If you're going to bash Steve Ballmer, don't hold back on the ammo

Mandriva CEO François Bancilhon takes on Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in an open letter and is getting a good bit of attention.

At issue is Mandriva's skirmish with Microsoft over a deal with the Nigerian government, which was looking to procure some Classmate PCs from Intel loaded with Mandriva's Linux distro.

Bancilhon writes (Techmeme discussion):

We recently closed a deal with the Nigerian Government. Maybe you heard about it, Steve. They were looking for an affordable hardware+software solution for their schools. The initial batch was 17,000 machines. We had a good answer to their need: the Classmate PC from Intel, with a customized Mandriva Linux solution. We presented the solution to the local government, they liked the machine, they liked our system, they liked what we offered them, the fact that it was open, that we could customize it for their country and so on.

Then your people entered the game and the deal got more competitive. I would not say it got dirty, but someone could have said that. They fought and fought the deal, but still the customer was happy to get CMPC and Mandriva.

Ok, fine. But if you're going to put an open letter out there for commentary don't be shy about the details. Bancilhon implies that Microsoft fought dirty. Is this dirty as in illegal? Or just the usual cloak and dagger stuff in the technology market? Were there smear tactics? Just wondering if we have a federal (DOJ, FTC etc) offense.

Bancilhon continues:

So we closed the deal, we got the order, we qualified the software, we got the machine shipped. In other word, we did our job. I understand the machine are being delivered right now.

And then, today, we hear from the customer a totally different story: “we shall pay for the Mandriva Software as agreed, but we shall replace it by Windows afterward.”

Wow! I’m impressed, Steve! What have you done for these guys to change their mind like this? It’s pretty clear to me, and it will be clear to everyone. How do you call what you just did Steve, in the place where you live? In my place, they give it various names, I’m sure you know them.

Hey Steve, how do you feel looking at yourself in the mirror in the morning?

Ok, I'm dense (I'm sure you could come up with a worse description). But what exactly did Microsoft do? Did Microsoft give its software away? Bribe the Nigerian government? If it's clear to everyone why not just say it. I'd also love to hear the various names you mention.

Bancilhon notes he will fight the good fight--Mandriva hasn't signed any patent pacts with Microsoft. And he clearly won't be going to dinner at Ballmer's house anytime soon. But I humbly request a sequel to this open letter with just a little more detail.