Conectiva

Conectiva S.A. was a Brazilian technology company known for developing and distributing the Linux-based operating system Conectiva Linux. The company provided software, services, and support for Linux deployments in corporate, public sector, and educational environments, with a focus on the Latin American market.

Founded in 1995 in Curitiba, Paraná, Conectiva built a distribution based on Red Hat Linux and integrated its own tools and management interfaces. Conectiva Linux offered desktop and server editions, along with commercial support, training, and consulting services. The company contributed to open-source communities and established partnerships with hardware vendors and software developers to promote Linux adoption in Brazil and beyond.

In 2005, Conectiva merged with Mandrakesoft, a French Linux distribution company, to form Mandriva S.A. The merger combined the Conectiva and Mandrakesoft portfolios under the Mandriva brand, and Conectiva Linux gradually became part of the Mandriva Linux product line. The consolidation marked a shift in focus toward a globally supported Linux distribution and enterprise-grade offerings.

Conectiva’s legacy includes its role in expanding Linux usage in Brazil and its contributions to the development and distribution of a Brazilian-focused Linux variant. The company’s merger helped establish Mandriva as a notable player in the early 2000s Linux landscape, influencing subsequent distributions and open-source collaboration in the region.