From foreign software to domestic software
“From March 31, 2022, customers making purchases (except organizations with municipal subsidiaries) … information infrastructure of the Russian Federation,” says the decree.
According to TASS, such infrastructure is understood as a set of information systems and telecommunications networks critical to the functioning of the basic spheres of life of the state and society: health, industry, communications, transport, energy, financial sector and urban economy. .
It is also forbidden to obtain the necessary services for the use of foreign software in these facilities. This is possible only after agreement with the federal executive body authorized by the government of the Russian Federation.
The document also states that “from January 1, 2025, public authorities and customers are prohibited from using foreign software in important critical information infrastructure facilities.”
Before this period, it will be necessary to switch to domestic development programs. The decree states that these measures were introduced “to ensure the technological independence and security of the country’s critical information infrastructure.”
In addition, the president instructed the government to develop and approve the requirements for software used by government officials and government customers within a month. In addition, the Cabinet will have to approve rules regarding the purchase of such software.
Anti-sanction measures
In February and March, a number of IT companies announced their withdrawal from the Russian market. These include Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Cisco, Asus, AMD and Intel.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin talked about a series of measures that were decided to be taken to support Russian IT experts. Thus, they will be exempted from paying income taxes and inspections by regulatory authorities. In addition, they will be able to get a loan of not more than 3% to continue their work and new projects. In addition, professionals between the ages of 22 and 40 will be able to apply for preferential mortgages.
To support the economy in the background of the sanctions crisis, the government also demanded a series of measures regarding changes in the regulation of the public procurement system. Some of them have already been accepted by the State Duma. For example, the terms of purchasing from a single supplier have been expanded. Under existing and concluded contracts, the government, regional authorities and municipalities will have the right to revise the terms of concluded government contracts.
The system of government contracts also provides for the expansion of the possibility of purchasing from a single supplier. A similar measure was implemented during the pandemic, when government contracts were allowed without competition, provided that the goods, jobs or services purchased were used to prevent or eliminate the consequences of the epidemic, as RBC noted.
In addition, in mid-March, the government developed a priority action plan to ensure the development of the Russian economy in the face of external sanctions pressure. According to the document, authorities are considering the possibility of designating a “consolidated contractor to purchase computer and telecommunications equipment.” The Ministry of Digital Finance, the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Antimonopoly Service were appointed as responsible for the initiative.
Source: Gazeta
