IT development in Moldova since the USSR

An important aspect of IT development in Soviet Moldova was special design bureaus (SDBs), which played a key role in the development of software and automation systems for various sectors of the economy. These organizations developed software for accounting and management in agriculture, industry and other sectors. Their work was an important part of the Soviet economy, and many of the SCBs' developments influenced the creation of modern information systems in Moldova.

 Special design bureaus (SDB)

In the Soviet Union, design bureaus were engaged not only in equipment design, but also in the development of software solutions for automation and accounting. In Moldova, there were several SKBs that worked in different areas of the economy. Their tasks included the creation of software for enterprises in the agricultural sector, industry, as well as for resource management at the regional level.

One of the best known bureaus was the SKB of Automated Control Systems (ACS), which was located in Kishinev. This bureau was actively working on the development of software solutions for planning and accounting at large agro-industrial enterprises, such as the Moldovan winery and agrarian state and collective farms. 

In the 70s and 80s, SKB developed software systems to automate the process of agricultural management, which was an important sector for the Moldavian SSR. The systems created by SKB made it possible to account for crop yields, control the supply and distribution of agricultural products.

Automation systems

1. automated control systems (ACS)  

An important part of the SKB's work was the creation of automated control systems (ACS) for various sectors of the economy. These systems were designed to manage production processes at enterprises, plan agricultural operations and account for resources.

For example, the Moldavian winery used an automated system to control wine quality, record production volumes and plan deliveries. Such systems were developed using computers and allowed for the automation of complex processes, which increased the efficiency of enterprises.

2. Accounting systems in agro-industry  

SKB developed special programs to automate accounting in the agro-industrial sector. These systems helped to keep records of sown areas, monitor yields and control the distribution of agricultural products. For example, large state and collective farms in Moldova used programs to automate the accounting of grain, vegetables and fruits, as well as the planning of planting and harvesting seasons.

Impact on further development

The work of SCBs during the Soviet era laid the foundation for the development of the IT sector in independent Moldova. Many of those who worked in these bureaus became the first entrepreneurs and software developers in the 90s, when the transition to a market economy began. The knowledge and experience gained in the SCBs allowed Moldova to adapt to the new conditions and create a competitive IT sector.

Thus, SKBs operating in Moldova during the Soviet era made a huge contribution to the automation of key sectors of the economy. These bureaus created programs that helped to manage agricultural and industrial enterprises, control resources and improve production processes. The contribution of these organizations cannot be underestimated, as they laid the foundation for the subsequent growth of the IT industry in the country.

Computing machines

1. Electronic computing machines (ECMs)

The main tools for software development in the USSR were electronic computing machines (ECM). These computers were bulky, slow and required a significant amount of energy, but they became the basis for automating various processes in Moldova.

In Moldova, computers such as the BESM (Big Electronic Calculating Machine), developed in the USSR in the 1950s, and the M-20, which was used for scientific calculations and engineering tasks, were actively used. These machines were used for complex calculations in industry and agriculture. In the SKB, they were used to automate accounting and planning at large enterprises.

2. Minsk computers  

In the 60s and 70s, Moldovan enterprises started using Minsk-22 and Minsk-32 series machines, which were produced in Belarus. These machines were used to solve economic tasks, such as accounting of production resources, automation of management in factories and planning of agricultural operations.

3. EC Computer (Unified Computer System)  

In the 70's, the Soviet Union developed a series of computers, the EC Computer (Unified System of Electronic Computing Machines), which was a system compatible with Western IBM mainframes. These machines became the main working tools for SKBs engaged in the development of accounting software for the agro-industrial sector and industry. EC computers were used in large enterprises such as the Chisinau Tractor Plant and the Moldovan Wine Factory.

Programming languages

1. Fortran  

One of the first programming languages used in Moldova was Fortran. It was used for scientific calculations and automation of complex computational processes in the agro-industrial sphere and at industrial enterprises. For example, it was used to write programs for yield calculation, production planning and resource management at large agrarian enterprises.

2. COBOL  

For economic tasks, such as resource accounting and inventory management, the Cobol language was widely used. This programming language was designed to handle large amounts of data, and it was used extensively by SKB to create control systems for factories and other large enterprises. Programmes written in Cobol were used for accounting, financial planning and reporting.

3. Algol  

Another popular programming language of that time was Algol. It was used for algorithmic calculations and solving mathematical problems. Algol programs were used in scientific calculations and engineering calculations, which was important for planning and optimizing production processes.

 Data carriers

1. Punched cards and punched tapes  

Software and data in those days were stored and entered into machines using punched cards and punched tape. These were the main media for inputting programs into computers. Punched cards were cardboard cards with holes that indicated certain commands and data. Punch cards were paper or plastic tapes with punched holes that were used to store data.

   Programmers at SKB created code on paper, then punched it onto punch cards and loaded it into computers. This process was slow and labour-intensive, but it made it possible to automate processes such as material accounting in factories or harvest control.

2. Magnetic tapes  

In the 70's and 80's magnetic tapes began to be used, which could store more information and provided faster access to data than punch cards and punched tapes. These tapes were used to store large amounts of data in large industrial plants and in the agricultural sector.

 The 1990s: independence and new opportunities

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Moldova faced economic difficulties, but the transition to a market economy opened up opportunities for private IT companies. Small independent firms offering software and development services began to appear in the country. The Internet, which became available in the mid-90s, became a catalyst for the growth of the IT industry.

The 2000s: the rise of Internet technology and education

In the early 2000s, the IT industry in Moldova started to develop actively. The growing number of Internet users contributed to the creation of the first web studios and consulting companies. The companies mainly specialized in the development of websites and e-commerce solutions, targeting clients from the USA and Europe.

Modern IT companies and startups

By now Moldova has become known as one of the regional centers for software outsourcing. Many organizations have emerged that help those willing to learn the basics of programming by providing training and even financial assistance. 

Since Moldova IT Park was founded in 2018, IT companies received tax breaks and other benefits, which helped attract investment and support the sector's growth.

Modern technologies and trends

Today, the IT industry in Moldova actively uses the latest technologies, which is confirmed by the data of a recent survey of developers conducted by our TechDoor.md team.

According to the survey, popular technologies among Moldovan developers are:

• JavaScript (including frameworks React, Node.js and Vue.js.) is the backbone of web development, especially in startups and small businesses.
• Python - is used for software development, data processing and machine learning.
• Java - is used in large corporate projects, including banking and financial systems.
• PHP - is still popular for developing websites and content management systems (CMS).
• Cloud technology - such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloudwhich have become the foundation for infrastructure management and application deployment.

In addition, there is growing interest in technologies related to artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain. For example, Moldovan startups are actively developing AI-based solutions to analyze data and automate business processes.

More information can be found in article with the results of a survey of developers.

Prospects for the future

With the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and blockchain, Moldova has a chance to become a leader in the region and attract more investment in the IT sector. Educational initiatives such as programming courses and technoparks continue to support young professionals and startups.

Conclusion

Moldova's IT sector has come a long way from the first Soviet computers and SKBs to international startups and highly qualified specialists. Today, it is one of the most promising industries in the country, which continues to grow and develop thanks to the integration of modern technologies and support from the state and international partners.