From the Official Mandriva Blog:

We+have today released Mandriva Linux 2009, the new autumnal release of our distribution.

2009 is a bold release which brings the new KDE 4.1 as the default desktop, along with a re-designed installer and Mandriva Control Center and many other new features. Other significant updates include GNOME 2.24, OpenOffice.org 3, Mozilla Firefox 3, and kernel 2.6.27. Key features include new graphical in-line upgrade capability, netbook compatibility, class-leading hardware support, and support for working with mobile devices.

Read the full thing at http://blog.mandriva.com/2008/10/09/mandriva-linux-2009-is-released/

It's been in the air for a few weeks...

After spending weeks balancing pros and cons, Mandrakesoft has decided to change its name!

The name change will apply worldwide to both the company and its products. The management team sees two good reasons for this change:

1. The recent Mandrakesoft - Conectiva merger calls for a new identity that better represents the combination of two key companies and their global presence.

2. The long-winding trademark lawsuit with Hearst Corporation has reached a point where we decided it is more reasonable for us to move forward. By adopting a new name, we eliminate the liability attached to the Mandrakesoft name and we can focus on what is important to us: developing and delivering great technology and solutions to both our customers and our user community.

We will endeavor to build even stronger brand recognition in our new name. So what is the new name?

The winner is ...

M A N D R I V A

From eWEEK:

Mandrakesoft's MCS 3.0 ships with a typical range of open-source server software and a set of configuration tools that we found unusually approachable. However, MCS 3.0 faces stiff competition not only from its most direct rivals-RHEL and SLES-but also from less costly alternatives such as Debian and slicker-looking options such as Mac OS X Server. As such, MCS 3.0 will fit best at sites with a pre-existing Mandrake presence.

Read the full thing here

Mandrakesoft has announced a new one year release cycle for its next distributions. The press release is available at the following URL: http://www.mandrakesoft.com/company/press/pr?n=/pr/products/2546

Here are some clarifications for Club members and the rest of us.

Limited Edition release

* Club Members will have prior access to the Limited Edition indeed, before all other users, beginning of April

* There will be a free download available for CDs and DVD, four weeks after the Club release, 3 CDs, one DVD as usual

* Security updates will be provided. The exact period remains to be defined, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Moreno Valley, CA; Paris, France - Mandrakesoft, publisher of theMandrakelinux operating system, today announces adjustments in the2005 Mandrakelinux release schedule. Several changes will occur: (1) anew release cycle for retail products, (2) a new naming scheme, (3)the integration of Conectiva's technology into Mandrakelinux, and (4)the immediate availability of a transitional product.

Could Novell overtake Red Hat as the top Linux distribution provider? MozillaQuest Magazine (mozillaquest.com) reports: Along with Novell-SUSE Linux and Red Hat Linux, Mandrake-Conectiva is in the top-tier of Linux distribution providers . . . Today . . . we look further into the financials and demographics of Mandrake-Conectiva, Novell, and Red Hat. We also look at the problems of trying to compare Linux distribution providers. And we look at where Mandrake-Conectiva, Novell, and Red Hat stand in the consumer, SMB, and enterprise arenas.

But, just what impact will the Conectiva acquisition have on the Linux landscape, and on Mandrakesoft's prominence on that Linux Landscape? . . . Novell has a huge customer base. If Novell can move a substantial number of users of its networking products such as NetWare, GroupWise, and ZENworks to its Linux distributions, Novell's Linux business easily could climb to several hundred-million dollars annually. And that could put Novell's Linux business above Red Hat's Linux business.

Check MozillaQuest.com for the full story and links!

From Newsforge:

The corporate desktop GNU/Linux distribution is a relatively new invention, having begun with SUSE Desktop, then followed by Sun's Java Desktop System and Red Hat Desktop. But with much less fanfare, Mandrakesoft released a Corporate Desktop product last January. It's cheaper, has no minimum purchase requirement, and has support options of from one to five years. Compared to the alternatives, Mandrake Corporate Desktop is suited more for smaller shops that need a cost-effective and reliable desktop platform with corporate support.

Read the full thing here

MozillaQuest's Mike Angelo compares how Mandrake-Conectiva, Novell , Red Hat , and SUSE Linux stack up against each other on several fundamental fiscal measures. MozillaQuest Magazine (mozillaquest.com) reports: Mandrake's acquisition of Conectiva strengthens Mandrake's position among the top-tier Linux distribution providers. But, just what impact will the Conectiva acquisition have on the Linux landscape?

Mandrakesoft's CEO, François Bancilhon, sees Mandrake-Conectiva in the top tier of Linux distribution providers. And he sees Mandrake-Conectiva as a key player in the Linux community. Moreover, he sees the Conectiva acquisition as something that will increase Mandrakesoft's slice of the top-tier pie.

Inside this Issue:

Top Story -- Mandrakelinux and Conectiva announce
In the Cooker... -- Mandrakelinux 10.2 Beta 3
Mandrakelinux in the news -- The media on the merger
Mandrakesoft Interviews -- Mandrakeclub interviews Wobo
Mandrakesoft news -- New Country Manager in ItalySoftware Update -- Protect your Mandrakelinux!
Mandrakelinux Goodies -- Get your retail therapy here!

Paris, March 2nd 2005 - Mandrakesoft today announced an agreement with the French Ministry of Education and Research which allows the distribution of its line of products and services to Higher Education institutions, including universities and research laboratories, throughout France. The agreement also makes it easy for students and workers from these institutions to purchase Mandrakesoft products for their private use.