Why MandrakeSoft will not join UnitedLinux [LWN.net]

MandrakeSoft has released a document detailing the reasons why they will not join United Linux. "On the other hand, MandrakeSoft would gain nothing by joining United Linux, and doing so would damage our reputation. Joining United Linux could destroy many of the features that have made Mandrake Linux so widely popular, such as our 'easy to install, easy to use' approach. It should be noted that several recent polls indicate that the four United Linux companies currently rank lower than Mandrake Linux in market share."

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Why MandrakeSoft will not join UnitedLinux

Posted Jul 7, 2002 0:51 UTC (Sun) by DeletedUser2466 ((unknown), #2466) [Link] (2 responses)

Mandrake is trying to be another Microsoft. This is funny when they claim that they are sweet and innocent with regards to open-source software. They pretend to be aloof and "above the fray" in this one when in reality they are the most sold-out distribution in the world. They can't survive without their commercial packages and they view UnitedLinux as a threat. Read this smarmy press-release as pure spin that means nothing but shows MS (MandrakeSoft) as they truly are, Redmond-wannabes.

This is not really a fair statement

Posted Jul 8, 2002 21:01 UTC (Mon) by dbreakey (guest, #1381) [Link] (1 responses)

Mandrake is one of the most popular distributions precisely because they have worked hard to become appealing to the "average" user, rather than the high-end, experienced user. To this end, they have been a pioneer (not necessarily the pioneer) in several things, including ease-of-use, ease-of-installation, and accesibility. Not to mention very good overall localization. Whether they've succeeded in these things is a matter of personal opinion; I think they've made great strides in the right direction, but have a ways to go yet.

Mandrake is not claiming to be another Microsoft; if they were they wouldn't be nearly as polite about it!

Seriously, though, Mandrake is a business; like all businesses, they need to make money to survive. UnitedLinux is a potential threat to the bottom line. Ipso facto, Mandrake cannot be entirely sanguine about the possibility, even if they don't directly wish them any ill-will. Hence, the response may come over as a little harsh, or otherwise unsavory to the spirit of the Linux community.

In all honesty, why don't we wait until a company is actually in an equivalent position to Microsoft, re: the Linux market, before comparing their actions to Microsoft? Otherwise, you're just comparing apples and kiwi.

This is not really a fair statement

Posted Jul 10, 2002 17:28 UTC (Wed) by DeletedUser2466 ((unknown), #2466) [Link]

I apologize and I stand corrected. On the other hand, United linux is at least a good mental exercise for the companies involved because they have to make all their stuff work together. It would have helped Mandrake to be a part if for no other reason than to exercise their brains.Thank you for writing back.