Ubuntu to launch cloud appliance store

Ubuntu has revealed plans to launch its own cloud appliance store as part of its server launch at the end of this month.

The Karmic Koala server release, due on 29 October, will be focused on Ubuntu's Enterprise Cloud (UEC), increasing cloud capabilities for its users.

The company also plans to introduce a cloud appliance store, enabling customers to purchase and download applications for their server instantly and from one location.

Gery Carr from Canonical, the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu, told IT PRO: This is fresh off the production line and will start with running one appliance... to show you how it works and let you enjoy it."

"Our long term goal is to add other open source and proprietary appliances on there throughout 2010."

It has not been confirmed what the first appliance will be on the simply named UED store, but it will definitely be open source-based.

Any applications a user downloads will also have to adhere to security and maintenance rules set by Ubuntu.

Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.

Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.