China aims to completely get rid of Windows within the next few years, at least for public and government services. Local authorities have announced that 15% of computers used by government agencies will switch to Linux-based platforms annually.
Citing local media, WantChinaTimes reveals that a plan proposed by Ni Guangnan, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has already been approved, and the country wants to gradually replace Windows with its own Linux-based operating system.
The Linux-based platform that will replace Windows is not yet ready, but by 2020 the country will have developed a robust and more secure alternative. The software will be developed by domestic Chinese companies. The question is what will happen to the first computers that stop using Windows – since there is currently no alternative. The Chinese, however, are trying to accelerate the transition efforts due to concerns about the security of their networks.
Windows 8 has already been banned in China
The Windows 8 have already been banned in China since May, due to concerns that Microsoft may be using the operating system to spy on the government's computers and provide state secrets to the United States authorities. Although Microsoft itself expressed surprise at the authorities' move, the Chinese government's decision did not change. It is interesting that Microsoft tried to cooperate with local authorities to resolve the issue, but instead of making Windows 8 available again, the company was included in an ongoing antitrust investigation in the country.
Chinese organizations stop using Windows
The transition from Windows to Linux in China will not happen only at the software level, as the country also wants to replace servers and chips with alternative solutions, local media reports say. Furthermore, it appears that some organizations have already been ordered to move to a Linux-based platform, although the name of the new operating system they will install is not yet clear. The China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) has informed banks to switch to operating systems developed by domestic companies, so they can give companies the option of an alternative platform and not limit them exclusively to Windows. Microsoft has not yet made an official statement regarding China's new plan, but is expected to do so soon.
