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{{short description|UK-based software company that maintains the Ubuntu OS}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
| company_name = Canonical Ltd | name = Canonical Ltd.
| logo = File:Canonical_logo_2023.svg
| company_logo = ] <!-- official logo has a white/transparent background -->
| company_type = ]<ref>The Isle of Man Companies Registry, Annual Return 2005 for Company no. 110334C (''non-distributable, available for a fee of ]1.00'')</ref> | type = ]<ref>The Isle of Man Companies Registry, Annual Return 2005 for Company no. 110334C (''non-distributable, available for a fee of ]1.00'')</ref>
| industry = ]
| genre = Software Development
| foundation = 5 March 2004 <!-- This parameter modifies "Founded". --> | foundation = {{Start date and age|2004|03|05|df=yes}} <!-- This parameter modifies "Founded". -->
| founder = ] | founder = ]
| location = ], ], ] | location = ], England, UK
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = ]<br />]
| key_people = {{ubl|] (]) | Neil French (]) | ] (])}}
| area_served = Worldwide
| products = ], ] (Sponsorship ends after 12.04), ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | products = {{ubl|]|]|]}}
| services = ], ]
| revenue = $30 million (2009)<ref>{{cite news |first=Ashlee |last=Vance |authorlink= |author= |coauthors= |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/business/11ubuntu.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 |title=Ubuntu and its Leader Set Sights on the Mainstream |publisher=New York Times | date=2009-01-11 | accessdate=2010-04-28}}</ref>
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{US$|250&nbsp;million|link=yes}} (2023)<ref name="Canonical 2023 Financial Statement">{{cite web |author1=Canonical Group Limited |title=Canonical Group Limited: Report and Financial Statements: Year Ended 31 December 2023 |url=https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/document-api-images-live.ch.gov.uk/docs/EDt5U_JkKrMU5kBcvNc2O3Kzgu0jloOwvMPpzLGF0PI/application-pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAWRGBDBV3ASI2J5N7%2F20240706%2Feu-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240706T041303Z&X-Amz-Expires=60&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEBIaCWV1LXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIBLnYrxgts7LF1tgDmEGWV4Q%2FVtg3SJ%2BGVXWE08A5%2BaOAiEAuV6jJBXqiDuFx2KlO5V8TQI96XZK3iH49q5Zl%2BnjzmgqwwUIy%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAFGgw0NDkyMjkwMzI4MjIiDPivnolHX87HFl2s9yqXBXcDfn4OLHnh2Brz1lvpeTalhCAsLEkpke0ds7rqmdBPw%2FZEQADwM2Sd18j47OpVj9xMTe%2BoqNWnFZuIerywkXwzYtP%2BHMtL7vXhLxfwf3bpEBsmaM%2BrRv%2BFQb2wltHXKB0nX%2BolTt0RNDOJWJsUUR5yfbEobKXNmigs94hfZHXTviZfNYA00WYo33oQzpEzgaRNmdDgifzXnItIugwV72mQTeDMEADvbUaG8zY8WBHy9MEZK3WX8api5ye%2F8A3WDTSdjGW6hbc6u4e1LdSvGJL%2B7zCaE84jMXL6MZVVC9Q4n2bFu2B%2FBY3FnOulVN4%2FPgX8BarzBhmE%2BjAX8HyWTaxzkvD97OJcIH%2Bxr%2F83MV25SxMMoAJsMtmNqHhfhhpMiRixynUBi0OPgFgtnsHIYbsGV20M%2B5Ac77RYV7OYufvR5zX1K8fcXBG1Nrqz%2Fde0mVl9a5Xoy4GpYvMj5OqrdqFvXnGSf2%2F4mG2ZwMHWSO8m4UpuG38Ztg2j6xfci9KbGlHranPu9f32nl4zFx7rebZxp9vytIizs62OSzzjUjDG5YsLJLXwGktSv8c7O6JK9y2Iv6JBH2zuG%2FVR1MmLbfXsglz5NdUBf0qSixjLG9GRK%2F7EKsmC9PZaWP1MxDCIcI7UMA8JJvEDggXAgLQZb8QUpPmJjsbVuXGsxTSTyvK5VnOz21y2x4He7OcTCRevbRsh0HIA5FJjFb0w1CZGPejgEogPx9Lfjj4qnYIQYR5UFCU4FzKjJNgMCA0g%2FztMXMkQl3iZtOvDFtHyqZPPx6YBmdY%2BwPfAN2jJUyZ84wD6RbIJXnWd%2FQJ8lBGSrR7wo%2BREH36k19B8r8%2FJsnZTnXa1zxHKQPa5MPLNC2n7ln1iIhPWZqGLwjCuxaK0BjqxAXxmTA82njkl6zHMjMrYkWQ8QzdD8M68bifbUtoiOjRDIjhgM25RE9oVM8DSBjPvt74IlB3M%2FFP63rorQ%2BLk4Y1pyS2laMEfOdylzVksCEZNmpDP1nkVyLnv8XpbuMJScfhvT%2FAPKlOP4P7%2FAPukPtDe%2FTGjFajL%2B5C0gSJtxJFD9wDXW%2FeSrlQMYQwAX9wFXCVWJcxez0D1aAZJRVOAJlTNP6BROTGwDZaJrsiSJnPjNw%3D%3D&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=inline%3Bfilename%3D%22companies_house_document.pdf%22&X-Amz-Signature=6ac3ab72b22f0aa35a0285d25f73bfae18e494cb376d3897aab8f6779da03456 |date=6 July 2024}}</ref>{{rp|13}}
| num_employees = 500+<ref name="staff_offices">{{cite web|url=http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android|title=UBuntu for Android|publisher=Canonical Ltd.|accessdate=2012-02-21|quote=We have over 500 staff in more than 30 countries, with offices in London, Boston, Taipei, Montreal, Shanghai, and São Paulo. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thevarguy.com/2010/03/04/ubuntu-canonicals-new-ceo-discloses-top-priorities/|title=Ubuntu: Canonical's New CEO Discusses Top Priorities|publisher=TheVarGuy|accessdate=2010-03-05|quote=3. On Canonical’s Size and Financial Performance: Canonical now has about 320 employees..}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{Increase}} {{US$|7.8&nbsp;million}} (2023)<ref name="Canonical 2023 Financial Statement"/>{{rp|13}}
| subsid = ] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/9997671e24728571142fd0f173c68da2/compdetails|title=Canonical Group Limited|quote=Company No. 06870835|publisher=Companies House|accessdate=2010-01-07}}</ref><!-- formerly Fieldwave Ltd. (UK) -- seems to be about tax technicalities of operating in the UK --><br>]<br>] ({{zh|c=科能软件股份有限公司}})<br>]<br>]<br>] ({{zh|c=英屬曼島商肯諾有限公司臺灣分公司}})
| net_income = {{Increase}} {{US$|12.5&nbsp;million}} (2023)<ref name="Canonical 2023 Financial Statement"/>{{rp|13}}
| ] = Jane Silber
| assets = {{Increase}} {{US$|156&nbsp;million}} (2023)<ref name="Canonical 2023 Financial Statement"/>{{rp|14}}
| homepage =
| equity = {{nowrap|{{Decrease}} {{US$|-7.2&nbsp;million}} (2023)<ref name="Canonical 2023 Financial Statement"/>{{rp|14}}}}
| footnotes = Formerly "M R S Virtual Development Ltd"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://portal.gov.im/pvi/CompanyDetails.aspx?company=110334C|publisher=The Isle of Man Companies Registry|title=Company no. 110334C|quote= M R S VIRTUAL DEVELOPMENT LIMITED PREVIOUS|accessdate=2005-05-18}}</ref> <!-- aka "MRS. VD"... "M R S" == Mark Richard Shuttleworth --><!-- Canonical UK Ltd. formerly Fieldwave Ltd. -->
| num_employees = >1000 (2023)<ref name="Canonical 2023 Financial Statement"/>{{rp|3}}
| subsid = Canonical Group Ltd<!-- formerly Fieldwave Ltd. (UK) -- seems to be about tax technicalities of operating in the UK --><br />Canonical USA Inc.<br />Canonical China Ltd ({{zh|c=科能（上海）软件科技有限公司}})<br />Canonical Brasil Ltda<br />Canonical Canada Ltd<br />Canonical Ltd Taiwan Br. ({{zh|c=英屬曼島商肯諾有限公司臺灣分公司}})
| footnotes = Formerly "M R S Virtual Development Ltd"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://portal.gov.im/pvi/CompanyDetails.aspx?company=110334C|publisher=The Isle of Man Companies Registry|title=Company no. 110334C|quote= M R S VIRTUAL DEVELOPMENT LIMITED PREVIOUS|access-date=18 May 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721145447/http://portal.gov.im/pvi/CompanyDetails.aspx?company=110334C|archive-date=21 July 2011}}</ref> <!-- aka "MRS. VD"... "M R S" == Mark Richard Shuttleworth --><!-- Canonical UK Ltd. formerly Fieldwave Ltd. -->
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.canonical.com}}
}} }}
], the company's most well known product]] ], the company's main product]]
'''Canonical Ltd.'''<ref>UK registered trademark "CANONICAL", filed 29 September 2004.</ref> is a ] computer software company based in ], England. It was founded and funded by South African entrepreneur ] to market commercial support and related services for ] and related projects. Canonical employs staff in more than 70 countries and maintains offices in London, ], ], ], ], ], ] and the ].<ref name="about">{{cite web|url=http://www.canonical.com/about-canonical|title=About Canonical|publisher=Canonical Ltd|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821203717/https://canonical.com/about-canonical|archive-date=21 August 2010|access-date=20 August 2012|quote=We've come a long way since our launch in 2004. We now have over 800 staff in more than 42 countries, and offices in London, Austin, Boston, Taipei, Montreal, Shanghai, São Paulo and the Isle of Man.}}</ref><ref name="offices">{{cite web |title=Canonical &#124; Contact us |url=https://canonical.com/contact-us}}</ref>

'''Canonical Ltd.'''<ref>UK registered trademark "CANONICAL", filed 2004–09–29.</ref> is a ] founded (and funded) by ]n ] ] to market commercial support and related services for ] and related projects. Canonical employs staff in more than 30 countries and maintains offices in London, Boston, Taipei, Montreal, Shanghai, São Paulo and the Isle of Man.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Canonical Ltd|url=http://www.canonical.com/about-canonical|title=About Canonical|accessdate=2012-03-06|quote=We've come a long way since our launch in 2004. We now have over 400 staff in more than 30 countries, and offices in London, Boston, Taipei, Montreal, Shanghai, Sao Paulo and the Isle of Man.}}</ref>


==Projects== ==Projects==
Canonical Ltd. has created and continues to back several projects. Principally these are ] and ] software (]) or tools designed to improve collaboration between free software developers and contributors. Some projects require a ] to be signed.

Canonical Ltd. has created and continues to back several projects. Principally these are ]/] software (]) or tools designed to improve collaboration between free software developers and contributors.


===Open-source software=== ===Open-source software===
] at a design ] in Germany in 2006]]

* ],<ref>UK registered trademark "UBUNTU", filed 29 September 2004.</ref> a ]-based ] with ] (formerly with ]) desktop
<!-- Deleted image removed: ] is the main Canonical product]] -->
** Ubuntu Core, tiny, transactional version of Ubuntu

* ],<ref>UK registered trademark "BAZAAR", filed 21 June 2006.</ref> a decentralized ] system
* The Ubuntu family of ]s:
* ], an object-relational mapper for ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ubuntu.com/news/storm-python-orm-open-sourced |title=Canonical Releases Storm as Open Source |publisher=Ubuntu.com |date=9 July 2007 |access-date=27 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126071222/http://www.ubuntu.com/news/storm-python-orm-open-sourced |archive-date=26 November 2007 }}</ref> part of the Launchpad code base
** ],<ref>UK registered trademark "UBUNTU", filed 2004–09–29.</ref> a ]-based ] with ] (formerly ]) desktop
* ], a service orchestration management tool
** ],<ref>UK registered trademark "KUBUNTU", filed 2005–07–08.</ref> the Ubuntu core system with the ] in place of Unity
* MAAS, a bare-metal server provisioning tool
** ], the Ubuntu core system with the lightweight ] desktop in place of Unity
** ], the Ubuntu core system with the ] desktop in place of Unity * ], the de facto standard for the initial setup of virtual machines in the cloud
* ] is a cross-platform, cross-device, syncable database ] (API). It allows applications to store ] documents and synchronize them between machines and devices.<ref name="ph1">{{cite web|url=http://pythonhosted.org/u1db/ |title=U1DB — u1db 0.1.4 documentation |publisher=Pythonhosted.org |date= |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pythonhosted.org/u1db/conflicts.html#synchronisation |title=Conflicts, Synchronisation, and Revisions — u1db 0.1.4 documentation |publisher=Pythonhosted.org |date= |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref>
<!-- Fluxbuntu is NOT a Canonical project. ** ], which offers the lightweight ] ] on top of the Ubuntu core system. -->
* ], a discontinued ] replacement for the ] daemon
** ],<ref>UK registered trademark "EDUBUNTU", filed 2005–07–08.</ref> the Ubuntu core improved specifically for educational or thin-client environments
* ], a framework for creating software programs for ]
<!-- Ubuntu Studio is NOT a Canonical project. ** ], a multimedia creation flavor of Ubuntu. -->
* ] and Subiquity (operating system installers for ])
** ] (now discontinued), a stripped variant of Ubuntu consisting entirely of free software
* ] display server
** ], an efficient variant of Ubuntu configured specifically for virtual appliances
* ] an implementation of ] (since December 2018<ref>{{Cite web|last=Canonical|date=2018-12-06|title=Canonical launches MicroK8s – deploy Kubernetes in seconds|url=https://snapcraft.io/blog/canonical-launches-microk8s-deploy-kubernetes-in-seconds|access-date=2021-08-13|website=Snapcraft|language=en}}</ref>)
* ],<ref>UK registered trademark "BAZAAR", filed 2006–06–21.</ref> a decentralized ] system
* ], a package management system for ] and other ] operating systems
* ], an object-relational mapper for ],<ref></ref> part of the Launchpad codebase
* ], an ] replacement for the ] daemon ** ], Python-based tool for packaging software
* ]<ref>UK registered trademark "LAUNCHPAD", filed 4 September 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ubuntu.com/news/canonical-open-sources-launchpad|title=Canonical releases source code for Launchpad|publisher=Canonical Ltd.|access-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308073021/http://www.ubuntu.com/news/canonical-open-sources-launchpad|archive-date=8 March 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> a centralised website containing several component web applications designed to make collaboration between ] projects easier:
* ]
** ], a special ] for uploading software packages to be built and published as an ],
* ]
** Blueprints, a tool for planning features of software,
** Code, hosting of ] branches,
** Answers, support tracker,
** Rosetta, an online language translation tool to help localisation of software (cf. the ]),
** Malone (as in "]"), a collaborative bug-tracker that allows linking to other bug-trackers,
** Soyuz, a tool for creating custom-distributions, such as ] and ].


===Other projects and services=== ===Other projects and services===
* ],<ref>UK registered trademark "LANDSCAPE", filed 21 June 2006, published 6 August 2007.</ref> a proprietary web service for centralized management of Ubuntu Linux systems
] at a design ] in Germany]]
* ], a discontinued service since 2014 for file synchronization and other uses
* Ubuntu Advantage, a commercial support service that covers Ubuntu and other Canonical products
* Multipass,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Canonical|date=2018-12-06|title=Canonical launches MicroK8s – deploy Kubernetes in seconds|url=https://snapcraft.io/blog/canonical-launches-microk8s-deploy-kubernetes-in-seconds|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Snapcraft|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Multipass - wikieduonline|url=https://www.wikieduonline.com/Multipass|access-date=2021-08-13|website=www.wikieduonline.com}}</ref> launched in 2019, provides a command line interface to launch and manage ] instances of Linux in Windows, macOS and Linux.


===Joint ventures===
* Landscape,<ref>UK registered trademark "LANDSCAPE", filed 2006–06–21, published 2007–08–06.</ref> a proprietary web service for centralized management of Ubuntu systems.
* ], with ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/225737-windows-10-will-receive-an-anniversary-update-with-linux-support-xbox-one-compatibility-and-more|title=Windows 10 will receive an Anniversary Update with Linux support, Xbox One compatibility, and more - ExtremeTech|website=www.extremetech.com|access-date=2019-10-23}}</ref>
* ]<ref>UK registered trademark "LAUNCHPAD", filed 2007–09–04.</ref> a centralised website containing several component web applications designed to make collaboration between ] projects easier:
]
** Rosetta, an online language translation tool to help localisation of software (cf. the ])
]
** Malone (as in "]"), a collaborative bug-tracker that allows linking to other bug-trackers
** Soyuz, a tool for creating custom-distributions, such as ] and ].
** Code, hosting of ] branches
** Answers, support tracker
** Blueprints, a tool for planning features of software
** PPA, personal package archives
* ], a service for file synchronization and other uses
* Canonical supplies some of the core engineering to ] which invests in upstream projects.


==Business plans== ==Business plans==
In 2007, Canonical launched an International online shop selling support services and Ubuntu-branded goods; later in 2008 it expanded that with a United States-specific shop designed to reduce shipment times.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://insights.ubuntu.com/2008/11/20/canonical-launches-u-s-based-shop-ubuntu-com-in-time-for-holiday-season/|title = Canonical launches U.S.-based shop.ubuntu.com in time for holiday season|publisher = Canonical Ltd.|date = 20 November 2008|access-date = 28 June 2015|quote = Canonical launched today an U.S.-based on-line shop for Ubuntu-branded merchandise and software. With a new fulfillment house in St. Louis, Missouri, shipments are faster and less expensive for Ubuntu users and enthusiasts in the U.S|website = Ubuntu Insights}}</ref> At the same time, the word '']'' was trademarked in connection with clothing and accessories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tmcase/Results/4/EU007426265|title=UK registered trademark #EU007426265|publisher=]|date=27 November 2008|access-date=9 February 2009|quote=Mark text: UBUNTU ... Class 16: Stationery; ... Class 18: Luggage; ... Class 25: Articles of clothing ... CANONICAL LIMITED}}</ref>


In a '']'' interview in May 2008, Mark Shuttleworth said that the Canonical business model was service provision and explained that Canonical was not yet close to profitability. Canonical also claimed it will wait for the business to turn into a profitable one within another 3 to 5 years. He regarded Canonical as positioning itself as demand for services related to free software rose.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moody|first=Glyn|authorlink=Glyn Moody|title='Linux is a platform for people, not just specialists'|date=2008-05-22|accessdate=2008-05-23|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/may/22/internet.software|publisher=] | location=London}}</ref> This strategy has been compared to ]'s business strategies in the 1990s.<ref name="model"/> However, in an early 2009 '']'' article, Shuttleworth said that Canonical's revenue was "creeping" towards $30 million, the company's break-even point.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/business/11ubuntu.html |title=A Software Populist Who Doesn’t Do Windows |publisher=The New York Times |date=2009-01-11 |accessdate=2010-11-08}}</ref> In a '']'' interview in May 2008, Shuttleworth said that Canonical's ] was service provision and that Canonical was not yet close to profitability. Canonical stated that it would wait three to five years to become profitable. Shuttleworth regarded Canonical as positioning itself as demand for services related to free software rose. This strategy has been compared to ]'s business strategies in the 1990s.<ref name="model"/> In an early-2009 '']'' article, Shuttleworth said that Canonical's revenue was "creeping" towards {{US$|30&nbsp;million|link=yes}}, the company's break-even point.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/business/11ubuntu.html |title=A Software Populist Who Doesn't Do Windows |work=The New York Times |date=11 January 2009 |access-date=8 November 2010}}</ref>


Canonical achieved a small operating profit of $281,000 in 2009, but until 2017 struggled to maintain financial solvency and took a major financial hit from the development of ] and ], leading to an operating loss of $21.6 million for the fiscal year 2013.<ref name="Canonical Filing History">{{Cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06870835/filing-history|title=CANONICAL GROUP LIMITED - Filing history (free information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk}}</ref> The company reported an operating profit of $2 million in 2017 after shutting down the Unity development team and laying off nearly 200 employees. The company now plans to focus on its server and professional support solutions,{{buzzword inline|date=June 2020}} which have proved to be most profitable. Through this, Canonical plans to maintain solvency and achieve long-term profitability.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-06-19|title=Does Canonical Have Enough Technical Assets to Attract Investors?|url=https://thenewstack.io/canonical-enough-technical-assets-attract-investors/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=The New Stack|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Vaughan-Nichols|first=Steven J.|title=Mark Shuttleworth sees increased demand for enterprise Ubuntu Linux desktop|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/mark-shuttleworth-sees-increased-demand-for-enterprise-ubuntu-linux-desktop/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=ZDNet|language=en}}</ref> In 2022, Ubuntu made a profit of £0.52m on revenues of £14.31m. <ref>{{Cite web |title=CANONICAL UK LIMITED filing history - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05055134/filing-history |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>
In 2007, Canonical launched an International online shop selling support services and Ubuntu branded goods; later in 2008 it expanded that with a United States-specific shop designed to reduce shipment times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ubuntu.com/news/us-based-shop|title=Canonical launches U.S.-based shop.ubuntu.com in time for holiday season|publisher=Canonical Ltd.|date=2008-11-18|accessdate=2009-02-09|quote=an U.S.-based on-line shop for Ubuntu-branded merchandise and software. With a new fulfillment house in St. Louis, Missouri, shipments are faster and less expensive}}</ref>
At the same time, the word '']'' was trademarked in connection with clothing and accessories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ohim?ohimnum=E7426265|title=UK registered trademark #E7426265|publisher=]|date=2008-11-27|accessdate=2009-02-09|quote=Mark text: UBUNTU ... Class 16: Stationery; ... Class 18: Luggage; ... Class 25: Articles of clothing ... CANONICAL LIMITED}}</ref>


Canonical reported a revenue of $175M in 2021. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Canonical now hopes to IPO in 2023 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/21/canonical-now-hopes-to-ipo-in-2023/|language=en}}</ref>
== Subsidiaries ==

* Canonical Group Ltd is located in the ].
==Subsidiaries==
* Canonical USA Inc. is located in ].
* Canonical China Ltd ({{zh|c=科能软件股份有限公司}}) is located in ]. * Canonical Group Ltd is located in London.
* Canonical Brasil Ltda is located in ]. * Canonical USA Inc. is located in Boston, Massachusetts and Austin, Texas.
* Canonical China Ltd ({{zh|c=科能（上海）软件科技有限公司 and 科能（上海）软件科技有限公司北京分公司}}) is located in Shanghai and Beijing.
* Canonical Canada Ltd is located in ].
* Canonical Ltd Taiwan Br. ({{zh|c=英屬曼島商肯諾有限公司臺灣分公司}}) is located in ]. * Canonical Ltd Taiwan Branch ({{zh|c=英商科能有限公司台灣分公司}}) is located in Taipei.
* Canonical Limited is located in Isle of Man and Tokyo (Japan).<ref name="offices"/>
* Canonical Brasil Ltd is located in ] (this office is no longer listed on their website).
* Canonical Canada Ltd is located in ] (the office is no longer in service<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loco.ubuntu.com/events/venues/Canada/544/detail/ |title="LOCO Team Portal: Canonical Offices Montreal" |publisher=Canonical |access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>).


==Employees== ==Employees==
] ]
Canonical has more than 1200 employees.<ref name="about"/> The head office is in London on the 5th Floor of the Blue Fin Building, ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canonical.com/about-canonical/contact|title=Ways to contact|publisher=Canonical|access-date=27 September 2013|archive-date=29 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929175611/http://www.canonical.com/about-canonical/contact|url-status=dead}}</ref> having previously moved from the 27th floor of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bazaar-vcs.org/SprintLondonMay07 |title=("Where?") |publisher=Bazaar-vcs.org |date=18 May 2007 |access-date=27 September 2013 |archive-date=28 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328112157/http://bazaar-vcs.org/SprintLondonMay07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the summer of 2006, Canonical opened an office in ] to house its global support and services operation.<ref name="model">{{cite web|last=Shankland|first=Stephen|url=http://www.news.com/Canonical-seeks-profit-from-free-Ubuntu/2100-7344_3-6123249.html|title=Canonical seeks profit from free Ubuntu|work=C&#124;NET|date=6 October 2006|access-date=19 October 2007|archive-date=30 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830083631/http://www.news.com/Canonical-seeks-profit-from-free-Ubuntu/2100-7344_3-6123249.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ] is also home to a Canonical office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/37452853@N00/3479931232/|title=Canonical Taiwan Branch @ Rm D, 46th floor, Taipei 101 building &#124; Flickr - Photo Sharing!|publisher=Flickr|date=26 February 2009|access-date=27 September 2013}}</ref> There was formerly an OEM team in ], United States.<ref name="staff_offices">{{cite web|url=http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android|title=Ubuntu for Android|publisher=Canonical Ltd.|access-date=21 February 2012|quote=We have over 500 staff in more than 30 countries, with offices in London, Boston, Taipei, Montreal, Shanghai, and São Paulo.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223030248/http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android|archive-date=23 February 2012}}</ref>

Canonical has over 500 employees<ref name="staff_offices"/>. The head office is in London, previously on the 27th floor of ]<ref>http://bazaar-vcs.org/SprintLondonMay07 ("Where?")</ref>, but now on the 5th Floor of the Blue Fin Building, ]<ref>http://www.canonical.com/about-canonical/contact</ref>. In the summer of 2006, Canonical opened an office in ] to house its global support and services operation.<ref name=model>Shankland, Stephen. , ''C|NET'', 2006-10-06. Retrieved on 2007-10-19.</ref> ] is also home to a Canonical office.<ref>http://www.flickr.com/photos/37452853@N00/3479931232/</ref> There is also an OEM team in ].<ref name="staff_offices"/>


===Current=== ===Current===

Notable current employees of Canonical include: Notable current employees of Canonical include:
* ], CEO and founder of the Ubuntu project, former Debian maintainer of ] and founder of ] Consulting (2004–), CEO until March 2010 and from July 2017 to present

* ], Board of Directors,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://insights.ubuntu.com/2017/04/12/a-new-vantage-point/ | title= A new vantage point | date=12 April 2017 | access-date=12 April 2017}}</ref> formerly CEO (March 2010-July 2017); formerly COO and leader of the ] project
* ], founder of the ] project, former ] maintainer of ] and founder of ] (2004–). CEO until March 2010.
* ], CEO since March 2010; formerly COO and leader of the ] project
* ], of ] fame, is the Ubuntu community leader (2006–)
* ], also of ] fame (2009–)
* ], responsible for all major marketing deployments (2009–)


===Past=== ===Past===
Notable past employees: Notable past employees:
* ], former ] and kernel developer (2006–2009) * ], former ] and kernel developer (2006–2009)
* ], known for ], employee no. 1 (2004)
* ], employee no. 3, ] and ] developer, Business Development (2004–2006) * ], employee no. 3, ] and ] developer, Business Development (2004–2006)
* ], core developer and community coordinator (2004–2005) * ], core developer and community coordinator (2004–2005)
* ], developer of ] and former ] (2005–2007) * ], developer of ] and former ] (2005–2007)
* ], first contributor to the ] and ]' former office mate (2007–2009) * Lars Wirzenius, first contributor to the ] and ]' former office mate (2007–2009)
* ], formerly a Debian and GNU maintainer of ] and co-author of the ]. At Canonical, he has developed ] (2004–2011).<ref>Remnant, Scott James, , accessed 2011-01-22</ref> * ], formerly a Debian and GNU maintainer of ] and co-author of the ] (2004–2011)<ref>{{cite web|last=Remnant|first=Scott James|url=http://netsplit.com/2011/01/11/leaving-canonical/|title=Leaving Canonical|access-date=22 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126075341/http://netsplit.com/2011/01/11/leaving-canonical/|archive-date=26 January 2011}}</ref>
* ], formerly of the ] security team. Worked at Canonical as Ubuntu Chief Technical Officer (2004–2011).<ref>http://blog.canonical.com/?p=566</ref> * Matt Zimmerman, formerly of the ] security team – worked at Canonical as Ubuntu Chief Technical Officer (2004–2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.canonical.com/?p=566 | title= Matt Zimmerman leaving Canonical | date=6 May 2011 | access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref>
* ] (2009–2013)
* ], Ubuntu community leader (2006–2014)
* ], founding member and director at ], ] contributor (2011–2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Canonical-unterstuetzt-LibreOffice-1194699.html|title=Canonical unterstützt LibreOffice|date=22 February 2011 |access-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130102900/https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Canonical-unterstuetzt-LibreOffice-1194699.html|archive-date=30 November 2016}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Portal|Free software}} {{Portal|Free and open-source software}}
* {{Official website}}

*{{Official website|http://www.canonical.com/}}


{{Ubuntu}} {{Ubuntu}}


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Latest revision as of 00:32, 14 December 2024

UK-based software company that maintains the Ubuntu OS

Canonical Ltd.
Company typePrivate company limited by shares
IndustryComputer software
Founded5 March 2004; 20 years ago (2004-03-05)
FounderMark Shuttleworth
HeadquartersLondon, England, UK
Area servedWorldwide
Key people
Products
ServicesLandscape, Ubuntu Advantage
RevenueIncrease US$250 million (2023)
Operating incomeIncrease US$7.8 million (2023)
Net incomeIncrease US$12.5 million (2023)
Total assetsIncrease US$156 million (2023)
Total equityDecrease US$−7.2 million (2023)
Number of employees>1000 (2023)
SubsidiariesCanonical Group Ltd
Canonical USA Inc.
Canonical China Ltd (Chinese: 科能（上海）软件科技有限公司)
Canonical Brasil Ltda
Canonical Canada Ltd
Canonical Ltd Taiwan Br. (Chinese: 英屬曼島商肯諾有限公司臺灣分公司)
Websitewww.canonical.com
Footnotes / references
Formerly "M R S Virtual Development Ltd"
Ubuntu, the company's main product

Canonical Ltd. is a privately held computer software company based in London, England. It was founded and funded by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth to market commercial support and related services for Ubuntu and related projects. Canonical employs staff in more than 70 countries and maintains offices in London, Austin, Boston, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Tokyo and the Isle of Man.

Projects

Canonical Ltd. has created and continues to back several projects. Principally these are free and open-source software (FOSS) or tools designed to improve collaboration between free software developers and contributors. Some projects require a Contributor License Agreement to be signed.

Open-source software

Mark Shuttleworth (standing) and other Canonical employees discuss Launchpad at a design sprint in Germany in 2006
  • Ubuntu, a Debian-based Linux distribution with GNOME (formerly with Unity) desktop
    • Ubuntu Core, tiny, transactional version of Ubuntu
  • GNU Bazaar, a decentralized revision control system
  • Storm, an object-relational mapper for Python, part of the Launchpad code base
  • Juju, a service orchestration management tool
  • MAAS, a bare-metal server provisioning tool
  • cloud-init, the de facto standard for the initial setup of virtual machines in the cloud
  • U1DB is a cross-platform, cross-device, syncable database application programming interface (API). It allows applications to store JSON documents and synchronize them between machines and devices.
  • Upstart, a discontinued event-based replacement for the init daemon
  • Quickly, a framework for creating software programs for Linux
  • Ubiquity and Subiquity (operating system installers for Ubuntu)
  • Mir display server
  • MicroK8s an implementation of Kubernetes (since December 2018)
  • Snap, a package management system for Ubuntu and other Linux operating systems
    • Snapcraft, Python-based tool for packaging software
  • Launchpad a centralised website containing several component web applications designed to make collaboration between free software projects easier:
    • PPA, a special software repository for uploading software packages to be built and published as an APT repository,
    • Blueprints, a tool for planning features of software,
    • Code, hosting of Bazaar branches,
    • Answers, support tracker,
    • Rosetta, an online language translation tool to help localisation of software (cf. the Rosetta Stone),
    • Malone (as in "Bugsy Malone"), a collaborative bug-tracker that allows linking to other bug-trackers,
    • Soyuz, a tool for creating custom-distributions, such as Kubuntu and Xubuntu.

Other projects and services

  • Landscape, a proprietary web service for centralized management of Ubuntu Linux systems
  • Ubuntu One, a discontinued service since 2014 for file synchronization and other uses
  • Ubuntu Advantage, a commercial support service that covers Ubuntu and other Canonical products
  • Multipass, launched in 2019, provides a command line interface to launch and manage virtual machine instances of Linux in Windows, macOS and Linux.

Joint ventures

Ubuntu - Version History - Visual Timeline - 20231019
Canonical - Ecosystem - Mind Map - v20231018

Business plans

In 2007, Canonical launched an International online shop selling support services and Ubuntu-branded goods; later in 2008 it expanded that with a United States-specific shop designed to reduce shipment times. At the same time, the word Ubuntu was trademarked in connection with clothing and accessories.

In a Guardian interview in May 2008, Shuttleworth said that Canonical's business model was service provision and that Canonical was not yet close to profitability. Canonical stated that it would wait three to five years to become profitable. Shuttleworth regarded Canonical as positioning itself as demand for services related to free software rose. This strategy has been compared to Red Hat's business strategies in the 1990s. In an early-2009 New York Times article, Shuttleworth said that Canonical's revenue was "creeping" towards US$30 million, the company's break-even point.

Canonical achieved a small operating profit of $281,000 in 2009, but until 2017 struggled to maintain financial solvency and took a major financial hit from the development of Unity and Ubuntu Touch, leading to an operating loss of $21.6 million for the fiscal year 2013. The company reported an operating profit of $2 million in 2017 after shutting down the Unity development team and laying off nearly 200 employees. The company now plans to focus on its server and professional support solutions, which have proved to be most profitable. Through this, Canonical plans to maintain solvency and achieve long-term profitability. In 2022, Ubuntu made a profit of £0.52m on revenues of £14.31m.

Canonical reported a revenue of $175M in 2021.

Subsidiaries

  • Canonical Group Ltd is located in London.
  • Canonical USA Inc. is located in Boston, Massachusetts and Austin, Texas.
  • Canonical China Ltd (Chinese: 科能（上海）软件科技有限公司 and 科能（上海）软件科技有限公司北京分公司) is located in Shanghai and Beijing.
  • Canonical Ltd Taiwan Branch (Chinese: 英商科能有限公司台灣分公司) is located in Taipei.
  • Canonical Limited is located in Isle of Man and Tokyo (Japan).
  • Canonical Brasil Ltd is located in São Paulo (this office is no longer listed on their website).
  • Canonical Canada Ltd is located in Montreal (the office is no longer in service).

Employees

Ubuntu Developer Summit October 2011

Canonical has more than 1200 employees. The head office is in London on the 5th Floor of the Blue Fin Building, Southwark Street, having previously moved from the 27th floor of Millbank Tower. In the summer of 2006, Canonical opened an office in Montreal to house its global support and services operation. Taipei 101 is also home to a Canonical office. There was formerly an OEM team in Lexington, Massachusetts, United States.

Current

Notable current employees of Canonical include:

  • Mark Shuttleworth, CEO and founder of the Ubuntu project, former Debian maintainer of Apache and founder of Thawte Consulting (2004–), CEO until March 2010 and from July 2017 to present
  • Jane Silber, Board of Directors, formerly CEO (March 2010-July 2017); formerly COO and leader of the Ubuntu One project

Past

Notable past employees:

References

  1. The Isle of Man Companies Registry, Annual Return 2005 for Company no. 110334C (non-distributable, available for a fee of £1.00)
  2. ^ Canonical Group Limited (6 July 2024). "Canonical Group Limited: Report and Financial Statements: Year Ended 31 December 2023".
  3. "Company no. 110334C". The Isle of Man Companies Registry. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2005. M R S VIRTUAL DEVELOPMENT LIMITED PREVIOUS
  4. UK registered trademark #EU004059218 "CANONICAL", filed 29 September 2004.
  5. ^ "About Canonical". Canonical Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 August 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2012. We've come a long way since our launch in 2004. We now have over 800 staff in more than 42 countries, and offices in London, Austin, Boston, Taipei, Montreal, Shanghai, São Paulo and the Isle of Man.
  6. ^ "Canonical | Contact us".
  7. UK registered trademark #EU004059119 "UBUNTU", filed 29 September 2004.
  8. UK registered trademark #EU005152467 "BAZAAR", filed 21 June 2006.
  9. "Canonical Releases Storm as Open Source". Ubuntu.com. 9 July 2007. Archived from the original on 26 November 2007. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
  10. "U1DB — u1db 0.1.4 documentation". Pythonhosted.org. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  11. "Conflicts, Synchronisation, and Revisions — u1db 0.1.4 documentation". Pythonhosted.org. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  12. Canonical (6 December 2018). "Canonical launches MicroK8s – deploy Kubernetes in seconds". Snapcraft. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  13. UK registered trademark #EU006251219 "LAUNCHPAD", filed 4 September 2007.
  14. "Canonical releases source code for Launchpad". Canonical Ltd. Archived from the original on 8 March 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  15. UK registered trademark #EU005152418 "LANDSCAPE", filed 21 June 2006, published 6 August 2007.
  16. Canonical (6 December 2018). "Canonical launches MicroK8s – deploy Kubernetes in seconds". Snapcraft. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  17. "Multipass - wikieduonline". www.wikieduonline.com. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  18. "Windows 10 will receive an Anniversary Update with Linux support, Xbox One compatibility, and more - ExtremeTech". www.extremetech.com. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  19. "Canonical launches U.S.-based shop.ubuntu.com in time for holiday season". Ubuntu Insights. Canonical Ltd. 20 November 2008. Retrieved 28 June 2015. Canonical launched today an U.S.-based on-line shop for Ubuntu-branded merchandise and software. With a new fulfillment house in St. Louis, Missouri, shipments are faster and less expensive for Ubuntu users and enthusiasts in the U.S
  20. "UK registered trademark #EU007426265". UK Intellectual Property Office. 27 November 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2009. Mark text: UBUNTU ... Class 16: Stationery; ... Class 18: Luggage; ... Class 25: Articles of clothing ... CANONICAL LIMITED
  21. ^ Shankland, Stephen (6 October 2006). "Canonical seeks profit from free Ubuntu". C|NET. Archived from the original on 30 August 2008. Retrieved 19 October 2007.
  22. "A Software Populist Who Doesn't Do Windows". The New York Times. 11 January 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2010.
  23. "CANONICAL GROUP LIMITED - Filing history (free information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk.
  24. "Does Canonical Have Enough Technical Assets to Attract Investors?". The New Stack. 19 June 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  25. Vaughan-Nichols, Steven J. "Mark Shuttleworth sees increased demand for enterprise Ubuntu Linux desktop". ZDNet. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  26. "CANONICAL UK LIMITED filing history - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  27. "Canonical now hopes to IPO in 2023".
  28. ""LOCO Team Portal: Canonical Offices Montreal"". Canonical. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  29. "Ways to contact". Canonical. Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
  30. "("Where?")". Bazaar-vcs.org. 18 May 2007. Archived from the original on 28 March 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
  31. "Canonical Taiwan Branch @ Rm D, 46th floor, Taipei 101 building | Flickr - Photo Sharing!". Flickr. 26 February 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
  32. "Ubuntu for Android". Canonical Ltd. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2012. We have over 500 staff in more than 30 countries, with offices in London, Boston, Taipei, Montreal, Shanghai, and São Paulo.
  33. "A new vantage point". 12 April 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  34. Remnant, Scott James. "Leaving Canonical". Archived from the original on 26 January 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
  35. "Matt Zimmerman leaving Canonical". 6 May 2011. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  36. "Canonical unterstützt LibreOffice". 22 February 2011. Archived from the original on 30 November 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2018.

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