Canonical has announced the release of Ubuntu Core 18, the latest version of its high-security embedded Linux operating system which powers several software defined radio (SDR) projects.
Designed around the concept of ‘snaps,’ rapidly-deployed and immutable application packages which are as self-contained as possible and which are made available from a centralised repository with full over-the-air update capabilities, Ubuntu Core has proven a popular platform for embedded projects. In its latest release, Ubuntu Core 18, the platform receives a range of updates including a minimised attack surface, security scanning of all snaps, and a 10-year long term support (LTS) agreement with device-specific service level agreements (SLAs).
“Canonical’s Ubuntu Core puts the right code on a device with clean update and management semantics,” claims Ian Hughes, senior analyst for the Internet of Things (IoT) at 451 Research. “Since snaps deliver everything from the kernel and device drivers to 3rd party applications, targeted upgrades can be orchestrated and delivered to IoT endpoints via a central app store with no user intervention. This manageability is essential to enhance the ongoing security and performance of devices in the field. Ubuntu Core is used across many types of IoT device such as digital signage, drones and robots, with ROS [Robot Operating System] applications supported as snaps, and in IoT gateways. This all sits within the existing open source Ubuntu ecosystem providing familiarity and common tools for developers.”
“We share a software-defined vision with Canonical to help enterprises discover new revenue opportunities and overcome legacy infrastructure challenges in the telco and wider IoT industry. Ubuntu Core, snaps, and IoT app stores create a secure, open-source platform that enables our partners to develop and deploy new disruptive technologies quickly,” explains Ebrahim Bushehri, Lime Microsystems’ chief executive, of the company’s work with Canonical. “The CrowdCell project led by Vodafone and Telefonica provides cost-effective cellular connectivity as part of the Facebook TIP [Telecom Infra Project] initiative, while the European Space Agency now has an app-enabled satellite communication network open for developers to create a variety of applications for widespread adoption, both powered by snaps on Ubuntu Core.”
More information on Ubuntu Core 18 is available on the official website.