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December 2005

Mandriva and Skype Partner to Provide High-Quality Voice Calling Over the Internet Using Linux

December 21, 2005

December 21st, 2005 -- Mandriva, publisher of the popular Mandriva Linux operating system, announced today that the Mandriva 2006 Linux operating system integrates software from Skype to add free voice calling over the Internet capabilities. Mandriva Linux 2006 offers out-the-box use of Skype's popular application.


The two companies have worked closely to provide users a special version of Skype’s software customized for Mandriva 2006. The resulting application enables customers to start using the voice calling feature immediately – without going through a supplementary installation.


“As the reference platform in desktop Linux, Mandriva is committed to bringing the best possible user experience throughout the various computing requirements,” said François Bancilhon, Mandriva CEO. “Voice over IP is a hot technology that many of our customers are interested in using. Skype has leadership in this area and offers innovative, easy-to-use software.”


With Mandriva Linux 2006, users will be able to easily make business or personal phones calls all over the world using their computer, while taking advantage of local rates. Customers can connect from PC to PC, PC to landline phone, or PC to mobile phone. Additional features, such as voice mail and call forwarding, are also available.


“Skype has worked hard to ensure that our software is easy to use and accessible to everyone,” said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype. “This collaboration with Mandriva broadens our reach into the Linux space, while maintaining the high call quality Skype users demand.”


The use of Skype’s voice calling application on Mandriva Linux 2006 brings customers:



  • High quality phone calls over the Internet

  • Skype's Global Directory - the user-built global Skype contacts directory with numerous search options and an easy add-a-contact tool

  • Instant messaging – cross platform messaging ability

  • Conference calling – instantly create a free 5-party conference call

  • Logs – reference or discard call and message history

  • Presence – easily manage availability and view status of contacts

  • Customization – MyPicture image display, ring tones, call alert options

  • File transfer –send and receive files via Skype

  • Mobility – sign in to a Skype account anywhere in the world

  • SkypeOut –pre-pay to call traditional phones around the world, at local rates

  • Multiple Skype accounts on one computer

  • End-to-end encryption for superior privacy


About Mandriva Linux 2006

Mandriva Linux 2006 is the result of the convergence of three leading Linux technologies. Widely recognized as one of the easiest to use operating systems, it blends desktop and server features from Conectiva and Lycoris, two Linux publishers acquired by Mandriva. Mandriva 2006 offers the ultimate in Linux for a wide array of computing requirements such as office, multimedia, Internet and servers. It is the only Linux system to be officially compliant with Intel® Centrino® mobile technology and to offer complete integration of the Skype free voice calling over Internet software. Other key features include desktop search, interactive firewall and auto-install server functionality.

Mandriva Linux is available in three editions: Discovery/Lx (for the Linux beginner), PowerPack (for the advanced computer user) and PowerPack+ (for SOHO users).


About Skype

Skype is the world’s fastest growing service for Internet communication, allowing people everywhere to make unlimited voice calls for free. Skype is available in 27 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium service offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, as well as voicemail and call forwarding services. Skype also has a growing network of hardware and software partners. Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY).


About Mandriva

Mandriva, formerly known as Mandrakesoft, is the publisher of the popular Mandriva Linux operating system, one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services. Mandriva products are available in more than 140 countries through dedicated channels and also from store.mandriva.com, the company's online store.

"Born on the Internet" in late 1998, Mandriva has offices in the United States, France and Brazil. Mandriva is traded on Paris Euronext Marché Libre (ISIN Code: FR0004159382/MLMAN; Reuters code: MAKE.PA) and the US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF).

www.mandriva.com




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Skype Introduces Gifts for the Holiday Season

December 14, 2005

LUXEMBOURG, December 14, 2005 – Skype, the global Internet communications company, today announced the latest Skype certified products available in retail stores and online in time for the holidays. Select products are now available on Skype’s U.S. Web store at skype.com/store.

Today, Skype announced an IPEVO phone for Macintosh and new headsets from partners Icemat and Sennheiser Communications:

IPEVO Free-1 USB Handset – The first Skype certified handset to receive the iF Product Design Award 2006. IPEVO recently announced Free-1 for Macs. Free-1 is the first Skype certified handset to support both Windows and Mac platforms. IPEVO is offering a special holiday discount at http://www.ipevo.com (suggested retail price: $30).


Icemat’s Siberia Multi Headset – Makes a perfect gift for Skype, music and gaming fans. Retailing for $79, the headset comes with exceptionally comfortable large ear-cups and a unidirectional microphone that can be attached to anything. Volume can be adjusted with a separate control for convenience. The Siberia Multi Headset also includes a mini jack and converter for professional audio equipment. Icemat’s headsets are currently available to purchase at Icemat.com and will soon be available on the Skype Web store.


Sennheiser Communications Headsets – Great gifts for working professionals, avid travelers and serious gaming fans, Sennheiser Communications offers nine Skype certified headsets, including the Professional PC 120 headset. Retailing for $30, the PC 120 is an ultra-light, one-sided headset ideal for Internet communications. Especially great when traveling, the Professional PC 120 headset has an integrated volume control and microphone mute switch to keep sound at the right level and allow a side conversation in privacy, offering the flexibility you need while doing internet calls via Skype. Sennheiser Communications headsets are available for purchase at sennheisercommunications.com and will soon be available on the Skype Web store.

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Skype Launches Next Generation Free Internet and Video Calling for Everyone

December 1, 2005

LUXEMBOURG, 1 December 2005 – Skype, the global Internet communications company, today released the beta version of Skype 2.0, the newest version of its software that allows anyone with an Internet connection to make free Internet calls. The software is designed for greater ease of use, integrated video calling, and enhanced features that allow people to stay in touch and express themselves online.


Skype also announced its collaboration with global headset and Webcam partner Logitech, as well as partnerships with Webcam manufacturer Creative, and with weblog software and services company Six Apart.


Available in 27 languages, Skype is used by people in almost every country around the world, and Skyping has become a global phenomenon. The latest version of the software has further simplified the Skype interface, making it even easier for people to see and speak with their family, friends and colleagues.


“At Skype we want to make talking over the Internet the most natural, simple thing for people all over the world to do. With the release of our new software, it’s never been easier for people to talk to one another for free, and now they can see each other with video as well,” said Niklas Zennström, CEO of Skype.


Skype 2.0 Beta Features


The beta version of Skype 2.0 is available for people to download at www.skype.com. The free software includes:


Skype Video – see your friends and family on the full computer screen or in the Skype calling window. Skype Video also includes a window to view what you look like to the person you are calling.

Simplified user interface – an intuitive menu with one-click access to key features and options makes it even easier for the whole world to talk for free.

Self-expression – broadcast your mood along with your online presence. Let your contacts know whether you’re happy, sad, listening to your favorite music, available to talk or do not want to be disturbed.

Personalization – personalize your Skype identity with avatars or custom ring tones.

See your contacts’ time zones – before you wake up your friends, family or colleagues take a quick glance to see what time it is in their location.

Group your contacts – organize your contacts by grouping your friends, co-workers or family members. Start conference calls, chats or file sharing with the whole group with just one click.

Real-time contact search – look up contacts in real-time by typing a name into the dialing field.

Skype toolbar for Microsoft Outlook – one-click calling to contacts from your Microsoft Outlook address book.


Skype Video gives users free, high-quality video calling capabilities. Compatible with almost any Webcam, Skype Video is fully integrated into Skype calling, and can be adjusted to provide full-screen video with just one click. After downloading Skype 2.0, simply plug in a Webcam to start using video for free. Skype-certified Webcams will be available from Creative at select retailers in Europe and from Logitech through the Skype Web store located at http://www.skype.com/store.


"Logitech is a pioneer in video just as Skype has pioneered Internet calling," said Junien Labrousse, Logitech senior vice president of the entertainment and communications business unit. "Together we are providing a superior video communications experience to Skype's community around the world."


Skype Certified Webcams


Skype has partnered with Logitech to jointly market Skype video and offer select Skype-certified Webcams including the Logitech® QuickCam® Fusion™ webcam and the QuickCam® for Notebooks Pro webcam. The Webcams come complete with Logitech® Video Effects™ software, a 1.3 megapixel sensor, Logitech® RightLight™ technology, Logitech® RightSound™ technology, intelligent face tracking and a Logitech headset, providing a complete package to begin using Skype video right away.


Skype is also working with Creative, who introduced a Skype Certified Webcam for use with its new video-based Internet phone service. Known as the Creative WebCam Instant Skype Edition, this new Webcam comes with a personal headset with microphone, software and a stand-alone microphone for use when several people wish to talk.


People can find Skype Certified products, such as Webcams, headsets and USB phones at www.skype.com/store, at major U.S. retailers such as RadioShack, and at select retailers in Europe.


Express Yourself Online


Skype 2.0 also offers users the ability to show their availability and initiate Skype calls directly from a blog or personal Web site. Skype has partnered with Six Apart, to let users of its TypePad personal blogging service integrate Skype presence into their weblogs. Skype users, who use TypePad for their blogs, can indicate to visitors on their site when they are online, and allow visitors to easily initiate a Skype call right from the Web page. Similarly, hundreds of companies are integrating Skype’s application into their own services to provide people with enhanced communications tools. For example, Webdialogs is already working to integrate Web presence into its services.


About Skype


Skype is the world’s fastest growing service for Internet communication, allowing people everywhere to make unlimited voice and video calls for free. Skype is available in 27 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium service offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, as well as voicemail and call forwarding services. Skype also has a growing network of hardware and software partners. Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more visit www.skype.com.

Skype is not a telephony replacement service and cannot be used for emergency calling




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