This partnership, first under the newly launched MandrakeSoft Linux applications programme, is designed to deliver Linux business solutions ideal for the SoHo and SME markets. The programme brings together the application vendors, hardware suppliers and distribution channels into a focused group providing business solutions.

"This programme and in particular eboxIT Office represents a crucial step in MandrakeSoft's drive to grow Linux server market share in the small and medium sized enterprise sector" explains Barry Cochrane, EMEA sales and services director at MandrakeSoft. "In less than two years, we have become a recognised leader in the Linux desktop market, both in Europe and in the US. Partnership with key players such as IBM and Ayrtek will provide a powerful expansion in the SME server market, where Linux offers a highly attractive alternative to costly proprietary environments."

Cochrane further added, "In the competitive world of network management and virtual web hosting, Linux has played a major role. However many solutions are hardware specific and the demand is now for hardwareindependent solutions. eboxIT Network Manager provides all the functionality, security and power, with the ability to choose the best hardware package".

The eBoxit 'Office in a Box' suite of solutions is an auto-install single-disc full of solutions comprising business applications, Mandrake Linux 8.0 distribution and, initially, IBM XSeries servers. eBoxit is available in two versions: the complete eBoxit Office Server, which provides the ideal solutions for SMEs that desire a suite of office applications to allow secure network access and firewall with the ability to manage customer details and contacts and schedules in a package that requires no IT technical skills and eBoxit Network Manager, a highly effective solution for the network management and virtual web hosting markets.

"In response to the fast-growing Linux server market, Ayrtek welcomes the opportunity of partnering with MandrakeSoft to offer Linux server-appliance solutions" says David Irvine, CEO at Ayrtek. "Our aim with eboxIT has been to provide an easy to install and maintain system that requires no IT skills. A system that meets all the needs of the SME or Web Hosting clients and is cost effective".

Ayrtek products have been integrated into the Mandrake Linux 8.0 ProSuite edition and will be sold through the Mandrake and Ayrtek web sites and their reseller network commencing July 2001. The solution will also be offered through MandrakeSoft's Partner Channels IBM.

EBOXIT NETWORK MANAGER :
The eBoxit Network Manager has been created to offer the ultimate Internet connection and network administration tool. With security that is second to none, simple automated installation and complete management of all users it is the perfect solution for businesses reaching out to the Internet.

The main features of the eBoxit Network Manager are:

• Email Manager

• Secure send and receipt of email

• Allow others to see mail (using authentification)

• Personal mail and company-wide signatures

• Mail sorted by different categories: date received, subject, from,

• to, etc

• Allows multiple accounts including pop and news

• Mailbox filters

• Agenda Manager

• Create, view and edit appointments

• Day view, week view or month view

• Meeting maker find next available free time for self or group

• Meeting scheduler send email to invited guests whether system users or not

• Meeting confirmation allows attendees to confirm appointments

• Allows creation of recurring appointments

• Allows for printing of daily, weekly or monthly schedule

• Create private appointments

• View photographs of contacts

EBOXIT OFFICE SERVER:
eBoxit Office provides the modern SoHo/SME Office with the ability to manage customers and contacts as well as email and documents with Internet trading (e-commerce/e-business) as well as having secure Internet access.

As well as the characteristics comprised in the eBoxit Network Manager, the eBoxit Office Server includes numerous features such as:

• Customer Relationship Manager

• Add, view, edit companies, contact and link to companies

• Track company email, documents, tasks, meeting, phone calls, shop

• orders, tenders, etc on multiple or single screens

• Private contacts / companies

• Import / export filter for client lists, sales figures etc

• Allows for uploading and downloading of documents

• Word / email merge

• Customisable search on client types, industry types, revenue etc

• Contact / company groups for mass mailing campaigns

• Ability to click a checkbox and enable a contact to log in

• Revenue fields etc, to be configurable read only, write or invisible

• Integration with scheduler for use of meeting maker facility

• Automatic collection from other company contact such as web site visits, etc.