MandrakeExpert.com - a web platform dedicated to Mandrake Linux support - was launched in early 2001 to connect enterprises & users to online Linux experts who can answer a great variety of technical questions regarding the free-software operating system and the common open-source applications it runs.

The first version was extremely successful in providing community-oriented free support. The new "MandrakeExpert V2" allows MandrakeSoft experts and more than 2000 MandrakeSoft Affiliates to provide support for a fixed fee with reductions for multiple incidents purchased.

In short, MandrakeExpert.com V2 now offers:

• Support provided by the Linux community - the free support that everbody is used to.

• Premium support provided by MandrakeSoft and affiliate Experts - this paid support channel provides a top-level and fast support option.

The pricing starts from $10 when buying a unique incident down to $6.7 per incident when buying 10 incidents, for subscribed users.

The web-based interface of this newest version has been improved to be faster and more flexible; the interface is easier to navigate and the question/answer system has been replaced by a more efficient question-status system.

"The new version of MandrakeExpert is a major step in offering support to Mandrake-Linux users. Its scalability and efficiency will also allow us to expand the service to any Linux areas in the future", said Marc Peltier, COO of MandrakeSoft and responsible for Professional Services.

The new MandrakeExpert V2 platform is accessible by a unique URL on http://www.mandrivaexpert.com and is available for anyone who needs support, as well as for people who can offer support.

MandrakeExpert currently has 85000 subscribed users.

About MandrakeSoft:

MandrakeSoft provides a trusted interface between users of information technology and open technologists. The company offers customers in the small office, home office (SoHo), small and medium size enterprise, government and educational sectors a set of GNU Linux and Open-Source software and related services, user-friendly and highly competitive information technologies at a very attractive total cost of ownership. In addition, MandrakeSoft offers technologists committed to open software and courseware a trusted channel to offer their services.

The company has technologists in over 20 countries, and entered Paris Euronext Marché Libre on July 30th, 2001 (Euroclear code: 4477.PA, Reuters code: MAKE.PA).

The Mandrake Linux distribution, which is available in over 40 languages, became the leader in US retail sales, with 33.9% of the market for the first quarter, 2001 (PC Data) and received the awards for "Best Product of the Year" and "Best Linux-Distribution/Server" at LinuxWorld Expo 99, as well as the PC Answers Platinum Award in April 2000, the Linux Magazine Editor's Choice Award in September 2000 and the Chip Magazine "Best Technique and Winner of the Test" in December 2000.

"Born on the Internet" in late 1998, MandrakeSoft established headquarters in Pasadena (U.S.), Montreal (Quebec), England, Germany and Paris (Europe). For more information, please visit the Web site: https://mandriva.com.