Though it had been rumored for several weeks, according to an announcement made this morning, Xandros will indeed purchase Linspire. The deal was signed on June 19th.
The deal has not been well received by a lot of users in the Linux community, with former Linspire CEO Kevin Carmony also not happy.
“This will end up being a completely insignificant event for Linspire shareholders and the end for Linspire customers,” Carmony said in his blog. “I predict this was done to: 1) help Robertson drain the company of its cash and resources…2) help Robertson save face by issuing a ‘Linspire Acquired by Xandros!’ press release, instead of living with the public humiliation that Linspire failed under his leadership. (Although, being out lasted by Xandros isn’t much less embarrassing)… 3) Give Xandros a press release and perhaps some way for them to spin this to investors to raise money.”
It was Carmony who got a press release in June 2007, after Linspire under his leadership became the third Linux vendor, after Novell and Xandros, to sign a patent covenant with Microsoft. At the time, he compared himself to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, though that aura apparently faded quickly. Prior to Carmony’s tenure, Microsoft and the company were at odds with one another on account of its original name, Lindows, which Microsoft had argued was a trademark violation.
Yea…interesting, but I’m not sure what I think. I really wish their clients would use the services a slightly more noble distro.