Is Ubuntu relevant for Enterprise Mobility ?
Firstly what is Ubuntu? It is a Debian Linux-based operating system and is the most popular Linux version for desktop OS devices. It is used by those wanting more control over their system and as alternative to Microsoft. But, is Ubuntu relevant for Enterprise Mobility ?
Now as founder Mark Shuttleworth promised it has a mobile version offering users a desktop experience running on a smartphone. The OS for mobile is actually the same as OS for Ubuntu desktop, so if running solely on the phone or via an external monitor the display will be the same apart from screen size. This is similar to something we have already seen on the Motorola Atrix, but since Ubuntu is running as a full OS it will provide full OS features and interaction.
Ubuntu Industry Proposition
Variants of Ubuntu are already available on Nexus 7 and Android high end devices with multi-core processors. When installed on Android the user will only access Ubuntu when docked with an external monitor. It turns your smartphone into a smartphone/PC.
What about apps? There are already thousands of applications written for Ubuntu many of which are free. Developers have the easy task of changing the screen layout to fit a smartphone screen.
What does this mean for Android and iOS ?
Competition and possibly lots of it. The Ubuntu phone OS is aimed at two communities.
- The Enterprise where companies are looking to combine phone thin client and desktop into one highly secure device. The attraction being that you end up with all the security of UNIX in your in pocket whilst using the same Ubuntu management tools from the desktop and server deployments.
- The Consumer where network providers want to bring lean beautiful smartphones to market that help to differentate their offerings from each other.
One major advantage of Ubuntu phone is the ability to upgrade the OS when a new release becomes available. If you have ever had an older Android phone and are stuck on V2.1 you’ll know frustrating it is when you’d like to upgrade. Thankfully this is not the case with Ubuntu phone.
Will Enterprise Mobility Device Users Flock to Ubuntu?
Is Ubuntu relevant for Enterprise Mobility ?. Unclear at present but it has potential and should be good for apps that primarily access the web.
It will be interesting to see how Ubuntu does in the battle for market share apart from being free, it certainly looks to tick all the boxes for corporate users.
- Close alliance with ARM. Will help convince the corporate community to invest in new non “WinTel” product.
- Makes further sense of building apps in HTML 5. No need to adopt another “native” environment for mobile application development good news for return on investment.
- High Degree of Security. Already a key element of enterprise mobility deployments.
- Desktop/Phone Compatibility. Could enable a whole new category of apps combining mobile and at desk elements.
- It may well add another dimension to the ongoing debate about BYOD – Bring Your Own Device.
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