities of implementing such a transition. Compatibility is only one piece of the puzzle; performance per watt, thermal management, and peripheral support all influence real-world outcomes. As Russian manufacturers experiment with Loongson-based systems, they will gather data on how these processors handle data-intensive tasks, virtualization workloads, and secure boot processes. The findings will inform procurement strategies, vendor negotiations, and the design choices for future generations of devices. The overarching message is clear: Loongson represents a meaningful option in a diversified hardware strategy, offering a path to reduce exposure to single-source technologies without sacrificing reliability or innovation. (Quoted assessments from industry participants)