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SEAGATE, LINSPIRE BRING LINSPIRE LINUX OS TO LATIN AMERICA

Seagate and Linspire Inc jointly announced an extension of their agreement to offer the LinspireEspanol desktop Linux operating system pre-loaded on Seagate Barracuda hard drives for emerging markets. This package will enable computer manufacturers to offer affordable Spanish language Linux desktop computers to their customers in Latin America.

In conjunction with Seagate, Linspire created a Spanish version of Linspire, an affordable and robust operating system that delivers the power, stability and cost-savings of Linux with an intuitive interface and instant installation process - even computer novices can enjoy this modern, next-generation operating system with just a few clicks of their mouse. Desktop users are offered web browsing, email, instant messaging and games, and for schools and businesses, a complete office suite including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation program software are available.

An English-language version of Linspire has previously been available pre-loaded on Seagate's Barracuda hard drives for the United States and Canada. Beginning in July 2004, Seagate will install LinspireEspanol 4.5 on select Barracuda hard drives for the entry-level PC market in Latin America. Seagate's authorized distributors Bell Microproducts and Intcomex, that target Mexico, Central and South America, can be contacted by computer manufacturers wishing to purchase the Barracuda hard drives pre-loaded with LinspireEspanol.

To offer and support affordable products to the whitebox market, which controls 60 percent of the desktop computer market in Latin America, LinspireEspanol offers a simplified licensing, cost-effective, complete and fully supported Linux solution. LinspireEspanol avoids unnecessary licensing costs and requires no guaranteed minimums, which has traditionally been the case with other operating systems. To further expand on their mission to offer cost-effective and value added products to their channel partners worldwide, Seagate has initiated expanded manufacturing of the Linux pre-loaded hard drives at its manufacturing plants to meet the anticipated demand.

"By partnering with Linspire, Seagate continues to provide innovative and cost-effective Linux products to our channel partners, who are the driving force in providing affordable computers in emerging markets," said Brian Dexheimer, Seagate executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service. "Seagate Barracuda hard drives pre-loaded with a Spanish-language version of Linux will enable system builders to offer a quality and affordable desktop computer to customers in a high-growth market segment."

"Our continuing relationship with Seagate and their extensive distribution channel will expand the reach of desktop Linux to emerging markets," said Michael Robertson, chief executive officer of Linspire Inc. "With Seagate's commitment to innovation and scalability, Linux users around the world will continue to have access to an affordable and easy-to-use operating system."