From:	 Mandrake Team <return@mandrakesoft.com>
To:	 lwn@lwn.net
Subject: Mandrake Linux Community Newsletter - 8.1 available
Date:	 Fri, 28 Sep 2001 22:33:47 +0200 (CEST)

FLASH: Mandrake Linux 8.1 is ready!

The word is out that Mandrake Linux 8.1 is now available for download.
MandrakeSoft would personally like to thank all of the beta testers,
volunteers, contributors and developers who were essential in creating
our latest offering. We couldn't do it without you.

For details about Mandrake Linux 8.1, please see:
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/81.php3

--

Now that the flurry of activity has quieted down due to the release of
8.1, we'd like to comment on some issues that are important to us here
at MandrakeSoft.

Q. Why does MandrakeSoft first release a free Download version, then
approximately one month later the retail versions become available in
stores?

A. The answer is simple: Mandrake Linux is released to the world as
soon as it is finished and ready to use. The commercial products
require an additional month to be assembled, shipped and distributed.

From the beginning of our company's existence, MandrakeSoft's core
value has been its firm commitment to the ideals of Free Software. This
means not only following the legal requirements of the General Public
License (GPL), but also respecting the Open Source philosophy and
spirit. This is why we not only release all of our own developments
under the GPL license, but also our entire development process is open
for all. With the "Cooker" system, we are able to combine the efforts
of MandrakeSoft's developers with hundreds of contributors throughout
the world. This represents an incredible opportunity to create a
valuable product.

With this type of development model, we believe it is only appropriate
to make the results of this work free for everyone. We believe it is
better to have happy users and turn them into customers later, than
it is to force people to purchase a new release in order to try it.
MandrakeSoft doesn't support tactics such as delaying the availability
of a free version until retail packs have been in stores for a certain
period of time, or withholding ISO images thereby making it difficult
for users to burn their own CDs.

In this same spirit, many users who understand the huge effort involved
in producing a Linux distribution have requested an opportunity to
"give back" to the company and to the developers who have helped put it
together. Here are some various ways that you can make a difference and
help ensure the health of MandrakeSoft so that the distribution
continues to remain free and true to the Open Source spirit.

1. Purchase products and services from MandrakeSoft.
If your business or employer has a specialized Linux project, we're
ready to help realize your goal. MandrakeSoft provides support, 
training, customized Mandrake products, and consulting for large scale 
projects. Take advantage of MandrakeSoft's years of expertise in the 
Linux world to give your business establishment the advantage it 
deserves.
http://www.mandrakesoft.com

2. Buy a piece of the company!
It is crucial that MandrakeSoft stock remains in the hands of people
who share our focus, priorities, and who understand the value of Free
Software. MandrakeSoft recently conducted an IPO to raise money, and to
provide the opportunity for community members to own a piece of the
company. Due to regulatory issues it was not possible during the IPO
for all potential investors to participate, but now everyone is invited
and encouraged to become a partner with us by investing.
Remember: a company that is 60% owned by Mandrake users can
be quite different than if 60% owned by financial investors.
http://www.keytrade.com is a highly recommended online broker.
http://www.mandrakesoft.com/company/investors/trade

3. Make a financial contribution.
MandrakeSoft gladly accepts monetary donations:
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/donations/
If you don't need all the goodies of a boxed product, or if you just
prefer to use the free Download version, please consider making a
financial contribution. This is an ideal way to get the most "bang for
your buck" since donations go directly toward Mandrake Linux
development without being redirected through sub-contractors and
middle-men (manual printers, CD-ROM pressing, etc). You can even
target your contribution for a specific project.

In closing, all of us at MandrakeSoft hope you enjoy using Mandrake
Linux 8.1 as much as we enjoyed producing it. Once again, we'd like to
thank everyone who has contributed their time or money to Free Software
projects.