In an interview with Reuters, Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth confirmed what The VAR Guy already knew: Sun Microsystems is increasing its bets on Ubuntu Linux. Here’s the scoop.
Two weeks ago, The VAR Guy reported that Ubuntu would be one of the certified options for Sun’s latestsmall and midsize business servers. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, also is quietly working with IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Dell to try to ensure Ubuntu is certified with their servers, The VAR Guy has learned.
In an interview published April 2 by Reuters, Shuttleworth confirmed the close ongoing work between Sun and Ubuntu.
The timing couldn’t be better. Canonical is scheduled to ship the latest Ubuntu release — Hardy Heron — in late April. It’s expected to include several major server enhancements. And the next server company to climb on the bandwagon will likely be Dell, The VAR Guy predicts.
Now, here’s the twist The VAR Guy didn’t expect. Novell — yes, Novell — has somehow jump-started its momentum in the server market. The company’s Linux sales were up 200 percent in 2007, reports CNet. Even if you eliminate sales that involved the partnership with Microsoft, Novell’s Linux sales grew as fast as or faster than the market, according to Novell Chief Marketing Officer John Dragoon.
So, check this out: Novell’s sales are growing. Red Hat just announced strong financial results. And Canonical is gearing up for a server push.
It’s a great time for ISVs and customers, because competition is red-hot in the Linux market.
Related Posts:
- March 27, 2008: Red Hat’s March to $1 Billion
- March 18, 2008: Sun’s Small Business Server Push Includes Ubuntu
- March 14, 2008: Ubuntu Linux Server Push Coming In May?
- March 12, 2008: Update: Novell’s Desktop Linux Strategy
Tags: Canonical | Hardy Heron | Linux | Novell | Red Hat | Sun Microsystems | The VAR Guy | Ubuntu
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It’s no surprise that Sun is pushing for Ubuntu. Whether they admit it or not, Sun is still one of those old vendors (yes, just like SCO) that thinks that “Red Hat stole our customers.” So they’ve got an axe to grind.
IG: I disagree with you. Sun is an old company with NEW management. CEO Schwartz is playing catch-up in the open source world, for sure. But the MySQL deal and the Ubuntu partnership are moves worth watching. And doesn’t Sun still offer Red Hat as well???
There is no scoop here - you were duped by Reuters.
Sun has certified Ubuntu on its hardware since 2006.
Get the real story here:
http://blog.internetnews.com/skerner/2008/04/the-real-sun-ubuntu-linux-conn.html
Sean: Thanks for the polite, tactful, subtle comment and the super-long URL that points back to InternetNews.
Kidding aside, we do welcome you to the site, we welcome debate, and we welcome outbound links. Sorry your comment got stuck in our spam filter for a few hours, but the long URL set off our spam alarm.
Yes, Sun has worked with Canonical/Ubuntu for a couple of years. No debate there. You are right and The VAR Guy blew his own horn too loudly. But when Sun announced its Small and Midsize biz push in March, The VAR Guy was the only dude who mentioned the systems were certified for Ubuntu.
Keep the feedback coming. It keeps The VAR Guy honest … or at least a little more humble.
Here comes one out of right field; I’m looking to return to work at a Sun VAR but it seems fairly difficult to find out who/where they are. Sun and their ‘Master Resellers’ are fearful of showing their cards as perhaps I am some industry spy and not just a hardworking Systems Engineers that ANY VAR will be lucky to snag. Thanks in advance. HH
Harley: Avnet Technology Solutions has a very big relationship with Sun and hosts an annual conference for Sun/Avnet partners. Check in with Avnet and you can likely find potential Sun solutions providers.