Ubuntu thinking out of the box and into the clouds

Apple computer is usually known for taking things to the new level and beyond in radical ways. But, it looks like ubuntu linux is also taking a lesson or two in this venue. The new release of ubuntu ("Karmic Koala,") will be targeting cloud computing.

"Ubuntu 9.10 will give users an option to build its own Elastic Compute Cloud-style service, using open-source Eucalyptus (or another cloud provider), but the intent certainly seems to seamlessly plug users into Amazon's closed cloud:

Ubuntu aims to keep free software at the forefront of cloud computing by embracing the APIs of Amazon EC2, and making it easy for anybody to set up their own cloud using entirely open tools...During the Karmic cycle, we want to make it easy to deploy applications into the cloud, with ready-to-run appliances or by quickly assembling a custom image..."

This interesting new platform option addition could have some very amazing new options when it comes to computing in the future. Imagine doing all the grunt work that your computer is used for remotely in a cloud and then just using a simple machine like a netbook for accessing and doing the work. Gone, will be the need for making a bigger, better, box. Because the box will be in the clouds and all you need is a simple device to access it. The cloud has all the storage and processors you need for the task at hand.

"Amazon's EC2 also supports Windows Server 2003, OpenSolaris and a number of other Linux distributions, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Enterprise Linux."


Ubuntu's next wave: Open server, closed cloud (cnet)
Ubuntu's 'Koala' to Soar into the Cloud (Wired.com)
Ubuntu Will Target Cloud Computing With October Release (PCWorld)