According to an announcement at Linux World Expo, MandrakeSoft and Hewlett-Packard Co. will work together to “promote and develop” desktop Linux solutions. The press release from the companies states that they will move to certify usage of Mandrake Linux on HP's line of Business-oriented PC's.
Through the agreement, HP will be allowed to market and distribute a “premium” and “lite” offering from MandrakeSoft. The former package includes 2 Mandrake Linux CD's with technical support, while the latter seems to be simply an OEM install of the Linux distribution.
MandrakeSoft's CEO, Jacques Le Marios commented “In the course of its alliance strategy with primary players of the
market, MandrakeSoft is delighted with this new alliance with HP. The
agreement allows us to provide key accounts with global solutions.” No word from HP was available at press time.