Linspire, Inc., developer of the Linspire desktop Linux operating system, announced that the world’s largest technology distributor, Ingram Micro, Inc. has begun selling the full range of Linspire products to its network of U.S. resellers and retailers. Leveraging Ingram Micro’s broad catalog and North American distribution center network, thousands of new customers and markets will now for the first time have unfettered access to desktop Linux products and services offered by Linspire.
“Desktop Linux will now be on the shelves in places that it’s never been before and in the hands of countless new builders, thanks to Ingram Micro’s distribution network,” said Kevin Carmony, CEO of Linspire, Inc. “We’re now able to get Linspire to more channel partners whose customers are demanding affordable, virus-free computing options.”
The agreement with Ingram Micro, facilitated by their partner AccessChannel, means that Linspire will have access to Ingram Micro’s reseller customers in the United States, including many of the largest players in the channel.
“Ingram Micro has long been a supporter of the Linux platform and focused on bringing new, innovative solutions, like Linspire’s products, to the channel,” said Diane Lees, senior category manager, Ingram Micro United States. “As this exciting market continues to grow, Ingram Micro will strive to offer the broadest choice possible to Linux-savvy VARs and system builders.”
The Linspire operating system comes pre-bundled with major desktop applications, including OpenOffice.org (a Microsoft Office file-compatible office suite); Web browser, e-mail and instant messaging clients; multimedia viewers; photo and music managers; calendaring tools; and more. Access to additional software and applications is available through Linspire’s innovative CNR (“click and run”) Warehouse, a software library where users can download and install more than 2,000 Linux programs with just one mouse click. A complete list of Linspire Five-0 features is available at www.linspire.com/os.
Resellers and builders have access to a wide range of Linspire products through Ingram Micro. Boxed products that are available include Linspire Five-0; Linspire Five-0 CNR Edition, which includes a yearly subscription to Linspire’s software download service providing access to more than 2,000 free programs; Linspire OEM edition, for bundling with PC or hardware purchases; and the add-on CNR Gold Service subscription. Both Linspire Five-0 and Linspire Five-0 CNR Edition are available in 5-, 10-, and 25-user volume license packs, which are well-suited for VARs. System builders who are part of the Linspire-authorized Builder Program can also purchase a variety of Linspire Builder License Packs to include with their pre-installed Linspire systems, which enhance the out-of-box experience for end customers.
