Linux vendor Mandriva has accused Microsoft of raw deal in the contract to install Mandriva Linux in 17,000 Classmate PCs supplied by Intel to equip elementary schools with computers and software in Nigeria.

The CEO of Mandriva posted an open letter addressed to the CEO of Microsoft on Mandriva's blog and the debate over it has attracted over 450 comments so far and I have responded on ZDnet, Mandriva's blog and on my own blogs, because many of the respondents were insulting Nigeria. I thought they were right until I investigated the matter and found out that Mandriva has been shouting wolf when there was no wolf at all.

You can read all about it on Linux World on the following link:

http://www.linuxworld.com/news/2007/110207-microsoft-swoops-in-to-claim.html

Man, Thanks for the gist, I'll check the link out now!
damn! this is crazy!

@Orikinla,

I am kinda curious as to why would you say Mandriva is crying wolf, I followed your links and did my own little research, and I came up with the following


1. Mandriva actually posted the details of the "deal" on their main website for the entire world to see. I don't think they would have made such a stupid error as telling the world they had closed a deal, whereas the hadn't.

2. Microsoft bullies, and we are corrupt, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to put two and two together.
Remember Netscape.

3. Our government representatives in this deal actually told Mandriva that they would still pay for the software, but would later install windows over the Classmate PC's. In other words we will be paying for 2 different packages (OS'es) on per PC, can someone please yell MISAPPROPRIATION!

I realise that its all honourable to stand up for one's country when we are being whitewashed outside but lets be real, honest and blunt with OURSELVES. What is wrong is wrong, that which is unethical is unethical.


Or Orikinla do you think that the payment for their software is all that is at stake here for both parties, Enlighten us.