Ubuntu, the fastest-growing version of Linux, is starting to attract interest from the managed services industry. One prime example: Untangle, which develops security solutions for managed service providers, is preparing to add support for Ubuntu within the next few months, MSPmentor has learned.
For MSPs, leveraging open source provides some cost-effective ways to introduce new services while connecting with fast-growing developer communities.
Here’s some more background on Ubuntu, along with emerging details about Untangle’s strategy for the operating system.
Already, Untangle leverages open source to develop spam blocking, web filtering and a dozen other security applications. The company’s community of open source developers has grown exponentially in recent months (more on that later this week).
Untangle continues to promote its open source network gateway to managed service providers — even as the company explores new market opportunities — such as Ubuntu Linux.
Learning About Ubuntu
If you’re an MSP looking for new opportunities in open source, Ubuntu deserves some attention. Ubuntu, backed by a small company called Canonical, is now the fastest-growing version of Linux, according to CNet.
Ubuntu first gained mainstream attention when Dell decided to offer Ubuntu as a preload option on selected desktop PCs and laptops in mid-2007. Now, Ubuntu is finding momentum on servers, and Intel is working to put Ubuntu on mobile devices.
With an assist from Untangle, Ubuntu could also emerge as a platform for running network security applications. During a chat with MSPmentor on April 4, Untangle executives said they were working on Ubuntu support but exact details remain forthcoming.
I’ll have more to share about Ubuntu as well as Untangle’s growing developer community later this week.
Posted In: Managed Security Services | Platforms | Ubuntu | Untangle
Tags: Managed Service Provider | Managed Services | MSP | Open Source | Ubuntu | Untangle
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When will Untangle make the Ubuntu announcement?
the ability to install Untangle on existing Ubuntu systems is in Untangle’s 5.2 release, which is in pre-release testing. More info here:
http://forums.untangle.com/showthread.php?t=2573
Thanks for the preview, Andrew. We’ve been watching the next Ubuntu release (version 8.04) closely, and we’ll continue to check in with Untangle as you further your Ubuntu efforts as well.
[…] Network Security Converges With Ubuntu Linux […]
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Ubuntu is not a version, it is a distribution.
Ide: Sorry for the poor choice of words. We’ll go with “distribution” when describing Ubuntu down the road. BTW: Are you an Ubuntu user? I’d love to talk offline. We’ve got some things brewing in the Ubuntu arena.
Can’t wait to have untangle on ubuntu. Had a heck of a time installing untangle on some hardware for a client. It would have been so much easier to just put ubuntu on it (which it was running before switching to untangle).
I’m psyched, my new favorite security appliance combined with my new favorite server OS.
Doug: Please stay in touch with us. In addition to MSPmentor and The VAR Guy (http://www.thevarguy.com), we’ve got some stuff brewing in the Ubuntu market. Details coming in late April.
Just a footnote on the momentum behind Ubuntu: Don’t overlook Sun’s support for the OS.
Rambo: We couldn’t agree more. In fact, we’ve been following Sun’s interest in Ubuntu very closely over on our sister site, The VAR Guy. You can find the latest Sun/ubuntu story here: Sun Getting Cozier With Ubuntu
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