Canonical CEO and Ubuntu Linux backer Mark Shuttleworth will step into the spotlight July 22, when he keynotes OSCON (Open Source Convention) in Portland, Oregon. It will be a critical moment for Shuttleworth and the Ubuntu movement. Here’s why.
Canonical was originally scheduled to host Ubuntu Live — a mini convention — as part of the broader OSCON this week. Instead, Canonical canceled the mini-event and promised to introduce smaller regional and online events over the next few months.
When Canonical canceled Ubuntu Live, however, The VAR Guy wondered if Canonical was conceding that it had bitten off more than it could chew this year. Just look at all the projects on Canonical’s plate:
1. Ubuntu Desktop Edition: Any new preload deals coming, Mark?
Ubuntu got a big mainstream win in mid-2007 when Dell agreed to pre-install Ubuntu on selected Desktops. The VAR Guy and other Ubuntu followers expected (perhaps foolishly) that Dell rivals like Hewlett-Packard would quickly jump on the Ubuntu desktop bandwago. HP has won some Ubuntu-related customer deals, but has said little about its Ubuntu plans.
When Ubuntu’s latest release arrived in April 2008, we expected the upgrade (version 8.04) to generate more pre-load news from big PC makers. But even Dell took extra time before starting 8.04 preloads.
2. Ubuntu Server Edition: Ubuntu on the server is going to be a very long, slow-moving initiative that will require more software developers, hardware makers and integrators to climb on the bandwagon.
The VAR Guy is starting to hear from folks who are successfully deploying or running Ubuntu Server Edition. But Ubuntu on the server remains in its infancy.
The VAR Guy on April 24, 2008, stated that The Ubuntu Server Revolution Starts Today. But companies like Dell took a wait-and-see approach to Ubuntu on the server, and Sun is the only major server maker to truly endorse Ubuntu.
3. Ubuntu Netbooks: This is one of Canonical’s more promising strategies. Netbooks — or sub-notebooks with Ubuntu pre-installed — have drawn interest from customers and hardware makers alike.
But Microsoft will surely pressure sub-notebook makers to stick with Windows Vista by steeply discounting Windows, especially in emerging markets.
4. Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device Release: Canonical has to do a better job communicating how Ubuntu for Netbooks and the Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device (MID) release are related — if at all.
It sounds like Ubuntu for Netbooks is purely for sub-notebooks, but Ubuntu MID is for touchscreen devices like smart phones or iPhone-sized devices that have WiFi but no cell service. Also, how will Ubuntu MID compete with Google Android — or is there little overlap between the platforms?
So many questions for such a small company like Canonical. The VAR Guy wonders if Shuttleworth should simplify Canonical and simply focus like a laser on desktop Linux.
Or does Canonical really have the developer backing, financial resources and patience to compete on desktops, mobile devices, smart phones and servers?
Hopefully, Shuttleworth will provide some answers July 22.
Oh, and by the way, this is just the start of Canonical’s summer blitz for Ubuntu. Expect to hear more about Ubuntu and server software partners at LinuxWorld in August.
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An interesting article and if I weren’t familiar with Shuttleworth’s ability and brightness (in the business arena) I would think you may have a point. However, he is a bright cookie and has the sort of can-do attitude that comes from an upbringing in a country full of sunshine.
When I chose Ubuntu, I took a lot of things into consideration, not less to investigate those behine the distros I looked at.
I am not an evangelist and if a distro comes along which I find better, I will switch without a moments hesitation. I can’t stand what I term misplaced loyalty. Especially to inanimate objects.
Ampers (Journalist).
Anyone who thinks the Ubuntu Netbooks are interesting should also check out this. Mandriva leaps into the netbook market with the Gdium http://club.mandriva.com/xwiki/bin/view/Main/GDiumInfo
Just a little comment…
Vista in the Netbooks??? XP maybe (it runs ok on Celeroms and Atoms) but Vista is designed to waste more computing power, while netbooks have to be small AND CHEAP (<=1GB, low power consumption = <1.5Ghz, 4h for less than 300€ (a beast like that could start Vista in less that a minute, maybe).
Just a little comment…
Vista in the Netbooks??? XP maybe (it runs ok on Celeroms and Atoms) but Vista is designed to waste more computing power, while netbooks have to be small AND CHEAP (<=1GB, low power consumption = <1.5Ghz, 4h for less than 300€ (a beast like that could start Vista in less that a minute, maybe).
Sorry, my comment was destroyed by this site and it does not make sense (the last lines are mixed with the middle of my comment)
The fact that ubuntu only focuses in gnome on the desktop and that kde is so poorly supported, has decreased my interest in this distribution over the time. While still a kubuntu user, will consider moving my company’s kubuntu desktops to a better supported distribution.
There’s more positive going on than negative. Saying Mark has a lot to handle, is just about the best position for a company.
Kubuntu is the real open source leader. It does need more respect and this is improving. Currently, nervousness over the unfinished KDE 4 versions is causing a buzz. The KDE 3 series is so loved (and relatively polished) we just don’t want to leave it before it’s time. I don’t think it will be a problem. Users have made them selfs heard. It’s still early but the next Kubuntu Intrepid comes soon.
Kubuntu Hardy is now.
I wouldn’t be moving away from kubuntu just yet, because in the plans, it’s sure getting a lot more attention that ubuntu. Just look at the kde-related specs.
That said, I’m waiting on point #3. There definitely will be OEM’s offering pre-loaded Ubuntu on UMPC’s, Mark said so on his blog. I’m just waiting to find out which model should I pick when they play their cards
quote: Kubuntu is the real open source leader.
Obviously you have never used Mandriva Linux.
Known facts only. Article is boring.
I just got back from a small informal talk that Mark gave here in Portland and this subject came up in the q/a afterward. He admitted that Canonical is all over the map with projects right now. He talked about trying to balance it all out but right now he is trying to be as diverse as possible while he still has the chance (i.e., while he has plenty of money in his pocket). But he also made the point that several parts of Canonical are already profitable and by simply dropping some pieces he could have a profitable company very soon if need be. In other words he has plenty of (financial) fall back plans. (He also mentioned the multi-million dollar backup fund to support the LTS versions though their 5 year contracts no matter what happens to him or Canonical).
I’m sure he could easily focus on just one thing, but he doesn’t seem the type. In fact he gave the audience some advice early in his talk: always keep an interest in more than just one thing.
Critical Week for Canonical and Ubuntu Linux…
Canonical CEO and Ubuntu Linux backer Mark Shuttleworth will step into the spotlight July 22, when he keynotes OSCON (Open Source Convention) in Portland, Oregon. It will be a critical moment for Shuttleworth and the Ubuntu movement. Here’s why….
As long as support for a project doesn’t drop then i’m happy.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a “netbook”.