If you have followed the features in Ubuntu 9.10, you would know that Ubuntu one will be part of Ubuntu 9.10. Ubuntu One is an online backup solution similar to Dropbox. Am I right when I say including Ubuntu One as part of Ubuntu OS is similar to Internet Explorer being part of Windows OSes (though they are 2 different products)? If we’re against Microsoft bundling it’s software as part of their OS, then should we be against this too? Would it be a better strategy if Ubuntu gives an option (like Ubuntu One, Dropbox etc.) to users and let users decide which one to use? I know Ubuntu is not a monopoly like Microsoft, but what if it was and it was bundling it’s product with it’s OS? I would like to hear the opinions of Ubuntu users.
Technorati Tags: Ubuntu 9.10, Ubuntu One, Microsoft, Internet Explorer, Dropbox
I too am quite impressed with Ubuntu and that’s my primary OS at home, both in desktop and laptop. I don’t think Ubuntu One was included with evil intention, but we should not leave the space open for accusation. I’m not comfortable either with backing sensitive data to cloud. I might be doing that with my photos and videos, but the free 2GB account won’t be enough.
I’ve used Ubuntu since mid-2005. I’ve been so impressed with how committed they are to respecting their users that in this one case I can’t say it bothers me. I see your point about companies bundling programs until you can’t move without them, and then swooping in for the kill. The real test is whether those things are “Hotel Californias” or not: you can get in, but can you get out?
In Ubuntu’s case, so far, they’ve never tried any corralling moves. I don’t know specifically about Ubuntu One, and we should always be vigilant. For me, the cloud has too many security, reliability, and data ownership issues to use for any real work. But when I do use it, I’d use Ubuntu first because of their track record.