Russian firms increasingly rely on homegrown software as foreign licenses become harder to renew
A survey conducted in 2022 by a Russian research center and reported by A2: Vedomosti reveals notable strain in the procurement and upkeep of foreign software across Russian businesses. Half of the companies surveyed faced renewal problems for their external software licenses, while a similar share reported difficulties with technical support. A significant portion, about one third, encountered issues related to paying for the services, and roughly ten percent pointed to software bugs as a recurring obstacle. The findings reflect the experiences shared with the publication by executives and managers across various industries.
Experts cited in the report emphasized that the most serious implications arise for firms responsible for critical information infrastructure. When software updates lag or fail, the risk to information security escalates, potentially affecting core operations and national resilience. The consequences extend beyond isolated IT incidents, influencing strategic decisions about continuity, compliance, and risk management.
As a response, many companies have begun transitioning to domestically developed alternatives. This shift is driven by concerns about reliability, control, and long term support. In practical terms, it means more organizations are testing and adopting Russian-made software to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and to align with national digital sovereignty goals.
In remarks attributed to Pavel Kalyakin, the CEO of Moyoffice, customer inquiries during 2022 showed a strong preference for rapid migration from foreign platforms to Russian products. He noted that the volume of pilot projects for Russian solutions increased significantly, signaling a broad interest in local software options and the ability to pilot before full deployment.
The same study indicates a clear preference among entrepreneurs for software developed within the Russian Federation. About 58% of respondents prioritized domestic origin when evaluating essential tools for their businesses, and 57% reported already making the switch to native software during the year. These figures underscore a notable shift in vendor choice and a growing confidence in local tech ecosystems among business decision makers.
Historical context matters as well. Previous industry coverage has highlighted the trajectory toward faster internet access for Russians, a factor that complements the broader transition to domestic solutions by enabling more robust cloud, collaboration, and data processing capabilities within the country. The trend toward homegrown software reflects both risk management considerations and a strategic alignment with national digital objectives.