[plug] MandrakeSoft Changes name to Mandriva

[Muskie Teh Otterboi]

(Copied from the Last MandrakeSoft Newsletter)

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Flash Newsletter: Mandrakesoft Announces Name Change!
 
It's been in the air for a few weeks...
 
After spending weeks balancing pros and cons, Mandrakesoft has decided
to change its name!
 
The name change will apply worldwide to both the company and its
products. The management team sees two good reasons for this change:
 
1. The recent Mandrakesoft - Conectiva merger calls for a new identity
   that better represents the combination of two key companies and
   their global presence. 
 
2. The long-winding trademark lawsuit with Hearst Corporation has
   reached a point where we decided it is more reasonable for us to
   move forward. By adopting a new name, we eliminate the liability
   attached to the Mandrakesoft name and we can focus on what is
   important to us: developing and delivering great technology and
   solutions to both our customers and our user community.
 
We will endeavor to build even stronger brand recognition in our new
name. So what is the new name? 

The winner is ... 
 

	M A N D R I V A
 

Why Mandriva? This new name, simple and efficient, is the synthesis of
Mandrakesoft and Conectiva. This will further a smooth transition and
will build on our existing brand recognition in the IT world.
 
* Company & Products
 
Mandriva is the new name for the company. Mandriva Linux is the new
name covering products.
 
Additional derivations follow directly: Mandriva Club, Mandriva Store,
Mandriva Expert and so on.
 
* Websites
 
Our web addresses become accordingly:
 
 http://www.mandriva.com for the corporation
 http://www.mandrivalinux.com for the community project
 http://www.mandrivastore.com for the online Store
 http://www.mandrivaclub.com for the Club
 http://www.mandrivaexpert.com for the web-based support platform
 
We encourage everyone - users, partners, and the media - to start
using the new name as soon as possible.  In particular, Mandriva users
are encouraged to update their bookmarks ASAP!  New Mandriva logos
are now available on our website at:
http://www.mandriva.com/company/press

* Mandriva Club Contest!

Help the new Mandriva name to spread everywhere and win many prizes
such as a HP laptop!

A  big contest has opened on Club, learn more at:
http://www.mandrakeclub.com/article.php?sid=3589


		The Mandriva Management Team

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Well.. This was a surprise to me. A bunch of you were probably following this pretty closely, but the name change of one of my favoruite distros so suddenly.. Not to mention the pure COSTS involved in a name change (this isn't a "Let's change the name", they'd have to completley redo all of their logos, their Software, the CDs they produce, Pay for a Domain change, etc..) make me a little wary if this isn't just a late april fools.. 

Well, regardless, good luck to Mandra..errr..iva.. for the future.


Muskie