Ubuntu.....cloud computing???

Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth has announced the codename for Ubuntu 9.10, which is scheduled for release in October: Karmic Koala.

For those who wish to manage clouds, Ubuntu will apparently contain tools that leverage the Amazon APIs.

The desktop goals are primarily around “first impressions,” with Shuttleworth indicating that “boot will be beautiful.”

He also promises that the appearance of Ubuntu will change significantly:

The desktop will have a designer’s fingerprints all over it - we’re now beginning the serious push to a new look. Brown has served us well but the Koala is considering other options. It sounds like the majority of the work on the server side in Karmic Koala will be around cloud computing.

The actual text can be summarized as follows:

Ubuntu server will target promoting cloud computing through entirely open-source software.

Canonical will create standard Amazon Machine Images from Karmic Koala, essentially creating “ready-to-run” appliances that will serve as “standard builds” to the Amazon community.

Shuttleworth says one goal is to speed up the boot process in Ubuntu 9.10, while possibly using a new splash screen. Canonical will also be refining the Ubuntu Netbook Remix interface for mini-laptops like the Dell Inspiron Mini.

The server edition of Karmic Koala will feature support for Amazon’s EC2 APIs, and will also use the Eucalyptus project to allow you to host cloud based apps in your own data center.