Next generation of Ubuntu unveiled

The latest version of the Ubuntu project has been unveiled by its creator.

Mark Shuttleworth, founder of the Linux-based web hosting system, has christened Ubuntu 9.10 the Karmic Koala and revealed that it will be available from October this year.

He explained on his posting that the new version would allow firms using the system to build their own compute clouds.

"Ubuntu aims to keep free software at the forefront of cloud computing by embracing the APIs of Amazon EC2 and making it easy for anybody to setup their own cloud using entirely open tools," he said.

The new system will also tap into a series of open source cloud management tools currently being developed at the University of California, which will be called Eucalyptus.

"It's no coincidence that Eucalyptus has just been uploaded to universe," added Mr Shuttleworth, explaining that the new system would be looking to provide "dynamically growing and shrinking resource allocations depending on your needs".

A survey released last week suggested spending on cloud computing security would rise over the coming 12 months, as its importance to businesses grows.

Written by Dipika Patel