MandrakeSoft has announced an exclusive advertising contract with Microsoft for its 9.2 Edition.

   Microsoft has agreed to pay MandrakeSoft $24,000 for "Installation advertising + bookmarks + screen saver advertising (download version only) + 6
   months visibility on default page."

   The advertising will be phased into MandrakeSoft Linux 9.2 Edition's downloadable version over the next few weeks. Because Microsoft purchased the
   largest package available from MandrakeSoft, MandrakeSoft's first-come, first-serve system will prevent any other businesses from advertising in this
   version of their distribution. Microsoft's advertising contract is therefore exclusive.

   The installation ad will consist of a Windows 2003 installation splash screen, along with the message "Preparing to start your computer for the first
   time ..."

   The default page in MandrakeSoft's default web browser will be How to Remove Linux and Install Windows on Your Computer, and the bookmarks will be
   Windows Update, How to Remove Linux and Install Windows XP, and Microsoft's home page.

   Microsoft has produced a screen saver that will remind download users of MandrakeSoft's software that they need a Linux Intellectual Property license
   from the SCO Group.

   "We are pleased with this opportunity," Mark Yamboti, Microsoft's marketing director, said. "It will give us a chance to prove that we mean no harm to
   the Linux community, and that we support competition in this industry."

   MandrakeSoft welcomes the contract. Gilles Duval, a MandrakeSoft spokesperson, called it "a triumph for MandrakeSoft," and "proof that Microsoft
   supports Linux."

   "Using innovative and progressive moves such as this," continued Mr. Duval, "Linux distributions can all become profitable."