Canonical Landscape May Target Ubuntu Linux VARs

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is considering a new version of its Landscape remote management tool that may appeal to solutions providers and service providers. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.

First, a little background: Landscape is a remote management tool designed specifically for Ubuntu Linux servers, desktops and notebooks/netbooks. Initially, Landscape was a SaaS (software as a service) offering. In September 2009, Canonical plans to diversify beyond SaaS to offer an on-premise version (called Landscape Dedicated Server) for IT managers to run within their organizations.

But Canonical won’t stop there. Sources say Canonical is taking a close look at the service provider market to see how various partners (ISPs, MSPs, VARs, etc.) could potentially benefit and generate recurring revenue from Landscape. The VAR Guy believes a service provider-centric version of Landscape will likely debut in 2010.

The Bigger Picture

Admittedly, Landscape is only one piece in Canonical’s larger strategic business puzzle. As the company prepares to launch Ubuntu 9.10 in October 2009, Canonical is working on a range of related services and relationships — including cloud, OEM and shared storage initiatives (such as Ubuntu One).

Canonical also continues to build its channel partner network — formulating close relationships with training centers that specialize in Ubuntu Server Edition and Desktop Edition.

Meanwhile, Linux rivals aren’t resting on their laurels. Red Hat this week announced channel partner specializations focused on infrastructure (Linux), middleware (JBoss) and virtualization. And Novell is enhancing its ISV (independent software vendor) relations with new SUSE Linux appliances.

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