Canonical to offer Ubuntu Desktop support and services

New offerings to individuals and small businesses to ease transition to fastest growing Linux desktop

Canonical, the founder of the Ubuntu project,announced today it has launched new support services for individuals using Ubuntu desktop – and small businesses looking for cost effective alternatives to Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac.

Ubuntu is the fastest growing open source desktop – with millions of users around the world using it at home and work. Support from Canonical'steam of experts enables users to take full advantage of the powerful Ubuntu operating system. The services include installation support,as well as ongoing assistance with configuration and applications.

“Canonical'sDesktop Support Services (http://www.ubuntu.com/services) provides an easy, inexpensive way to get Ubuntu up and running in the home, home office and small business – reaching the vast majority of computer users,” said Steve George, director of Canonical's Corporate Services division. “With our team supporting them, Ubuntu is ideal for people who just want their computer to work, where the goal is to get up and running with no fuss, focusing on the things they want to accomplish.”

Canonical's Desktop Support Services includes three offerings: Starter, Advanced and Professional:

• The Starter Desktop Service provides support for installation, set-up and basic functionality – such as Internet, creating documents and playing music and videos.
• The Advanced Desktop Service is for more experienced users who need help migrating files and settings from a previously used operating system or assistance with desktop publishing and personal accounting.
• The Professional Desktop Service is for the business user who uses Ubuntu as their main environment. Installation support ensures the Ubuntu machine is set up on the corporate network and integrated into existing IT services. The Professional Desktop Service also helps setup desktop virtualization and ongoing support provides professional users with quicker access to support personnel.

Pricing and availability

Canonical's individual and small business Desktop Services are available now and can be purchased from the Ubuntu shop athttps://shop.canonical.com/.

For details, prices and what to expect from these services visithttp://www.ubuntu.com/services

About Canonical

Canonical provides engineering, online and professional services to Ubuntu partners and customers worldwide. As the founder of the Ubuntu project, Canonical is committed to the production and support of Ubuntu – an ever-popular and fast-growing open-source operating system. It aims to ensure that Ubuntu is available to every organization and individual on servers, desktops, laptops and netbooks. Canonical partners with computer hardware manufacturers to certify Ubuntu, provides migration, deployment, support and training services to businesses, and offers online services direct to end users. Canonical also builds and maintains collaborative, open-source development tools to ensure that organizations and individuals can participate fully in innovations within the open-source community.For more information, please visit www.canonical.com.