Data Backup Digest

Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux-based operating systems, can be found on PCs, tablets and smartphones around the globe. One of the first developers to embrace cloud computing architecture, Ubuntu is even responsible for certain cloud structures in operation today. In a recent attempt to expand their reach, Canonical Ltd., the developers of Ubuntu, have announced the release of Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - but what does this mean for cloud computing as we know it?

For starters, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS is the third Ubuntu cloud release to offer long-term support for cloud users. Completely scalable and trusted by cloud service providers such as Telcos, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS was developed specifically to increase the reliability, efficiency and adaptability of public cloud frameworks in use today.

Mark Shuttleworth, founder of both Canonical Ltd. and Ubuntu, spoke highly of the new release in a recent interview. He was quoted as saying: "Ubuntu is the primary platform for cloud - public, private or hybrid. In this release, our third LTS with deep roots in cloud, we raise the bar for efficiency and orchestration at scale. That’s why businesses are adopting Ubuntu as they move to the cloud computing era."

In fact, Ubuntu has attracted a plethora of global enterprises and organizations in recent years, including the likes of Comcast, Cogent Communications, AT&T, British Telcom, Verizon, Instagram, Netflix and many more. All of these companies are currently relying on Ubuntu to support and sustain new service offerings and strategies.

Matt Haines, vice president of Time Warner Cable, explained how TWC uses Ubuntu in their day-to-day operations. He said: "Time Warner Cable (TWC) is running Ubuntu OpenStack and partnering with Canonical as part of our strategy to improve infrastructure utilization and accelerate service innovation, deployment, and delivery. We're looking forward to seeing the latest 14.04 LTS release."

Ubuntu also has a host of partnerships within the IT industry. Service providers such as IBM SoftLayer, Windows Azure and HP Cloud are all compatible with Ubuntu, which provides an increased level of security and end-user accessibility to cloud platforms.

Dhiraj Mallick, corporate vice president and general manager of AMD's Data Center Server Solutions, explained how Ubuntu works in tandem with the newest technology released by his company. He was quoted as saying: "AMD and Canonical's collaboration enables Ubuntu 14.04 LTS take full advantage of the AMD's SM15000 capabilities to provide the fastest, most efficient scale out data center infrastructure with unmatched scalability. The combination delivers capabilities to automate the deployment of workloads to accelerate the development and introduction of new services. The collaboration spans both physical and virtual machines and offers the flexibility and versatility needed in today's hyperscale data center."

Jose De La Rosa with Dell's Linux engineering department, has also cultivated a strong relationship with Canonical and Ubuntu. He was quoted as saying: "The enhanced collaboration efforts between Dell and Canonical over the last year have ensured that Ubuntu LTS releases and Canonical's cloud deployment tools continue to run smoothly on Dell PowerEdge and PowerEdge-C servers. We look forward to continuing that relationship with Canonical on the 14.04 LTS release.”