In October, Mandriva closed a deal with the Nigerian Government for an affordable hardware plus software platform for the country's schools. The initial batch was for 17,000 machines. According to Mandriva, "We had a good deal... the Classmate PC from Intel, with a customized Mandriva Linux solution. We presented the solution to the local government, they liked the machine, they liked our system, they liked what we offered them, especially the fact that it was open, and that we could customize it for their country." Then Microsoft stepped in.

In an open letter to Steve Ballmer, Mandriva CEO François Bancilhon writes how Microsoft "fought and fought again[st] the deal, but still the customer was happy with the CMPC and Mandriva." In fact Mandriva finalised the deal, took the order and started shipping systems, only to learn that the customer suddenly changed their tune; “We shall pay for the Mandriva Software as agreed," Bancilhon was told, "but we shall replace it by Windows afterward.” [sic]

So to summarise: a poor African country -- having presumably conducted analyses to find the best solution for its needs -- suddenly changes horses after the competitive bidding is over and the order is being delivered. Could it be anything to do with the fact that Nigeria is one of the most corrupt countries on the planet?

Bancilhon continues: "Wow! I’m impressed, Steve! What have you done to these guys to make them change their mind like this? It’s quite clear to me, and it will be to everyone. How do you call what you just did Steve? There is [sic] various names for it, I’m sure you know them."

He concludes: "Of course, I will keep fighting this one and the next one, and the next one. You have the money, the power, and maybe we have a different sense of ethics you and I, but I still believe that hard work, good technology and ethics can win too."


Footnote: Today (November 12) marks the launch of the OLPC project's "give one, get one" program whereby you buy two laptops for US$399. One goes to you, the other to a child in a developing country.