Canonical Software Packaging

Services for Ubuntu

Why package your software for Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is the fastest growing Linux distribution in the world with over 6 million users on the desktop and server. Canonical collaborates with our ISV Partners to provide a reliable and effective distribution channel for software applications.

The core elements of the programme are application packaging and the distribution of the package through our trusted Partner Repository. In both areas we will work with you to ensure the widest distribution of your software, and the smoothest and safest user experience.

Full Service Option

Supporting your application on Ubuntu provides immediate access to the fastest growing set of Linux users in the market.

Through this service, we will:

  • Package your application for Ubuntu
  • Distribute your application through our exclusive Partner Repository
  • For a period of 12 months, package up to 5 of your point or minor releases, and update our Partner Repository
  • Inform you of Ubuntu updates which may impact your application
  • Inform you of bug reports on your application received through Ubuntu reporting channels
  • Report on the number of downloads of your application from our repository

In return, we require you to:

  • Support your packaged application to your regular enterprise level
  • Make your regular security updates or point releases available on Ubuntu

Self-Service Option

For those ISVs that wish to do their own packaging, we offer a streamlined service that allows ISVs to take advantage of our distribution channel while maintaining high Ubuntu quality standards for the user.

In this service we will:

  • Review your Ubuntu package for standards compliance and technical best practise ensuring that it meets the highest standards
  • Provide you with a detailed written report covering the packages compliance and providing guidance on resolving any issues
  • Applications that pass inspection are placed in our Partner Repository accessible by all Ubuntu users
  • If your application fails the initial inspection our packaging experts will provide consulting on how to resolve the problems. We’ll also re-inspect your revised package and provide advice and assistance for applications that fail inspection.
  • For a period of 12 months, review up to 5 of your point or minor releases, and update our Partner Repository.
  • Inform you of Ubuntu updates which may impact your application
  • Actively inform you of bug reports on your application received through Ubuntu reporting channels
  • Report to you monthly on the number of downloads of your application from
  • our repository.

Only successful packages will be place in the Partner repository.

In return, we require you to:

  • Support your packaged application to your regular enterprise level
  • Make your regular security updates or point releases available on Ubuntu.

Inspection Service

We also offer a one time inspection service for any packages you prepare. Your package will be reviewed by one of our professional packagers, and we will provide you with a written report. No distribution of the package, or follow up reviews are included in this service.