Ministry of Digital Development of the Republic of Tatarstan

1. Initial data

   Before starting the project, the team identified several key aspects that required special attention:

   —  First, ICL Services needed to support the project fully, offering regional authorities comprehensive consultations and technical support for import substitution solutions. We also trained government employees who would be working with these new solutions and helped users adapt.

   —  The task was further complicated by the absence of a unified register of operational equipment and the diverse and heterogeneous nature of the device fleet. Many organizations had unique computer configurations.

   —  Moreover, there were workstations within the infrastructure where a complete operating system replacement would not be productive. For example, some programs that run on the Windows OS cannot be launched on other operating systems, and certain hardware is only compatible with Windows. For these critical instances, "transitional" solutions must be proposed.

   Commencement of Work

   The import substitution project encompassed over 150,000 workstations across 82 organizations, including ministries, departments, subordinate organizations, and local authorities.
   

   OS and Competence Center

   Following an initial analysis of the client's needs, ICL Services experts recommended the Astra Linux OS from Astra Group.

   To ensure a high-quality transition, a competence center for migrating to Astra Linux was established in collaboration with ICL Astra Services-a joint venture between ICL Services and Astra Group created specifically to support the transition to domestic software based on the vendor's ecosystem. The primary tasks of this center included developing technological solutions for automating and standardizing the installation of Astra Linux OS and application software, as well as providing prompt technical support for the client’s employees.

   Data Collection

   To gather information about the equipment and applications in use, questionnaires and forms were developed and distributed to the IT staff of the organizations. Experts also conducted personal visits to some facilities-such as multifunctional centers, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Ministry of Digital Development-to create profiles of typical employee workstations and understand their requirements.

   The collected data was normalized and checked for compatibility with the target operating system, Astra Linux SE. Based on compatibility data and frequency of use among organizations, experts categorized applications and information systems using a “traffic light principle,” identifying those most ready for migration and those more problematic. Workaround scenarios and potential alternative applications were developed in collaboration with the Ministry.
   

   Migration
   

   Working closely with the vendor, specialists developed various options for migrating devices to the new system. For critical devices that couldn't be migrated quickly, a “dual boot” solution was created: two systems run on the same computer, allowing temporary switching between them until the migration solution is fully adapted. This approach enables simultaneous testing of specific hardware or software in the new environment while retaining access to previously available functionality.
   

   For verified and compatible systems, an automated installation solution for Astra Linux OS was developed.
   

   The project is currently progressing successfully: migration efforts are actively underway, and an advanced image for automating OS configuration is being implemented. User devices are being transitioned to Astra Linux. Some devices temporarily continue to operate on “dual boot” solutions, with a full transition away from Windows planned for these computers on an individual basis as the information systems become ready.
   

   Adaptation of Users and Administrators
   

   In December 2023, ICL Services organized in-person training at its office for 100 key individuals involved in the migration, including heads and deputy heads of field IT departments, system administrators, and other staff.
   

   During the event, experts provided detailed information about the solution, addressed complex and frequently asked questions, conducted practical OS deployment sessions, and explained the support the team would offer during the migration. This approach alleviated concerns among many government agency IT teams and facilitated a swift start to the migration process.
   

   Face-to-face workshops have been developed and conducted for users and administrators. These sessions will be held regularly, taking into account feedback received and changes in solutions.
   

   Throughout the project, experts are enhancing the instruction repository with documents on solving common problems and implementing solutions for administrators. Additionally, they are creating user guides to assist with regular tasks in the new information environment. 
   

Products and technologies

• Astra Linux Special Edition