Authorities Consider Seizing Data Centers from Companies That Left Russia
The Russian government is preparing for a potential shortage of computing power, which could soon cause problems for the operation of state information systems. According to a report by Kommersant, the main concern is data centers (DCs).
A government source familiar with the situation stated that an inventory of computing equipment in data centers is currently underway to ensure the uninterrupted operation of systems critical to the authorities. If a shortage of capacity occurs—which could happen within the next two months—the government plans to simplify the process for contracting available capacity from commercial data center operators.
Another measure being considered to address the shortage is the seizure of resources from IT companies that have left Russia. The source added that the government is currently assessing the computing power in data centers that support essential systems. “The situation is extremely serious; no one expected this, but the government sector has enough existing capacity for a maximum of one and a half months of operation,” the source noted.
According to another source in the IT market, the departure of foreign cloud services has led to a sharp increase in demand for server capacity. The situation is further complicated by a steep rise in prices for Chinese equipment and difficulties with supply and logistics, as some customers are unable to retrieve their equipment from foreign warehouses. The Ministry of Digital Development stated that they do not see critical risks of a capacity shortage at this time and are introducing additional mechanisms to improve efficiency.
However, as the Telegram channel “Telekommunalka” points out, capacity is being depleted at an unprecedented rate: “A week ago, we reported that demand at MTS increased tenfold, at MegaFon fivefold, and at VimpelCom by several times, and so on. But we all understand that the government has become a hostage to this situation and its capabilities. Regulations do not allow working with private companies, Rostelecom’s cloud resources are insufficient for everyone, and the rapid migration of businesses from abroad to Russian infrastructure is quickly consuming existing volumes.”
Under normal circumstances, “Telekommunalka” notes, operators would already be lining up to order storage systems, but currently, no one is selling them. The channel offers the Ministry of Digital Development the following advice: “You have already started thinking in the right direction regarding industry support measures. ‘Telekommunalka’ refers to the ‘Yarovaya Law,’ which occupies a huge amount of space in data centers. If the first approved initiative saves operators from unnecessary expenses for the next couple of years, the second step could be to help yourselves by freeing up large volumes for storage.”
In early March of this year, representatives of Russian cloud services reported that, due to Western sanctions, Russian companies have been rapidly switching from foreign cloud services to domestic ones. They added that demand for their services has surged over the past week among both existing and new clients.