A Linux distribution supporting IBM DB2 isnt usually that big a deal. But when its Canonical Ltd.s populist Ubuntu distribution, which is known far more for its community support than for its business savvy, its more noteworthy.
Canonicals Ubuntu is a Debian Linux branch. In the past, its developers have emphasized its community Linux status. In particular, its well-known for being a Linux used by those interested in the third world and education.
Nevertheless, Ubuntu engineers worked directly with IBM DB2 Lab Software engineers to do compatibility testing under the DB2 for Linux Validation program to earn the “Ready for IBM DB2 Software for Linux” service mark.
It apparently wont be the last such move.
“Being Ready for DB2 UDB is a real step up for Ubuntu, and the whole project is moving into new and exciting areas. Our release last month included a server edition, which provides the perfect foundation for major database environments,” Mark Shuttleworth, founder and sponsor of Ubuntu, said in a statement.
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Shuttleworth, a South African millionaire and the first African in space, has made Ubuntu his particular project. So it is that this Linux distribution has resources well beyond any other Linux startup, approaching those of Red Hat Inc. and Novell Inc.
The distribution also has the support of the Ubuntu Foundation, which was started with a bang by Shuttleworth and a partner donating $10 million to its work of supporting the distribution.
Although quite new, its first release having been in October 2004, with this support behind it Ubuntu has become a highly regarded Linux distribution.
The latest version, Ubuntu 5.10, also known by its whimsical code name, Breezy Badger, received good marks in its recent review by eWEEK Labs.
The company said it is hoping that its business partners will like its adding of enterprise database support to its features.
“With a respected product like DB2 on Ubuntu, our partners will relish the chance to discuss database and solution choices with their clients,” said Malcolm Yates, Canonicals alliances and partner manager
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