14 DAY TRIAL // Mandriva’s financial troubles are no mystery to anyone following open-source software. The company behind one of the most popular Linux distributions has been struggling to stay afloat. At one point, it seemed like the only way out was to sell the company, but now it looks like it may have come up with a solution that doesn’t involve a sale and which will ensure that the company will survive for the foreseeable future.
Mandriva will undergo a deep restructuring process with a clear focus on bringing down costs and securing funding for the operations. Mandriva says it is in negotiations with several investors but it is keeping quiet on their identities for now.
In the longer term, Mandriva is forming a partnership with other European open-source companies. The initiative is being led by IF Research, the company behind software maker Wallix. The project will take shape over the next few months, but it seems that it is enough to keep Mandriva going for the time being.
Mandriva has also added two new board members, Jean-Noël de Galzain, President of IF Research and Wallix, Vice-President PME of Pôle System@tic Paris Région, and Bertrand Glineur, formerly DSI of Crédit Foncier de France, and member of the GCE business board.
“By bringing together IF Research and Mandriva, two highly complementary units, Mandriva will be able to strengthen its strategic position,” explained Mandriva CEO Arnaud Laprévote.
“Mandriva owns in its DNA all the requisites of an Open Source world leader. A community of 3.5 million users, a leading position in the BRIC zone, and prestigious clients in both the public sector and major business,” Jean-Noël de Galzain, President of IF Research, added. “The company will focus first on its profitability and the promotion of a new commercial dynamic based on a range of innovative products offered through a channel of Value Added Resellers.”