Shuttleworth heir opens up on Ubuntu biz

When you have Mark Shuttleworth as your backer, as commercial Linux distributor Canonical does, it is a bit like having money in the bank when the bank also believes fervently in your cause. It is a rare combination, and one that has allowed the Ubuntu project to reach out from its Linux desktop beginnings into [...]

Why Canonical Should Imitate Apple’s Early Playbook

One of the most indelible images in the history of personal computing came in 1984, when Apple Computer delivered its famous television ad depicting a running heroine throwing a hammer (read, a Mac) at a looming Big Brother-like spectre representing IBM. The ad was directed by Ridley Scott, director of Blade Runner, and is a [...]

Ubuntu Linux for Mainframes? Not Quite…

Canonical wants Ubuntu Linux to run on a range of devices — from mobile Internet devices all the way up to high-end servers and cloud systems. But there are two markets where Canonical has no plans to push Ubuntu. Here they are.
During a recent phone briefing with The VAR Guy about ISV support, Canonical’s Steve [...]

Canonical CEO Elucidates on Lucid Lynx Linux Server

Canonical, the lead commercial sponsor behind the Ubuntu Linux project, has a new CEO this week. Jane Silber, the former chief operating officer of the company, has now officially taken the reins from Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth — and is already talking up what’s ahead for the popular Linux distribution.
In mid-December, Canonical announced that Shuttleworth [...]

Ubuntu: Canonical’s New CEO Discusses Top Priorities

anonical’s CEO crown officially transitioned from Mark Shuttleworth to Jane Silber on March 1. During a phone discussion with The VAR Guy yesterday, Silber shared her top priorities for Canonical and Ubuntu. She also disclosed plans to make another key executive hire at Canonical. And, Silber shared some views on Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx), the [...]

Ubuntu 10.04: Canonical Makes ISV Push

And so it begins. As Canonical puts the finishing touches on Ubuntu 10.04 — a long term support (LTS) release — the company also is reaching out to potential Linux server and desktop software partners. In fact, Canonical says there are at least 10 reasons why ISVs should embrace Ubuntu Desktop Edition, and nine reasons [...]

Ubuntu Netbook Remix enlightens ARM support

Canonical is developing a new 2D ARM interface based on Enlightenment Foundation Libraries for the upcoming Ubuntu 10.04 (“Lucid Lynx”) version of Ubuntu Netbook Remix. In other Ubuntu news, Ubuntu Live CDs in Lucid Lynx will boot 33 percent faster, and The Linux Box will market Ubuntu in the U.S.
With a lack of open source [...]

Ubuntu: Canonical’s Partner Program Scores 2 Wins

Canonical’s channel partner program for Ubuntu, the fast-growing Linux distribution, took two promising steps forward this week. One step involves a vote of confidence from a key consulting company. The other step involves a key move in the government market. Here are the details.
On the consulting front, The Linux Box of Ann Arbor, Mich., has [...]

Canonical’s Latest Ubuntu Developer Pitch

Canonical is making multiple moves to engage and energize Ubuntu software developers. The latest example involves Ubuntu Opportunistic Developer Week, scheduled for March 1 to 6, 2010. Here are some quick details plus the implications for Ubuntu in business.
Rewind to September 2009. At the time, Canonical was busy polishing Ubuntu 9.10 for its October 2009 [...]

Novell, Canonical Bolster Linux Certification and Training Efforts

In separate moves, Canonical and Novell are taking steps to bolster their respective Linux training and certification efforts. Here’s a look at the moves, and the implications for channel partners.
As The VAR Guy has pointed out, Canonical and Novell each have been working hard to recruit more ISVs (independent software vendors) to compete more effectively [...]