The IBM validation is a big step for Ubuntu, Debian Project Founder Ian Murdock said. A lack of support for independent software vendors (ISV) has been a historical weakness of Debian-based distributions, but IBM's recognition of a Debian-based system is important to the project's overall community.
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With its six-month release cycle, Ubuntu is picking up support features along the way, such as continuously improving and adding to support service available to its customers either directly, from Canonical, or through Web forums, mailing lists, and IRC channels. The 5.10 server version of Ubuntu does not have extended support yet, Yates said, but he said that the experience with its first server offering “will clearly provide us with invaluable experience with regards to certification of both hardware and software.”

And although Yates reiterated Ubuntu's intention to never offer proprietary software, he said he expects many more businesses to consider Ubuntu as it prepares to launch its enterprise version and extends support cycles for it in an effort to garner more certifications and validations.