The author of the French distribution of Linux, Mandrakesoft, has announced that it will change its name into Mandriva, this decision being the result of the mergence with Conectiva and of the legal dispute of using Mandrake as a name. From now on, the distribution will bear the name Mandriva Linux, and the producers have already asked for the support of the open-source community to promote the new name.

The decision of changing the identity was embraced by both companies, Connectiva and Mandrakesoft, a new world wide image being required.

Moreover, the settling of the conflict between Mandrakesoft and Hearst Corporation related to the Mandrakesoft name, will allow the company to better focus on developing new technologies and solutions for the home user and for the corporate segment.

Mandriva is the result of the combination between the names of the companies involved in the developing and promoting of the open-source operating system and one of its most easy to use distributions.

Mandriva Linux and other products and services of the group are available in over 120 countries where they are promoted through the Mandrivastore.com, Mandriva's virtual store. The company has offices in the United States, France, Brazil and the products of the ex Ma Mandrakesoft, currently Mandriva, have been several times rewarded.