https://www.channelfutures.com/wp-content/themes/channelfutures_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501 Application
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
Channel Futures
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501 Application
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
    • Newsletter
  • REGISTER
  • MSPs
  • VARs / SIs
  • Digital Service Providers
  • Cloud Service Providers
  • CHANNEL PARTNERS ONLINE
 Channel Futures

Open Source


Google Chrome OS: Should Ubuntu and Canonical Worry?

  • Written by Joe Panettieri 1
  • November 19, 2009

Google, as expected, has taken its Chrome OS effort and offered it up as an open source project called Chromium OS. As you may recall Chrome OS will target netbooks and other thin mobile devices — core markets that  Canonical is pursuing with Ubuntu. Should Canonical be worried?

First, let me clearly state that I’m not pressing a panic button. Nine Lives Media Inc. (WorksWithU’s parent) wouldn’t have invested time and money in this web site if we didn’t firmly believe in Ubuntu’s future on mobile, desktop and server devices — and in the cloud.

Back in July 2009, my initial blog entry about Google Chrome OS suggested that Google may wind up stealing Ubuntu’s thunder in selected market niches. Fellow WorksWithU Blogger Christopher Tozzi took the opposite stance, insisting that Google Chrome OS will help Ubuntu. But by August, I had changed my stance a bit telling readers that Google was both a rival and a friend to Ubuntu. I stand by that statement.

Update, 6:53 p.m. eastern time, Nov. 19: Reader Jef Spaleta points out that Canonical is actually assisting Google with Chrome OS. That’s an important piece of information I overlooked in my original post here, and I apologize to readers for that omission.

To Canonical’s credit, the company continues to build strong Ubuntu relationships with Intel and Dell. At the same time, we’ve seen Canonical focusing on interoperability between Ubuntu and Google Android (the smart phone operating environment). Could we be heading down a similar path with Ubuntu and Chrome OS?

Too soon to say. But here’s one thing for sure: Google has mind share with consumers and the business press. Today’s Google Chromium announcement has been covered by tech bloggers and big-name media companies alike. Canonical can’t match that firepower.

Also of note: Google is producing slick marketing videos to explain Chrome OS’s purpose and potential market position. Here’s an example:

Is it just me or does the narrator sound like an Apple-type spokesman? Smart. Very smart.

Had Canonical bet its entire business on netbooks and notebooks I’d be somewhat concerned by the anticipated Chrome OS competition. But remember: Canonical has been striving to diversify its revenue streams.

Some people worry Canonical is stretching itself too thin by focusing on too many markets. Frankly, I’d be more worried if Canonical bet its entire business on one market.

Follow WorksWithU via Identi.ca, Twitter and RSS (available now) and our newsletter (coming soon).

Tags: Cloud Service Providers Digital Service Providers MSPs VARs/SIs Cloud Mobility Open Source Videos

Related


  • VDI
    IGEL Integrates Amazon WorkSpaces DaaS with Its Virtual Endpoint OS
    Also, the new Arm-based Raspberry Pi, co-developed by Citrix, IGEL and NComputing, is generally available.
  • Job cuts
    Latest VMware Job Cuts Impact More Workers in California
    The layoffs will begin March 30.
  • Hottest Ticket in Town
    Channel Partners Virtual 2021 Is the Hottest Ticket in Town
    And that means any town, since it’s 100% online. Will you be there?
  • Partner Program Update
    Palo Alto Networks Rolls Out Latest NextWave Partner Program
    NextWave 3.0 will help partners differentiate their services.

20 comments

  1. Avatar Jef Spaleta November 19, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
    Reply

    Joe:
    A few additional pieces of information:

    1) Canonical is being paid by Google to help develop Chrome OS. That’s automatically a good thing for Canonical isn’t it?

    http://blog.canonical.com/?p=294

    2) Google is positioning Chrome OS for specific certified hardware configurations… not a general purpose operating system meant to be installed on a large selection netbook. Which means there’s still room for Canonical to offer a competing vision as to what a netbook is meant to be used for.

  2. Avatar Leo November 19, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
    Reply

    Mmm, I am not sure I like that video too much, and I am not sure people “just ude a browser” as repeated to no end. This is an oversimplification, more focused on annoying MS than anything else. A declaration of “war”, cyber “war”, and guess what, we are on the same side as Google. I think the more significant thing is that Google is large enough as a company that they won’t allow MS to bully OEM’s to get them out of the market as they did with Linux in netbooks. So, this is a big positive for Linux, and Ubuntu/Canonical by extension. Once the field is open, a huge market will be there waiting for us.

  3. Avatar Joe Panettieri November 19, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
    Reply

    Jef: Looks like I’ve got a little egg on my face (or a lot?) for failing to mention that financial link between Canonical and Chrome OS. Thanks for pointing out that critically important point. I will follow up with a deeper blog tonight.

  4. Avatar Leo November 19, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
    Reply

    @Jef: you hit the nail on the head! That canonical blog post answers about everything we’ve been wondering, and really puts things in perspective. And yes, I agree that this a good revenue stream for Canonical (selling know how). Remarkably, Google went to Canonical, and not the more established Red Hat, for that. This is of course because of Canonical’s clear desktop focus. Which is exactly why I keep saying Canonical should focus on that a lot more. It shouldn’t be tough for Canonical to start deploying corporate desktops, provide support, the whole 9 yards. Teaming up with Google for this will only add prestige and name recognition to Canonical. Good move!

  5. Avatar Fred November 19, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
    Reply

    My feeling is that Google OS is the best possible sales argument to cause a massive launch of ARM netbooks, like EEEPC². And I would love to see affordable netbooks from main constructors on the market to install my favorite Ubuntu flavor on. I suppose many more like me will want to install a complete, local storage OS on their “Googlebook”, so this could cause equally massive adoption of Ubuntu.

  6. Avatar Jef Spaleta November 19, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
    Reply

    Leo:

    its not remarkable that Google picked Canonical for a couple of reasons. First, its been established that Google has been using Ubuntu internally for a long while. If Google engineers like and prefer the debian packaging system and associated tools.. Canonical is a better engineering partner for them to to pick.

    Second, Red Hat is not a player in the retail OEM space at all. If Google wants linux engineering expertise that understands how to work with OEM partners concerning netbook issues.. Canonical can make a solid sales pitch there. They did help engineer HP’s MI interface under contract. If Google liked the work Canonical did there, then it makes sense they would choose to work with Canonical.

    In fact Intel did the same thing with Moblin v1, partnering with Canonical initially on the Moblin platform development. Then Intel changed their minds with Moblin v2 and completely changing their distribution management. You want a cautionary tale about Canonical blowing a good partnership opportunity… try to understand what happened between Intel and Canonical concerning Moblin. Hopefully Canonical learned from the Moblin experience.

    And its not completely roses for Canonical. Google is not using bzr or launchpad for Chrome OS development..they are using git. This does not put Canonical in a strong collaboration position long term. It doesn’t suggest to me that Google plans to rebase against Ubuntu frequenty or if at all. If they were, they’d be using bzr. If I were Canonical I’d be wary of Google hiring away specific expertise after the contract period is over instead of renewing the contract. A partnership with a short term financial gain maybe end up being a brain drain down the line.

    -jef

  7. Avatar Mark November 19, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
    Reply

    Anything that makes Canonical worried is a good thing in my book. Ubuntu is not at all reaching its potential, and some real competition would help that. If Ubuntu can’t rise to the occasion and compete with another open-source OS, that’s still good. We’ll just switch to the other OS.

    “In our discussions, Sundar Pichai and Linus Upson made it clear that they want, wherever feasible, to build on existing components and tools from the open source community without unnecessary re-invention.”

    Using existing software instead of re-writing everything from scratch? But that’s not the open source way! Open source software has to be abandoned, gutted and re-written from scratch in another language at least once a year.

  8. Avatar Luís November 20, 2009 @ 5:21 am
    Reply

    No.

  9. Avatar Martin November 20, 2009 @ 6:42 am
    Reply

    After saying “all your data is stored on the internet” he should say “that kinda sucks”…

  10. Avatar F. Fellini November 20, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
    Reply

    I see the beauty in google os. From a business perspective create a tightly integrated triangle of the makers os/software, hardware, and network service provider. Every one has their independent incentives to make money not tied into partner blood sucking (say iPhone anyone).

    As for canonical providing help to google I think we all dig our own graves at some point in time. We just have to decide whether to do it with flair and dignity, or not. Canonical is a good sport and is creating a new category. I doubt that this is a competing category to the fat client which is what we all seem to want. They found a way to make the thin client idea work within the confines of stateless application, what can I say lets see where they go with this.

  11. Avatar dragonbite November 20, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
    Reply

    In one part I read that the system is going to be read-only with EVERYTHING being stored online. If this is true and remains true then I see this working out to some degree because Google Chrome OS will stay in its niche, but if people want to expand/customize/add then they could go to Linux instead.

    So I see less direct competition between Ubuntu and Google, and this makes some business sense now.

  12. Avatar Google Chrome OS: Should Ubuntu and Canonical Worry? | November 20, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
    Reply

    […] Google, as expected, has taken its Chrome OS effort and offered it up as an open source project called Chromium OS. As you may recall Chrome OS will target netbooks and other thin mobile devices — core markets that Canonical is pursuing with Ubuntu. Should Canonical be worried? […]

  13. Avatar slumbergod November 20, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
    Reply

    Of course not!

    Chrome browser is a nice idea and I have tried it but dislike it. It is too minimal and lacks the degree of customisation that I like. So I have no intention of switching from Firefox.

    Chrome OS is minimal. It isn’t even designed for a desktop or laptop; it is for netbooks and mobile devices. It simply won’t provide what most people need for everyday use.

    Of course, maybe Canonical will learn something from the experience…like how to make stable releases.

  14. Avatar Links 20/11/2009: EVO Game Console is Out, Firefox 3.6 Beta November 20, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
    Reply

    […] Google Chrome OS: Should Ubuntu and Canonical Worry? Back in July 2009, my initial blog entry about Google Chrome OS suggested that Google may wind up stealing Ubuntu’s thunder in selected market niches. Fellow WorksWithU Blogger Christopher Tozzi took the opposite stance, insisting that Google Chrome OS will help Ubuntu. But by August, I had changed my stance a bit telling readers that Google was both a rival and a friend to Ubuntu. I stand by that statement. […]

  15. Avatar Google Chrome OS: Should Ubuntu and Canonical Worry? | Unixs November 20, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
    Reply

    […] Google Chrome OS: Should Ubuntu and Canonical Worry? Friday, November 20, 2009 By jfeedor Google, as expected, has taken its Chrome OS effort and offered it up as an open source project called Chromium OS. As you may recall Chrome OS will target netbooks and other thin mobile devices — core markets that Canonical is pursuing with Ubuntu. Should Canonical be worried? […]

  16. Avatar Henaway November 20, 2009 @ 10:56 pm
    Reply

    Chrome OS = BIG YAWN.

    Pre-installed only, no local apps, no local data storage, big fail. Too bad. I hoped it would be pretty cool.

  17. Avatar Tom November 21, 2009 @ 12:12 am
    Reply

    ChromeOS stinks. I like surfing the internet, but I like locally installed Apps too.

  18. Avatar Jon November 21, 2009 @ 7:45 am
    Reply

    Lets think about this way depending if Chrome OS is based off Debian in any way you’ll still be able to run thing natively supposedly, but company are open source, and they contribute freely to what they want. I’d bet that Google is helping Canonical in one way or another. It’s just like When Google helped the Mozilla foundation get Firefox off the ground, and into the great browse it is today. It’s a 2 way street. The only reason there is contracts is to keep this hush hush until the product can have it’s big real. Personally I think that it’s great ideal with netbook to keep things in the cloud for now, and keep it light and fast. Remember how functional windows 95, 98 was, and it was mainly a simple interface, and great features. May have it been poorly executed on MS’s part. Most People complain how ling it takes to get going on Windows, and I’m one of them. Windows 7 is better, but not by much.

    The whole goal is to get to a usable desktop ASAP. Ubuntu, and most other Linux distros achieve much faster boot times than windows out of the gate, and one of the easiest distros is Ubuntu. That might be why the 2 are working together.

    It’s going to be interesting to see how Chrome OS evolves over the next year or so, and to see the big reveal. GIVE it time, and see what happens. Yeah be able to get away from things being on your HDD, but it also makes security, and data storage Gogle headache not yours. Plus there will be ways to sync the cloud data with another PC or what not. Be patient I’s still being DEVELOPED.

  19. Avatar FreeBooteR November 21, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
    Reply

    Windows users can have their Google browser OS. I’ll keep my desktop OS thanks. Along with all my files, data, personal data, music, games, productivity software, etc.

    Let the slaves be controlled. I know i won’t be.

  20. Avatar Canonical: Profiting From Google Chrome OS? | Hallow Demon L November 24, 2009 @ 10:25 am
    Reply

    […] wiping some egg off my face for not mentioning the Canonical-Google financial relationship in my earlier blog post. The fact that Canonical has a seat at Google#8217;s financial table is […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your Channel Futures account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Infoblox Cloud Specialization to Help Partners with SaaS Sales
  • New Commvault EMEA Channel Exec Outlines Plans for Channel
  • Productivity During ‘Work from Wherever’: Choosing the Right Back-Office Tools for a Distributed Workforce
  • From Salesperson to Trusted Adviser: 3 Tips for Mastering Consultative IT Sales

Galleries

View all

From The Second City: How to Use Improv as a Business Tool

March 3, 2021

Industry Perspectives

View all

5 Ways XDR Can Improve Operational Efficiency for MSPs

March 4, 2021

Multi-Cloud: Strategy or Inevitable Outcome? (or both?)

March 3, 2021

Backup Vulnerability: 4 Targets Hackers Might Utilize to Infiltrate Your Backup Solution

March 2, 2021

Webinars

View all

A Partner’s Perspective on Channel Success in 2021

March 23, 2021

XDR and Why it Matters to MSPs

March 24, 2021

Top Security Trends Impacting Technology Security Providers In 2021

March 25, 2021
  • 1

White Papers

View all

Why Fortinet for my MSSP?

March 2, 2021

Small and Mid-Size Business Security: 4 Steps to Success

March 2, 2021

How SMBs Can Secure Endpoints and Remote Workers for the Long Haul

March 2, 2021

Upcoming Events

View all

Channel Partners Conference & Expo

November 1, 2021 - November 4, 2021

Videos and Fastchats

View all

FASTCHAT: How SOAR Eliminates Security Challenges and Elevates Service Provider Revenues

January 6, 2021

Happy Holidays from Channel Partners & Channel Futures!

December 21, 2020

FASTCHAT: How Old, Unpatched Technologies Are Creating New Security Threats for MSPs and Their Customers

December 3, 2020

Twitter

ChannelFutures

Chinese hacker group #HAFNIUM exploits critical @MSFTExchange Server vulnerability, could impact thousands.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 7, 2021
ChannelFutures

Our latest #Cybersecurity Roundup highlights #CPVirtual, @Huntresslabs, @Entrust_Corp and @InsightEnt.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 5, 2021
ChannelFutures

RT @Channel_Expo: A HUGE thank you to our amazing #CPVirtual sponsors and exhibitors! 👏 @ATTBusiness @DellTech @8x8 @lumentechco @telarus @…

March 5, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@okta acquiring rival @auth0 in $6.5 billion all-stock transaction. #security dlvr.it/Rtzwdp https://t.co/4LvHCJuwsR

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@MicrosoftTeams features are coming to @MSFTDynamics365, the company announced at @MS_Ignite. #MicrosoftIgnite… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@PreciselyData acquired by Clearlake Capital, @TAAssociates. #digitaltransformation dlvr.it/RtzbKg https://t.co/1rNYnTScxq

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

Thanks for attending #CPVirtual. Here's a Day 3 wrap and a look ahead to #CPExpo Homecoming in November!… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 4, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@Veeam announces six annual Impact Partner Awards, with @SHI_Intl, @LogicalisUS, more. #cloud… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 4, 2021

MSSP Insider

Newsletters and Updates

Sign up for The Channel Report, Channel Futures Update, MSP 501 Newsletter and more.

Live Channel Events

Get the latest information on the next industry-leading Channel Partners event.

Channel Partners Online

Want more? Find more channel news and analysis on our sister site, Channel Partners.

Media Kit And Advertising

Want to reach our audience? Access our media kit

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • Channel Partners Online
  • Channel Partners Events
  • MSP 501
  • MSSP Insider
  • IoT World Today
  • Webhostingtalk

WORKING WITH US

  • Contact
  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter

FOLLOW Channel Futures ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X