Mandriva Linux Attracts 2,000 Partners

When it comes to Linux, most U.S. headlines involve Canonical, Novell or Red Hat. But another Linux distribution — from Mandriva S.A. of Paris, France — is making a name for itself in the global IT channel. Consider this: More than 2,000 IT partners have lined up to back Mandriva, up from about 1,200 in 2007, The VAR Guy has learned. Here’s the scoop.

Fact is, The VAR Guy’s readers — rather than our resident blogger — have been crowing about Mandriva for months. Each time The VAR Guy writes about Canonical, Novell or Red Hat, another reader seems to step in and evangelize Mandriva. Loudly.

Founded in 1998, Mandriva (formerly known as Mandrakesoft) focuses on both the corporate and consumer Linux markets, and seems to be enjoying growth on multiple fronts.

According to Mandriva officials, the company:

Mandriva provided the data points above as part of The VAR Guy’s Open Source 50 survey — which will identify the top open source companies in the IT channel. (The survey closes December 18, with results to be published in January 2009.)

How does Mandriva’s partner momentum compare to the company’s Linux rivals? The VAR Guy will share his complete perspective when he unveils the Open Source 50 in January 2009. In the meantime, our resident blogger found Mandriva far more partner-savvy than he had expected.

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