The Head of Ubuntu does not think one can make money on Linux-desktops

5th November 2008

Mark Shuttleworth, the Ubuntu project founder and the Executive Director of Canonical, building his business around the popular Linux-distributive, made quite an unexpected statement.
When asked whether it is possible to make money on Linux for desktop, he replied he does not think anyone can make money on Linux-desktops.
This statement caused considerable surprise at Open Source-enthusiasts simply because Shuttleworth had created a project of one of the most popular Linux-distributives, well known for its original focus on the use on the desktop.
He also pointed out the Canonical has been always considering the desktop as a product of no profit. The only way to build a business around free software, according to Mark is services. He proved his word by the example of Microsoft: it is not secret that the giant is moving to the services as the main source of income.