Linspire, developer of the commercial desktop Linux operating system of the same name announced a strategic partnership with Business International to bring Linspire's desktop Linux operating system to the Middle East and African markets. 

"After five years in the desktop Linux space, the momentum continues strong for desktop Linux across the globe," said Kevin Carmony CEO of Linspire. "Our partnership with Business International significantly increases our penetration into this very important emerging region."

Headed by former Microsoft ME Executive, Mohamad Jarrar, Business International is positioned to bring desktop Linux to the growing emerging markets in the Middle East and African countries.

"We are pleased to be working with Linspire as their MEA initiatives align perfectly with local and regional demand for lower cost and reliable computing," said Mohamad Jarrar, CEO of Business International. "Our goal is to help bridge the digital divide in emerging markets by offering low cost easy-to-use Linux-based operating system for home, school, and business users."

Available immediately, Business International will offer the English version of Linspire Five-0 and the Linspire Five-0 CNR Edition products direct to consumers, businesses, education and government institutions, as well as provide OEM Edition versions to system builders and system integrators with a Channel Program designed to help system builders pre-install and sell Linspire computer systems. They also mutually agreed to start development efforts on an Arabic version of Linspire in 2007.

As part of the agreement, Business International will focus efforts in the following MEA and African countries; Algeria, Bahrein, Cyprus, Egypt, India, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and more.