Member Article

Ubuntu and Canonical = More choice for consumers!

Half of my connections are technical so this post is not new or revealing but for the other half—- too busy working or running a business they don’t often think too much about how their computers work. They just click on the desktop icons and run the email program, word processor, web browser, or MP3 player. It doesn’t matter to them how the computer does what it’s doing; all they care about is that it helps them send an email, write a letter, do a Google Web search, or download a song. Many don’t realize that underneath the applications, there’s a program running that helps all their applications do their work. It’s called theoperating system.

What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system based largely on UNIX. My first experience with UNIXwas in the mid-90’s working for a global technology manufacturer as a technical instructor. UNIX then, was largely the dominant operating system for heavy-duty computing and Windows was only a threat. Linux is developed collaboratively, meaning no one company is solely responsible for its development or ongoing support. Companies participating in the Linux economy share research and development costs with their partners and competitors. This spreading of development burden amongst individuals and companies has resulted in a large and efficient ecosystem and unheralded software innovation.

So what is Ubuntu and who is Canonical?

Ubuntu is a community-developed Linux-based operating system that can be used on desktops, laptops and servers. The operating system includes a variety of applications including those for word processing, e-mail applications, web server software and also programming tools. Ubuntu is free of charge, including enterprise releases and security updates. It also comes with full commercial support from Canonical who provides strategic guidance and drives its global adoption.

Why is This Relevent?

Ubuntu is everywhere and many don’t even know it. It’s also FREE, simple and easy to install (even on old PC’s) and offers more choice to business and consumers. Lets look at what they have done since launching in 2004.

Partnerships

Canonical has done a great job partnering with global OEMS like Dell, Lenovo, ASUS,and HP. This is an important strategy for Linux as an operating system to reach the masses. Today Dell, just announced the release of Ubuntu Linux on its Dell workstation laptops. The same is true of their partnerships with large carriers with the development of the Carrier Advisory Group. China Mobile, Telstra, and Deutsche Telekom are just a few who have already signed up. In addition, this, they have also launched a comprehensive partnership program for resellers, developers, and retailers.

APPS/Developer Community

Over the last few months, the company also launched “snappy”. The difference between “Snappy” Ubuntu Core and Ubuntu Core is that Snappy is designed to offer an even simpler package management and update system with support for transactional updates. It also supports Docker, the open platform for distributed application distribution and development.

Focused on the Average Computer User/Simple to Install

When people hear “Linux” they think “techie”. Not true with Ubuntu. One of my computer challenged friends had an old PC that was full of viruses and pop-ups so I figured why not help them download Ubuntu. Without much assistance, she was able to install the free download for Ubuntu 14.04. on an old machine with no problems and now it reportedly works great.

More Mobile Choices

Whether your an iPhone die hard, or love your Android, next month Ubuntu will reportedly be the first to deliver Linux to mobile devices giving us more options to choose from. The Ubuntu phone is reported to be released next month in Europe with no reported launch dates for North America.

Unification and Focus on Business

With the release next month of the Ubuntu Phone, one of the goals Mark Shuttleworth (Founder) is set out to achieve was the unification of devices. This unification will help brand Linux as easy enough for everyone to use. This unification of devices will drive more business opportunities well suited for the small business community which has traditionally “been a tough nut to crack”.

Summary:

With the Internet of Things (IoT), and the on-demand economy moving full steam ahead, it’s great to see continued innovation from Canonical and Ubuntu. Competition from Apple, Microsoft, and Google will be immense across multiple devices and I for one are all for companies that have the “vision” and determination to provide us with alternatives. Should you toss the android or choose Ubantu instead of Windows 10 for the desktop? I can’t say what’s best for you, but as a consumer you have more options to consider, and this will continue to be a very interesting company and space to watch.

Photocredit: http://thetechjournal.com/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rachel Rowling .