14 DAY TRIAL // Europe's leading Linux developer, Mandriva, announced last week its latest OS, one that is designed particularly for netbooks, and is best suited for the needs of OEMs and ODMs. Called Mandriva Mini, this new Linux product offers multiple benefits, like efficient power management, fast boot, flash memory optimizations and more.
Netbooks are part of the latest trends in computer industry, efficiently combining qualities such as low cost with small size and weight (thus being "very mobile"), with the complete functionality you would expect from an average desktop PC. The market for these products speaks for itself, as the sales increased steadily to about a million units in 2007 and, even more, with industry forecasts announcing about 50 million units by 2010. Netbooks found their usefulness both in highly developed markets (where they are widely regarded as a second PC, or a versatile mobile instrument) and in emerging markets (where their ability to deliver Internet connection to many people at a reduced cost is the main attraction).
Here are the leading features of Mandriva Mini, a Linux distribution that promises to be the OS of choice for the OEMs on the netbook market:
· Efficient power management; · Fast boot; · VGU (very graphical user) - interface adapted for small screens; · Comprehensive connectivity support (3G cellular data, Wi-Fi and Widgets); · Multimedia (major codecs are included); · Small size; · Optimized for flash memory management; · Well adapted to netbook hardware (mainly key platforms, like the Intel Atom CPU).
In addition to that, Mandriva respects its well-earned position as one of the most important publishers in this market (customizing its 2008 Spring release for Asus Eee, and being the first official Linux distributor for the Classmate PC from Intel). That is why a full service is offered to ODMs and ODMs:
· An attractive and competitive product for the end user; · Product certification and optimization for the target hardware; · Customization of the distribution for the needs of the OEM or ODM; · Management of ongoing maintenance for the distribution.
Here's what Mandriva CEO, Francois Bancilhon had to say in relation to the latest release, "We are very proud to bring to the market a product which answers the needs of OEMs and ODMs and we are busy distributing it to clients and prospective clients."