Linspire is offering to split its software revenue with white-box vendors. (LinuxWatch)
Linspire launched a revamped partner program on September 14 that will pay system builders a percentage on all commercial Linux software and services purchased by users of either Linspire or Freespire pre-installed desktop and laptop computers using the company's CNR (Click N' Run) technology.
CNR was previously a fee-based service offered at annual subscription rates of $20 for basic access to new programs. In late August, Linspire made CNR a free service.
Linspire's Gold Service, which offers discounted prices on commercial software—such as the StarOffice 8 office suite and the Win4Lin Pro Windows/Linux virtual machine—is still $49.95.
In addition to offering 18 months of revenue share per computer from CNR revenues, the new program also features a real-time share system that reports computer Light-up data, CNR Registration User percentage, and average revenue-per-user generated through CNR.
"Linspire has been very successful in selling products and services to desktop Linux users via our CNR technology," said Kevin Carmony, CEO of Linspire in a statement.
"We are excited to now share this successful model with our valued system builder partners. Providing post-sale revenue will further entice PC suppliers around the world to preinstall Linux on desktop and laptop computers, critical for Linux's success."
Read the full story on LinuxWatch: Linspire Tempts White-Box Vendors with CNR Royalties
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