Microsoft to Mandriva: We Won Fair and Square

Microsoft has responded to the chief executive of much smaller rival who published an open letter to Steve Ballmer, accusing the Microsoft C.E.O. of sabotaging a business deal.

Yesterday, François Bancilhon, the C.E.O. of Linux firm Mandriva, accused Ballmer and Microsoft of interfering with Mandriva's deal to supply Nigeria with 17,000 computers loaded with Mandriva software.

Two days after Mandriva announced it had won the contract, Bancilhon said he was told by the Nigerian government that while "we shall pay for the Mandriva Software as agreed . . . we shall replace it by Windows afterward."

Bancilhon was upset, asking, "Hey Steve, how do you feel looking at yourself in the mirror in the morning?"

A few minutes ago, a Microsoft spokesman sent Portfolio.com the following response, which you'll note does not directly address Mandriva or Bancilhon by name:

Microsoft strongly believes that individuals, governments and other organizations should be free to choose the software and other technologies that best meet their needs. We believe Microsoft offers the best overall option of value, integration, interoperability and support, without complexity or added dependency on services.

We are seeing strong market demand for Windows on low-cost devices to help governments in the areas of education, local innovation, and jobs and opportunity. We find that the government agencies are looking at the complete picture—bringing the benefits of technology to more people requires software, hardware, training, well-designed curricula, and stimulating sustainable local business ecosystems.

Microsoft has a strong relationship with the government in Nigeria and will continue to partner with government and industry to help meet their needs. Microsoft operates its business in accordance both with the laws of the countries in which it operates and with international law.

by Sam Gustin