Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu Linux distribution, on Tuesday, announced the general availability of Ubuntu Core 20, a minimal, containerised version of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS for IoT (Internet of devices and embedded systems.
According to the company, this major version bolsters device security with secure boot, full disk encryption, and secure device recovery.
“Every connected device needs guaranteed platform security and an app store” said Mark Shuttleworth, founder and CEO of Canonical. “Ubuntu Core 20 enables innovators to create highly secure things and focus entirely on their own unique features and apps, with confinement and security updates built into the operating system.”
Ubuntu Core 20 addresses the cost of design, development, and maintenance of secure devices with regular, automated and reliable updates included. Canonical works with silicon providers and original design manufacturers (ODMs) to streamline the entire process to bring a new device to market.
The company and its partners offer SMART START, a fixed-price engagement to launch a device that covers consulting, engineering and updates for the first 1000 devices on certified hardware, to reduce IoT project risk.
This release builds on established strengths for Ubuntu Core. Best-in-class security updates support controlled and cost-effective unattended software updates for OEM fleets that “fix everything, everywhere, fast.”
“App stores underpin the new wave of connected device business models” said Galem Kayo, Product Manager of Ubuntu Core. “As apps move to the edge, the value of data in remote locations increases. Ubuntu Core 20 adds secure boot with hardware-backed full disk encryption to guarantee confidentiality from physical attackers.”
Ubuntu Core 20 is certified on popular x86 and ARM single board computers including the Raspberry Pi 4. Ubuntu Core 20 is available for download right now from the official website. Just like with previous releases, Canonical secures business critical devices for 10 years.
