Ubuntu Linux: 6 Million to 12 Million Users

Ubuntu, the fast-growing version of Linux from Canonical, now has between 6 million and 12 million users, according to Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth.

Over the next year, Shuttleworth says Canonical will focus on multiple areas for growth, including a small business server. Shuttleworth also mentioned Ubuntu’s opportunity on mobile devices. He downplayed the opportunity on smart phones (at least initially), and instead focused on mobile Internet-enabled devices that resemble Nokia’s N800 handheld device.

Canonical is working on the mobile device initiative with Intel.

Shuttleworth made his comments during Ubuntu LIVE, a conference in Portland Oregon.