Maya (operating system)
{{Short description|Computer operating system based upon Ubuntu}}
{{Infobox operating system
| name = Maya OS
| developer = DRDO, C-DAC, NIC
| family = Unix-like
| working state = Current
| source model = Open source
| RTM date = {{start date and age|2021|df=yes}}
| GA date = 15 August 2023
| marketing target = Government systems
| package manager = dpkg (APT)
| kernel type = Monolithic (Linux)
| userland = GNU
}}
Maya OS is an operating system developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 2021, with implementation commencing after August 15, 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-09 |title=Explained {{!}} Maya OS that will replace Windows on Defence Ministry computers |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/explained--maya-os-that-will-replace-windows-on-defence-ministry-computers-17477221.htm |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-10 |title=What is Maya OS, the new operating system that India’s defence ministry is migrating to? |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/maya-os-new-operating-system-india-defence-ministry-windows-cyber-security-12981032.html/amp |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-09 |title=Explained {{!}} Maya OS that will replace Windows on Defence Ministry computers |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/explained--maya-os-that-will-replace-windows-on-defence-ministry-computers-17477221.htm |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-12 |title=What is Maya OS, the indigenous Windows replacement for India’s defense systems? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/maya-os-windows-replacement-defence-ministry-computers-8885509/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Explained: Maya OS that will replace Windows on Indian Defence Ministry computers - World News |url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-maya-os-that-will-replace-windows-on-indian-defence-ministry-computers-624407/amp?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM=#amp_tf=From%20%251$s&aoh=16918947874959&referrer=https://www.google.com&share=https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-maya-os-that-will-replace-windows-on-indian-defence-ministry-computers-624407 |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=www-wionews-com.cdn.ampproject.org}}{{Cite web |title=Independence Day 2023 Special: Maya OS, Windows Alternative Which Will Run On Defence Systems From Aug 15 |url=https://english.jagran.com/technology/independence-day-2023-special-maya-os-microsoft-windows-alternative-which-will-run-on-defence-systems-from-august-15-jagran-explainer-10093387 |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Pradeep |date=2023-08-10 |title=India’s Defence Ministry to ditch Windows for homegrown Ubuntu-based Maya OS - MSPoweruser |url=https://mspoweruser.com/india-defence-ministry-ditch-windows/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=mspoweruser.com |language=en-US}} It is based on the Ubuntu distribution of GNU/Linux. Included with Maya OS is "Chakravyuh", an endpoint detection and protection system designed to safeguard against security threats.{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=ABP News |date=2023-08-10 |title=Explained: What Is Maya OS And 'Chakravyuh' That Will Be Installed By Defence Ministry In All I |url=https://news.abplive.com/technology/gadgets/maya-os-ministry-of-defence-malware-cyberattacks-chakravyuh-security-windows-1622161 |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2023-08-08 |title=India Defence Ministry to replace Microsoft OS with Maya |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-ministry-to-replace-microsoft-os-with-maya/article67172875.ece |access-date=2024-04-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}
The stated goal of the project is to protect sensitive defence systems and data from cyberattacks, promoting indigenous innovation by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and reducing dependence on foreign software.{{Cite web |last=Natani |first=Sharad |date=2023-08-09 |title=Unveiling Maya OS: India’s Bold Leap to Secure Cyber Sovereignty – All You Need To Know |url=https://www.the420.in/india-defence-ministry-maya-os-cybersecurity/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=The420CyberNews |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2023-08-08 |title=India Defence Ministry to replace Microsoft OS with Maya |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-ministry-to-replace-microsoft-os-with-maya/article67172875.ece |access-date=2023-08-13 |issn=0971-751X}}
Name
Maya OS derives its name from the Sanskrit word "Maya" (माया), meaning "illusion". The name reflects the system's capability to provide deceptive layers of security, effectively cloaking the Defence Ministry's computers from potential cyber threats.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-10 |title=What is Maya OS, the indigenous Windows replacement for India’s defense systems? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/maya-os-windows-replacement-defence-ministry-computers-8885509/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
Accompanying Maya OS is Chakravyuh, an endpoint detection and protection system, named after the Sanskrit term "Chakravyuha" (चक्रव्यूह). This term describes a strategic military formation used for encircling adversaries, as famously illustrated in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.
Development
Predating Maya OS, in 2007, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) introduced the Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS GNU/Linux), a GNU/Linux distribution intended to foster the use of free and open-source software in India. This operating system was notably adopted by the Indian Army.{{Cite web |last=Bordoloi |first=Pritam |date=2023-08-10 |title=Maya Not the First Indigenously Built OS in India |url=https://analyticsindiamag.com/maya-is-not-the-first-indigenously-built-operating-system-in-india/ |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=Analytics India Magazine |language=en-US}}https://www.cdac.in/index.aspx?id=st_pr_Boss_gnu_linux However, BOSS GNU/Linux failed to achieve widespread success, primarily due to insufficient government backing and investment, leading to its gradual decline.{{Cite news |last=Aggarwal |first=Varun |last2=Alawadhi |first2=Neha |date=2014-09-24 |title=Government's OS BOSS dying a slow death due to lack of patronage |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/software/governments-os-boss-dying-a-slow-death-due-to-lack-of-patronage/articleshow/43288036.cms |access-date=2024-04-18 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}
The development of Maya OS started in 2021 after India experienced several cyberattacks from foreign adversaries targeting its critical infrastructure and defense systems. It was developed by experts from different government agencies, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), in about six months.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-09 |title=Explained {{!}} Maya OS that will replace Windows on Defence Ministry computers |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/explained--maya-os-that-will-replace-windows-on-defence-ministry-computers-17477221.htm |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en}}
Adoption
As of August 2023, Maya OS is reported to have been installed in the systems of India's Ministry of Defence. Plans were in place for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to adopt the operating system by the end of that year.{{Cite web |last=www.ETGovernment.com |title=Know 'Maya', the operating system that will replace Windows in Defence Ministry - ET Government |url=https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/know-maya-the-operating-system-that-will-replace-windows-in-defence-ministry/102629171 |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=ETGovernment.com |language=en}}
The user interface of Maya OS has been designed to mimic that of Microsoft Windows, facilitating an easier transition for users accustomed to the Windows environment.{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=ABP News |date=2023-08-10 |title=Explained: What Is Maya OS And 'Chakravyuh' That Will Be Installed By Defence Ministry In All I |url=https://news.abplive.com/technology/gadgets/maya-os-ministry-of-defence-malware-cyberattacks-chakravyuh-security-windows-1622161 |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}}
See also
External links
- [https://pcdacc.gov.in/download/circularsnew/edp_an_174_cyber_security_2023_24_0001.pdf Installation status (Official circular)]
- [https://pcdacc.gov.in/download/circularsnew/itns_an_174_cs_2324_sop_0001.pdf Standard Operating Procedure (Official circular)]