Canonical has launched a new subscription to simplify security and compliance for IoT device deployments. Ubuntu Pro for Devices provides 10 years of security maintenance for Ubuntu and thousands of open source packages, such as Python, Docker, OpenJDK, OpenCV, MQTT, OpenSSL, Go, and Robot Operating System (ROS).  The subscription provides device management capabilities through Landscape, Canonical’s systems management tool, and access to Real-time Ubuntu for latency-critical use cases. 

Ubuntu Pro for Devices is available from Canonical, and from a range of original device manufacturers (ODMs) in Canonical’s partner ecosystem, including ADLINK, AAEON, Advantech and DFI.

Canonical is expanding its collaboration with ODMs as demand for open source security and compliance grows in the embedded space.  Ubuntu Pro for Devices can be combined with Canonical’s existing Ubuntu Certified Hardware programme.

“As new legislation is introduced for IoT embedded devices, it is crucial that our customers have a means to securely maintain the operating system along with commonly used applications and dependencies”, said Ethan Chen, General Manager of the Edge Computing Platforms BU at ADLINK. “Ubuntu Pro ensures that IoT devices receive reliable security patches from a trusted source”.

“Many of our customers from across different sectors are using computer vision software that requires regulatory approval. In particular, the latest US regulation makes it important to provide timely CVE fixes for all of the components used in our products. Thanks to Ubuntu Pro for Devices, this is now covered”, said Jason Huang, Director of AAEON’s UP Division.

Ubuntu Pro for Devices includes device management with Landscape, which automates security patching and audits across Ubuntu estates. Landscape allows administrators to manage their Ubuntu instances from a single portal. They can securely authenticate and add new devices to their IoT fleet, manage software versions and configurations, and monitor device performance and compliance.  By grouping multiple devices together, administrators can perform these operations on numerous devices simultaneously, saving both time and effort.

“DFI leverages virtualisation technology to introduce a robust Workload Consolidation platform integrated with our embedded solutions for EV charging stations and other cutting-edge industrial applications.  With the ability to use Landscape to manage devices built with DFI boards, we can now provide more reliable solutions to our customers with 10 years of security updates and streamlined fleet maintenance”, said Jarry Chang, DFI Product Center General Manager.