Rackspace Cloud, one of the fastest-growing cloud providers working with VARs and MSPs, has expanded its talent pool. The latest hire includes a Canonical veteran who was involved in the Ubuntu Linux cloud strategy. Here’s the scoop.

Rick Clark, a former engineering manager for Canonocal’s Ubuntu Server effort, joined Rackspace Cloud about a month ago. Now, he’s senior manager for software product development at Rackspace Cloud, according to his LinkedIn profile. Clark’s move comes at an intriguing time for both Rackspace and Canonical.

Rackspace Cloud (formerly Mosso) has emerged as a prominent rival to Amazon Web Services and a range of other major cloud systems. During the TechCrunch50 conference this  week, a number of emerging IT companies revealed that they’re business is built atop the Rackspace Cloud.

Meanwhile, Canonical’s cloud strategy is largely built atop Ubuntu Server Edition 9.10, a significant upgrade that’s expected to launch in October 2009. Clark was expected to speak about Canonical’s cloud effort during Atlanta LinuxFest (scheduled for Sept. 19). Several other Canonical employees — including John Pugh, software partner manager for Canonical, will attend the event. And Pugh is certainly up to speed on Canonical’s cloud effort. Also, Matt Zimmerman has taken on Clark’s responsibilities until Canonical can fill Clark’s position.

Oh, and in case you were wondering: Canonical isn’t suffering a talent exodus. Look around the cloud and Linux markets, and talent seems to be moving from one company to the next all the time.

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