Counterspy Posted December 20, 2002 Report Share Posted December 20, 2002 Since I didn't see the following posted elsewhere, I have relinquished my self-imposed posting holiday to post the following email I received today. Quote: Flash: MandrakeSoft's Future ---------------------------- Many of you have followed the evolution of MandrakeSoft throughout the past few years. Everyone who is concerned with the company's future is encouraged to read and distribute the following message. Despite the many financial challenges of maintaining a fully open source business model, MandrakeSoft has always followed the Free Software approach, but in this normally joyful holiday season we are experiencing a serious short-term cash crisis. In order to reach the next release, MandrakeSoft currently needs to raise cash and quickly complete an Increase of Capital. Please take a moment to read this important message at the Mandrake Linux website: http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/future.php3 We know you may have read our previous appeals, but if you are truly concerned about MandrakeSoft's future, now is the time to mobilize and help spread the word. With the holidays upon us, a great way to spread some "Linux cheer" is by offering the gift of a MandrakeClub membership. The Club is a great way to support MandrakeSoft, and to help others too. Sincerely, The MandrakeSoft team. Unquote. There you have it folks. It seems it's where the rubber hits the road. Counterspy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzylizard Posted December 20, 2002 Report Share Posted December 20, 2002 Already posted here: http://www.mandrakeusers.org/viewtopic.php...1842&highlight= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Counterspy Posted December 21, 2002 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 I didn't look in off-topic because it didn't occur to me that Mandrake's situation could be seen as off-topic. It doesn't really matter much and now more people will likely read either one or both. Counterspy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ral Posted December 22, 2002 Report Share Posted December 22, 2002 I am not surprised they are in financial trouble. http://www.mandrakeusers.org/viewtopic.php...der=asc&start=0 "For $60 a year, you don't get much at all. Really, its just a way of supporting the MDK distro BTW Im a member icon_smile.gif" Look at what the competition is offering. Red Hat Network Basic service level: $60/year per system subscription Red Hat Network Basic service provides software management, priority service, and access to Instant ISOs (full versions of Red Hat Linux) for individuals with one or more systems. A Basic subscription is required for each system supported on Red Hat Network. A Basic subscription to Red Hat Network provides: * Email notifications of available updates (errata) * Flexible scheduling of updates * Delivery of the actual updated files (packages) * Summaries of update results "Email notifications of available updates (errata)" I get for free, which is good marketing. The number of fixes they have posted in the past two months alone led me to conclude that the $60 would probably be worth it. Without paying the $60 I know what I would be getting if I did. Mandrakesoft offers the following: What are the Club priviledges? At the time of this writing (last updated in Nov. 2002), the following "Club privileges" are available: * Access to MandrakeClub.com -- a place where your voice will be heard, and that in many different languages! * The ability to download commercial software normally only available in retail packs. These applications include software drivers, commercial applications, freeware, and demo versions.* * Right to vote and propose new software in volunteers-run RPM voting system. Note: Club downloads work with urpmi/rpmdrake! :-)) * Special discounts for products and services on MandrakeStore. * Special MandrakeOnline offers for MandrakeClub members: no advertising, discounts, additional free account for gold (and higher) level members! * StarOffice 6.0 is available to Silver members and above. StarOffice download comes with complete OEM license, and entitles you to "one tech-support question to SUN per email or telephone". Standard members may elect to upgrade to Silver status. * Direct-trading program for MandrakeSoft stock, and access to real time trading information about MandrakeStock. * Better mirror list, exclusively for Club members. "Mirrors" script will not only help you to find servers with various types of RPMs for your Mandrake-Linux system, but also tell you how to set up Software manager (rpmdrake/urpmi) to use these mirrors. Noticeably missing are any mention of updates or bug fixes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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