HP runs Mandrake Linux on new office desktops

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 3 Jul 2003 at 10:37

In what MandrakeSoft is claiming as the first Linux line of desktops from a major vendor, the HP Compaq Business Desktop d220 range is launched today, running version 9.1 of Mandrake's Linux distro.

While HP has worked with competing Linux distributions from SuSE and Red Hat on its server products, the choice of Mandrake on a range of desktops seems driven by Mandrake's own mandate - 'making Linux easier to use for everyone' - as the desktops will be in the hands of those not necessarily as technically savvy or familiar with Linux as sysadmins.

Mandrake Linux Founder Gaël Duval said: 'We've been working with HP to certify a number of their PCs since version 8.2. We always had an excellent relationship with them for things related to Linux desktop.

'Mandrake 9.1 is really an achievement in the field of Linux/desktop: it offers everything needed for use in an office environment and unequaled multimedia capabilities, while not sacrificing any Linux features, such as fine file permissions and strong security. We don't think it's good enough yet for "Mum's PC", but it definitely answers corporate needs for Linux/office.'

HP will be offering the new PCs in July, initially in the states, starting from around $349 with a 2GHz Celeron chip, 40GB disk and 128MB of DDR memory. Swapping the processor for a 2.4GHz Pentium 4 pushes the price to $499. Adding a bit more memory, a DVD burner and Microsoft's Windows XP Professional bumps it to $799.

Keith LeFebvre, VP of HP's business desktop division in the US said: 'Our SMB customers are looking to maximise their IT investment, and the combination of low purchase price and consistent, reliable performance in the HP Compaq d200 provide value-seeking businesses a solid platform choice.'

MandrakeSoft says its operating system will be available on further ranges of HP machines as a result of a worldwide agreement between the two companies. In addition to the d200, these will include the 230, 325, D330 and D530.

MandrakeSoft is attempting to come out of a Chapter 11-style bankruptcy proceedings (or the French equivalent thereof). A deal with a major player such as HP should help clear the path out of the woods.

Duval told us: 'This is good for MandrakeSoft of course. This is part of our reorganization, started more than one year ago, which is now to focus on the business.

'We recently opened "MandrakePartner" where PC integrators can sign up to partner with us in the field of OEM (and others). This may sound strange but such a program is really new at MandrakeSoft! We hope to sign other OEM agreements with smaller actors.'

If successful, making Linux a more familiar face in the office may be the best way forward to gaining more acceptance as 'Mum's PC'.