Another Small Victory for Ubuntu Server Edition

Each day, the drumbeat for Ubuntu Server Edition is getting slightly louder. In recent weeks, a growing list of ISVs (independent software vendors) has vowed to support Canonical’s Linux server operating system. The latest example involves Mailspect launching antispam and email archiving solutions for Ubuntu Server.

First, some background: Canonical faces an uphill battle as it tries to push Ubuntu Linux beyond desktops, notebooks and netbooks. One way into the server market will surely involve private Ubuntu clouds. Another path to server success requires more ISV support.

That’s where Mailspect enters the picture. The New York-based software developer says its antispam and email archiving solutions are now available for Ubuntu Server Edition. And yes, Mailspect has a channel partner program.

Within the announcement, Mailspect founder Michael Katz even takes a shot at Red Hat:

Hmmm… The VAR Guy must concede: He hasn’t heard about customers defecting from Red Hat Enterprise Linux to Ubuntu Server Edition. But Katz and Mailspect seem to be claiming otherwise. And a growing number of ISVs seem to be showing Ubuntu Server Edition some love. The most recent example involves Groundwork Open Source. And Canonical is working hard to further strengthen the ISV story ahead of Ubuntu 10.04’s anticipated April 2010 launch.

Reality Check

Still, The VAR Guy doesn’t want to hype Ubuntu Server Edition. Red Hat and Novell continue to dominate the Linux server software market. Novell’s SUSE Studio launch has triggered a flood of Linux application appliances. And Red Hat has evolved into a triple threat — pushing beyond its Linux and JBoss middleware heritage to finally gain some virtualization momentum.

Like The VAR Guy said: Canonical faces plenty of server competition. But recent ISV wins for Ubuntu Server Edition seem promising.