ARM and Canonical to Bring Full Ubuntu Desktop Experience to Low-Power, ARM Technology-Based Computing Devices
November 12 2008 - 9:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
Popular Commercially-Supported Linux Distribution Ubuntu to be
Available on Low-Power ARM SoCs With Rich Integrated Graphics and
Video Subsystems and a Proven Track Record of Low-Power Design
CAMBRIDGE, England, November 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ARM
((LSE: ARM); (NASDAQ:ARMH)) and Canonical Ltd, the commercial
sponsor of Ubuntu(R), today announced that it will bring the full
Ubuntu Desktop operating system to the ARMv7 processor architecture
to address demand from device manufacturers. The addition of the
new operating system will enable new netbooks and hybrid computers,
targeting energy-efficient ARM(R) technology-based SoCs, to deliver
a rich, always-connected, mobile computing experience, without
compromising battery life. The combination of a commercially
supported, optimized Ubuntu distribution for ARM, together with
Canonical's ability to tailor solutions to specific ARM
technology-based devices and OEM requirements, ensures that
highly-optimized systems can be rapidly deployed into the fast
growing mobile computing market. ARM's wide partnership with
leading semiconductor and device manufacturers strengthens the
mobile computing software ecosystem and extends the market reach
for Ubuntu-based products. "The release of a full Ubuntu desktop
distribution supporting latest ARM technology will enable rapid
growth, with internet everywhere, connected ultra portable
devices," said Ian Drew, vice president of Marketing, ARM. "The
always-on experience available with mobile devices is rapidly
expanding to new device categories such as netbooks, laptops and
other internet connected products. Working with Canonical will pave
the way for the development of new features and innovations to all
connected platforms." "This is a natural development for Ubuntu,
driven by the demand from manufacturers for an ARM technology-based
version," said Jane Silber, COO of Canonical. "Joining the
considerable community of free software developers working on the
ARM platform ensures that a fully-functional, optimized Ubuntu
distribution is available to the ARM ecosystem, providing wider
choice for consumers looking for the best operating system for
their digital lifestyles." This version of the Ubuntu Desktop
operating system will target the ARMv7 architecture including ARM
Cortex-A8 and Cortex-A9 processor-based systems. Canonical's
support of a full ARM distribution will strengthen the ARM Linux
ecosystem and widen the opportunity to leverage ARM technology into
fast-growing markets. This partnership further highlights both ARM
and Canonical's support for open source initiatives and leverages
contributions from key open source communities including Linux
kernel, Debian, GNOME, and Mozilla communities. The Ubuntu ARM
distribution for desktops and netbooks will be officially available
from April 2009. About ARM ARM designs the technology that lies at
the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking
and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive,
security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering
includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, enabling
software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed
connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined
with comprehensive design services, training, support and
maintenance, and the company's broad Partner community, they
provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path
to market for leading electronics companies. More information on
ARM is available at http://www.arm.com/. About Canonical Ltd
Canonical Ltd, the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu, is a global
organization headquartered in Europe committed to the development,
distribution and support of open source software products and
communities. World-class 24x7 commercial support for Ubuntu is
available through Canonical's global support team and partners.
Since its launch in October 2004, Ubuntu has become one of the most
highly regarded Linux distributions with millions of users around
the world. Ubuntu is also the center of a global open source
software ecosystem. For more information, visit
http://www.canonical.com/ or http://www.ubuntu.com/. ARM is a
registered trademark of ARM Limited. Cortex is a trademark of ARM.
Limited.. All other brands or product names are the property of
their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings
plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional
subsidiaries: ARM, Inc.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan
Limited; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM
Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc.; ARM Germany GmbH; ARM
Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Norway, AS. Ubuntu and
Canonical are registered trademarks of Canonical Ltd. Contact
Details: ARM PRESS OFFICE: +44-208-846-0797 Vicky Hayden Text 100
+44-20-8846-0859 Michelle Spencer ARM +44-1628-427-780 Erik Ploof
ARM +1-425-880-6033 DATASOURCE: ARM CONTACT: Contact Details: ARM
PRESS OFFICE: +44-208-846-0797; Vicky Hayden, Text 100,
+44-20-8846-0859, ; Michelle Spencer, ARM, +44-1628-427-780, ; Erik
Ploof, ARM, +1-425-880-6033,
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