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Ubuntu Server Edition: Canonical's Big Challenge
The VAR Guy
November 19, 2008
3 Min Read
On desktops and Netbooks, it has been a stellar year for Canonical’s Ubuntu Linux distribution. But on the server, Ubuntu continues to face long-term challenges in terms of application and vendor support. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.
First, let’s be clear: The VAR Guy isn’t pressing the panic button. It will take several years for Canonical to build a business around Ubuntu Server Edition. The effort will require an ecosystem of independent software vendors (ISVs), server hardware makers and VARs.
Remember: It took Microsoft roughly four years to build a decent ecosystem around Windows NT Server, which originally launched in 1993 but didn’t gain much traction until 1996 or 1997.
Now that The VAR Guy has set some expectations, it’s time to offer some key observations.
Server Partnerships: Sure, Sun Microsystems certifies Ubuntu for its server hardware. But trying to get Sun to talk about its Ubuntu Server strategy is like pulling teeth. Fact is, Sun is dealing with massive layoffs and doesn’t have much info to share about how it plans to promote and sell servers with Ubuntu. Other potential partners like Dell continue to take a wait-and-see attitude with Ubuntu Server Edition.
ISVs: During LinuxWorld Expo in August, numerous ISVs stepped up and announced support for Ubuntu Server Edition. But sources say many of those ISVs will be late to market with native Ubuntu server applications. One prime example: Sources at Openbravo, the open source ERP and POS specialist, confirm that the company has been busy with a range of deadlines and is behind schedule on the Ubuntu efforts.
Resellers and VARs: Very few solutions providers even know about Ubuntu Server Edition.
Rivals: Red Hat is entrenched on the server and Novell is now striving to migrate those Red Hat customers over to SUSE Linux. Novell has no such plans to target Ubuntu because Canonical has such a small footprint in the server market.
Other Priorities: Canonical deserves huge credit for helping to fuel the Netbook (sub-notebook) craze. Even Dell has been advertising Ubuntu-based Netbooks for the holiday season. But The VAR Guy thinks Canonical is stretched too thin — focusing on mobile internet devices (MIDs), Netbooks, desktops, servers and a range of other efforts. As a result, the server push may take even longer than expected.
Look Who’s Running Ubuntu
Time to give up on Ubuntu Server Edition? Certainly not. The VAR Guy’s sister site, called Works With U, is developing a massive list of businesses across the globe running Ubuntu Server and Desktop Editions. Check out the Works With U 1000 for a look at the list.
But keep your expectations for Ubuntu Server Edition under control. Building out that business is going to take years — rather than months.
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