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NEC already runs a variety of Linux platforms on its Express5800 server range, mainly Red Hat, but also Novell SUSE and Japan's Turbolinux.

However, the deal inked with Mandriva will see the open source operating system deployed beyond servers and into desktops and notebooks.

Mandriva is well-known for its easy to use version of Linux, and its success at home, with Mandriva having successfully sold into major French government departments, makes it an ideal partner for NEC to drive a European campaign.

'Thanks to this partnership, Mandriva's customers will have access to a larger range of certified hardware for their infrastructure. Certification is key for broadened customer adoption, as it brings further assurance on the quality of products,' said François Bancilhon, Mandriva CEO. 'This marks our first partnership with NEC, and we are thrilled to be teaming up with such a leading manufacturer.'

The companies say they will develop specific solutions for private and public markets and even individual customisations for the public and education sectors.