MandrakeSoft's product-lifetime & Open Source policies: 8 Golden Rules
Friday December 19 2003
Altadena, CA; Paris, France; December, 19th 2003 -- Mandrakesoft, a leading producer of Linux desktop and server solutions, today summarized its product-life policy and Open Source commitment.
At a time when some of the established Linux companies are turning away from their Open Source roots and progressively abandoning full-time commitment to Open Source Software, many people have asked MandrakeSoft to clarify its position regarding product-lifetimes and its Open Source development model.
"There will be no change in MandrakeSoft's official product support cycle, and the company remains firmly committed to the Open Source Software model", said François Bancilhon, CEO of MandrakeSoft.
To make the company's position clear, MandrakeSoft has released '8 Golden Rules' which guide the company and illustrate its approach to Product Support & Open Source:
* * * MandrakeSoft's 8 Golden Rules * * *
1) Software updates for all Mandrake products
Official MandrakeSoft software updates -- including bug fixes and security updates -- will remain freely available for all public supported products, according to the official product lifetime table.
2) Product lifetimes are not hidden
A product lifetime table for all major MandrakeSoft products is publicly available on the Mandrake Linux website. For example, the Mandrake Linux 9.2 Download, Discovery, PowerPack and ProSuite editions will be supported with core updates until March 30, 2005.
3) Product lifetimes do not change during a product's lifetime
The support lifetimes are respected, and may sometimes even be extended.
4) Free as in 'Libre' and Free as in 'Beer'!
A download version of Mandrake Linux, consisting entirely of Open Source software, will continue to be released, provided without cost, and supported.
5) MandrakeSoft's code conforms to the GPL
ALL applications created by MandrakeSoft, such as the Mandrake Linux installer and Linux configuration utilities, are released under the General Public License. Our firm commitment to the GPL is the appropriate way to "give back" to the Free Software community.
6) Mandrake Linux -- A true Open Source project
The development of Mandrake Linux is conducted entirely in accordance to the Open Source spirit. Development of Mandrake Linux products are based on "Cooker", which is a publicly available development platform and community. Cooker provides complete access to:
a) Source code -- through a CVS repository
b) Direct communication with developers -- through numerous mailing-lists
c) And a 'Wiki' collaborative website
7) The choice of free support...
All Mandrake Linux users have free access to the community-supported MandrakeExpert.com support platform.
8) MandrakeSoft listens to you...
MandrakeSoft encourages and welcomes feedback and suggestions from its base of users, thereby releasing products that better match the users' needs.
Additional information is located at:
Press contact:
Gaël Duval (press at mandriva.com)
About MandrakeSoft
MandrakeSoft is the publisher of the popular Mandrake Linux operating system, one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems available. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services. MandrakeSoft products are available in more than 120 countries through dedicated channels and also from MandrakeStore.com, the company's online store. Number 1 in several countries, MandrakeSoft has been awarded many times for quality and the technical innovation of its products. "Born on the Internet" in late 1998, MandrakeSoft has established headquarters in the U.S.A. and in France. MandrakeSoft is traded on Paris Euronext Marche Libre (Euroclear code: 4477.PA; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF).
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