A press release from Mandriva:

After the 2007 Spring edition, Mandriva Linux 2008 is the next major new release of Mandriva to take advantage of the faster 6-months development cycle.

Mandriva Linux Powerpack 2008

With this new release, Mandriva is upgrading its commercial offer around a single unified product: Mandriva Linux Powerpack. It integrates a unique set of commercial packages and services to offer a whole Linux solution. The best-seller Powerpack is the commercial edition of Mandriva Linux and the recommended extension for users of the community version, Mandriva Linux One.

Mandriva Linux Powerpack 2008 unifies the former Discovery and Powerpack+ editions. The installation process and initial desktop experience have been optimized to be accessible for first time users. Experienced users will enjoy advanced installation options and new innovative technologies, integrated to work "out of the box". Mandriva Linux Powerpack 2008 also features all required server and middleware components for developers and for small enterprise usage, like SQL databases or Web frameworks.

Mandriva Linux One 2008

Mandriva Linux 2008 will also be available for download free-of-charge as a single live/install CD containing all device drivers (open or proprietary drivers), and a complete Linux desktop environment. Named Mandriva Linux One 2008, this community edition gives open access to all the 16,000 free software packages available online for this new release. It features a live mode, simple and designed for new users looking for a Linux test-drive without installation. It also provides a fast-copy installation path for people who decide to migrate.

Mandriva Linux Free 2008

Since 1998, Mandriva Linux is based on the Cooker development project sponsored by Mandriva. Hundreds of passionate free software developers work openly on the core of the distribution. This year again, Mandriva is proud to build a special free software edition, for the discerning users who value software freedom and and don't want to run proprietary software on their machine. Named Mandriva Linux Free 2008, this build does not contain any non-free software packages like proprietary drivers, closed-source applications or plugins. It will be available on the network of public Mandriva mirrors as part of the 2008 release.

Availability

All Mandriva Linux 2008 editions will be available for download at the same time: Powerpack will be available for download at the Mandriva Store as the same time as One and Free.

Mandriva Linux Powerpack 2008 is scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of October with a new attractive price. Localized boxed versions and manuals of Mandriva Linux Powerpack 2008 will soon be available for sale by all Mandriva regional offices and distributors.

About Mandriva

Mandriva, formerly known as Mandrakesoft, is the publisher of Mandriva Linux, an easy-to-use and innovative operating system. It is one of the most popular Linux editions in the world. Dedicated to making open source technologies accessible to all users, the company offers a full range of products and services to individuals, enterprises and government organizations. Mandriva products are available online in 80 languages and in more than 140 countries through dedicated channels. Headquartered in Paris, France, the company is publicly traded on the Euronext Marche Libre. More information at http://www.mandriva.com