PR: MandrakeSoft to Provide Linux Server Software to All Levels of French Government

Paris, France – As the result of an Open Bid process initiated
by the French “Union des Groupements d’Achats Publics” (UGAP),
MandrakeSoft has been awarded a contract to equip Linux server
software to French government agencies and ministries. MandrakeSoft
is a world leader in Linux and Free Software solutions.

This new contract enables MandrakeSoft to provide Linux software
and related services to an increasing number of government
agencies. The adoption of Mandrake Linux is expected to have a
powerful impact in helping to increase the quality of government
while also providing MandrakeSoft an important boost in status.

The UGAP contract is guaranteed for a two-year period. UGAP is
the French procurement agency for more than 28,000 public
establishments. The agency also provides services to private
corporations that have public service missions. UGAP works with
public establishments (such as schools, universities, town halls,
research groups, etc.) to reduce costs by offering large-volume
purchasing and by providing access to special products &
services with partners such as MandrakeSoft.

Beyond the competitive pricing and quality products offered by
MandrakeSoft, government agencies also benefit from these key
factors:

• The opportunity to have tailor-made software solutions
• Adherence to open standards
• Speed of implementation
• Comprehensive training plans and support & services for the
  products

The range of products and services that have been selected
include:

• Mandrake Linux ProSuite 8.x for deployment of Internet and
  Intranet services
• Mandrake Linux PowerPack & Standard 8.x for
  workstations
• Annual support
• Personalized training

A Priority for MandrakeSoft

Reaching these public markets, particularly the educational
system, has long been a priority for MandrakeSoft. Indeed,
governments have been very supportive of the idea of adopting Linux
solutions. Open Source products are attractive because of the
accessibility to the source code, plus there are no recurring
licensing fees. Many public agencies currently deploy Mandrake
Linux products, such as the French Ministry of Culture, the French
Air Force, France Telecom, and many hospitals and Universities.

Jacques Le Marois, CEO of MandrakeSoft, adds: “MandrakeSoft’s
international presence is already well known, but it is key for us
to strongly succeed in France. Our geographical proximity and the
evolution of our professional offerings now allow us to deliver
high quality products and services through UGAP to many public
administrations, which also gives us a solid local foothold.