Rostelecom says to rename OS Sailfish to reflect Russian identity

MOSCOW, Apr 9 (PRIME) -- State-controlled telecom operator Rostelecom will rename its mobile operating system Sailfish, which it purchased in March, to reflect its Russian national identity, Rostelecom CEO Mikhail Oseyevsky told reporters on Monday.

“We’ll unveil a new name of this operating system soon. It should reflect the national identity. We want to have it identified with Russia, our traditions, key features. It’s quite hard today to find a name that is not protected by any right, this is why it’s a large and difficult task. The process is going on,” Oseyevsky said.

Communications and Mass Media Minister Nikolai Nikiforov said that Sailfish is the only alternative operating system left. “(Experts) calculated that there are only 1.4 million phones outside Google or Apple,” the minister said.

“It’s the most important technological stage. The subject of mobile devices, pre-installed software and mobile operating systems is the most crucial. I’m sure that Russia, thanks to Rostelecom’s efforts, will play here a role on the global scene,” Nikiforov said.

Initially Sailfish was developed by Finland’s Jolla set up by former Nokia’s workers. In 2015, it transpired that Jolla belongs to ESN group founder Grigory Beryozkin. Rostelecom bought 75% in Open Mobile Platform and 75% in Votron, securing a controlling stake in Sailfish Mobile OS RUS, a mobile operating system developer, in early March for an undisclosed sum.

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