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A press release from Mandriva:

Pursuing its strategy of developing a large international network of local partners, Mandriva today announces the launch of Mandriva Australia as the sole Australian partner for Mandriva SA, distributing and supporting Mandriva Linux operating systems.



The Australian Market is ready for Linux expansion: about 50% of servers in Australia currently operate on Linux. The huge growth of Linux in China will in the near future give great impetus to the availability of Linux-based hardware and drivers for Australia. For this partnership, Mandriva has selected ArnSys Pty Ldt for its expertise:

"Our associated business entity, Arnold Systems, now incorporated as Arnsys Pty Ltd, has for many years provided a full business consulting service including the design and installation of Linux systems, networks and data bases for both home and business use. We expect the Mandriva/Arnsys partnership to enable us to offer greatly enhanced services to our present and future clients", declared John Arnold, Mandriva Australia.

The goal of Mandriva Australia is to provide local distribution of Mandriva Linux and other integrated open source applications in multiple languages throughout Australia and New Zealand. To achieve this goal, Mandriva Australia outlined a strategy based on three key actions:

* the development of a nationwide support network;

* offering certified Linux training for organizations, people and associates;

* making Mandriva products available through Australian OEMs and VARs.

Mandriva has an ongoing commitment to open source software and collaborative work. The company provides business partners with the technological expertise, experience and know-how of a leader in open source technology and has already established more than 25 representations in the world such as Mandriva Poland, Mandriva Germany, Mandriva West Africa, Mandriva UK, Mandriva Korea and recently Mandriva Benelux.

"Mandriva's Partner Program facilitate us to meet the challenges of today's heterogeneous computing environments by expanding our IT offerings through our partnerships. We are extremely pleased with this new partnership, as Arnsys Pty Ldt shares common goal of delivering high-value, world-class software to the Australian users", stated Gaurav Parakh, Mandriva Partnership Manager.

For more information on Mandriva Asutralia visit the official website: http://www.mandriva.com.au

About Mandriva

Mandriva, formerly known as Mandrakesoft, is the publisher of Mandriva Linux, an easy-to-use and innovative operating system. It is one of the most popular Linux editions in the world. Dedicated to making open source technologies accessible to all users, the company offers a full range of products and services to individuals, enterprises and government organizations. Mandriva products are available online in 80 languages and in more than 140 countries through dedicated channels. Headquartered in Paris, France, the company is publicly traded on the Euronext Marche Libre. More information at http://www.mandriva.com