Ubuntu server OS bags added Dell hardware support

Canonical has signed a collaborative engineering deal with Dell that will see the hardware giant support the Ubuntu open source operating system across its PowerEdge server range.

The deal means end users that purchase a 12th generation PowerEdge server featuring Ubuntu 12.04 LTS will benefit from software and hardware support from both Canonical and Dell.

This is on the proviso that said customers are signed up to the Ubuntu Advantage support programme.

"The engineering agreement cements the commitment of both companies to offer assurance to the growing number of Ubuntu Advantage enterprise customers running Ubuntu 12.04 LTS on Dell PowerEdge Servers," the companies said in a joint statement.

The operating system allows IT administrators to manage server workloads and distributed cloud environments.

Forrest Norrod, vice president and general manager of Dell Server Solutions, said demand for Ubuntu is building among the firm's hyperscale customers.

"The Canonical certification and support of Ubuntu on our Dell PowerEdge servers is consistent with our innovation for customers running scale-out workloads," Norrod added.

Mark Murphy, vice president of global alliances at Canonical, added: "Dell's support of Ubuntu on its latest 12th generation PowerEdge Servers shows its strong commitment to growing demand for Ubuntu on PowerEdge servers from enterprises."