Linux might be adopted on a large scale by the Russian Post, as the institution has started testing Linux, with the intent of rolling it out in post offices throughout the country. The main reason for moving to Linux is to reduce the costs. Although not officially stated, it is likely that the Russian Post will use Red Hat as the basis of it's Linux efforts, in view of the recent signing of "protocol of intention to develop information systems on the basis of the free software" between Red Hat and the Russian Post.

Opensource software is to be implemented in the coming year. Presently the developers of custom programs used by Russian Post have been tasked to adapt them to run under the Linux operating system. Counter staff at the post offices should not face any user interface changes, facilitating widespread adoption. Russian Post’s IT-specialists will undergo special training.

The Russian Post has  over 40,000 post offices nationwide, and at various points in history, operated branches as far flung as Crete, China and even the Ottoman Empire. (more...)