Dell to launch Ubuntu Linux in the UK

Dell to launch Ubuntu Linux in the UK

Dell Inc. recently announced its interest in launching Ubuntu Linux PCs in the UK. Currently, these systems are for sale exclusively in the US. The company has not disclosed the official release date of pre-installed Linux machines in the UK, as it still working on details of its global programme.
Customers have been waiting for the release of a pre-installed Linux system of Dell for a long time. Over 130,000 users of Dell's IdeaStorm forum have offered suggestions, which include the launching of pre-installed Linux as an alternative to Windows in machines supplied by Dell Inc. Moreover, in an exclusive survey by Dell, around 60% of the people said that they prefer Ubuntu to any other Linux distribution.

It took three months for Dell to comply with the demands of its customers. However, the information regarding which systems will support Linux and the amount that users have to pay is still undisclosed.

In 1999, Dell had initiated the sale of Linux-based systems. However, the portfolio was withdrawn after two years. According to its current plans, the company declared that it will not set any sales targets for Linux systems. Dell also cannot provide any clear reason regarding the success of its products in its current plan.

The support for the Linux-based machines will be provided by Ubuntu's commercial backer, Canonical. The price of this support system is yet to unfold. But, Dell mentioned that the company will answer user's queries on the software. Moreover, Dell also indicated that it might extend the application of Ubuntu to its server portfolio along with the desktop usage. Spokesman Kent Cook said, "We're looking at Linux across the breadth of our product line. It takes a bit longer sometimes on that side. Stay tuned."