In this article we will consider key aspects of IT infrastructure localization, including migration of components, services, nuances of using Russian software, risks and examples of import substitution.

Today, localization of IT infrastructure is becoming increasingly important in Russia, and this is not surprising, because previously built systems have to be changed to ensure cybersecurity, fault tolerance, and simply to keep services functioning. More and more companies are considering moving their IT systems and data to Russian data centers.

Localization and import substitution

So, first of all, let’s understand the difference between localization and import substitution, as these concepts are often confused. Localization means simply placing IT systems and data on the territory of the Russian Federation, while import substitution implies replacing imported components and technologies with domestic analogues. Accordingly, with localization, companies are not restricted to using only Russian software, but, for example, can use foreign open-source software or software created in Eastern countries that has not fallen under sanctions.

Localization: Aspects and benefits

Reliability and risk reduction

One of the key benefits of localization is reduced dependence on foreign suppliers. This is especially important in critical infrastructure areas such as banking systems, government databases, and critical communications technologies. Localization reduces vulnerability to external threats and ensures the reliability of systems. Also, we should not forget that many foreign companies that have built their IT infrastructure according to the principle of hyperconvergence are now trying to create autonomous landscapes in Russia and ensure independent business operation.

Costs

Localization can also provide resource savings and lower IT infrastructure costs in the long run. Dependence on foreign vendors can result in high software licensing, maintenance and upgrade costs. Implementing local or open-source solutions can reduce these costs.

Flexibility

Localization does not always mean the complete replacement of foreign components. This allows organizations to retain the flexibility to choose the technologies and solutions that best fit their needs. Thus, they can integrate local, foreign and open-source components to create an optimal IT infrastructure.

Migration nuances and possible risks

Migrating components and services when localizing IT infrastructure can be a complex task. It involves migrating data, configuring new systems, training staff and ensuring compatibility between old and new components. To successfully implement a migration, organizations can turn to experienced IT companies that have been down this road one or more times. These companies can provide expert assistance in selecting the best solutions, conducting the migration, and training staff. It is the experience in selecting solutions and working with a large number of different services that will play a key role in this task and will help to avoid choosing suboptimal solutions.

Migration in localizing IT infrastructure has its pros and cons. Advantages include:

  • Using Russian software or open-source can help organizations comply with data and information security legislation. Russian developers can customize software to meet local standards and regulations. A good example is 1C software products.
  • Ensuring business continuity in case of additional restrictions on software usage or other limitations that disrupt the network connectivity of the companies’ digital landscape.

And, of course, there are some disadvantages:

  • Some Russian analogs of foreign or open-source software may not have the same rich set of features and capabilities that your users are used to.
  • Compatibility with existing IT infrastructure and data migration can be difficult when migrating to Russian software.

Examples of localization with elements of import substitution

The process of localization may involve replacing foreign components with local analogues, or simply switching to alternative solutions and equipment. A few examples from our experience:

  • Russian cloud providers are developing their own cloud services, providing an alternative to Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. Yandex Cloud is a good example.
  • When replacing server and network equipment, it is also possible to find decent alternatives, for example, from Mikrotik or contact Softline, which organized the assembly of its servers.
  • For companies in the public sector or those who went further and decided to migrate from the familiar Windows OS there are also alternatives – Astra Linux.
  • MS office products have long had competitors in the form of “My Office”, “Office-R7” and “LibreOffice”, which have developed quite well over the past year.
  • 1C platform has already proved to be an optimal solution as an alternative to SAP, Oracle, Navision in current conditions.

And of course, there are now a huge number of available analogs to replace monitoring, backup and fault tolerance systems, even virtualization systems. Choosing the right ones and implementing them professionally will keep your business running even in today’s ever-changing realities.

Our support

Our company is ready to provide a full range of services related to localization of IT infrastructure in Russia:

  • IT infrastructure analysis. We analyze the current IT infrastructure of the organization and determine the most effective localization strategies (IT security & compliance audit).
  • Selection of optimal solutions. Our experts help to choose optimal Russian and foreign components, taking into account the needs and budget of the organization.
  • Migration and integration. We ensure successful migration of components and services, as well as integration of new solutions into the existing infrastructure (Integration of 1C with other systems, Switching to 1C from other ERPs).

Staff training. Our specialists provide staff training to ensure a smooth transition to the new IT infrastructure.

IT infrastructure IT security IT solutions Switching to 1C