Abstract. This article discusses issues surrounding the training of specialists in distributed information systems through the use of innovative methods and technologies in a virtual computer lab environment with an integrated knowledge management system. The article clearly shows how complex knowledge, skills, and professional competencies should be taught to IT specialists. It provides a detailed exploration of the architecture of the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) and describes the successful experience of using the VCL in classes taught by the Department of Systems Analysis and Control at the Dubna State University. The article provides a detailed description of key components and integration technologies, and it also covers details of how it can be applied to distance learning.

The emergence of the new generation digital technologies, which were called “cross-cutting” due tothe scale and depth of impact, determined a large-scale transformation of business and social spheremodels. These changes have a strong impact on the content of professional activities: employees arerequired to have new skills and, consequently, new competencies. The rapid digitalization of theeconomy requires qualified experts. Currently there is a severe shortage of IT experts required for thedevelopment of national projects in Russia. Formation of educational programs that meet globaltrends, taking into account the most popular technologies, has the particular importance. Thesetechnologies and their subtechnologies are described in roadmaps created within the framework of thenational program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation”. The report presents a system oftraining highly qualified IT experts in cross-cutting digital technologies at the Institute for SystemsAnalysis and Management (ISAM) of the Dubna State University.