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Ubuntu Core

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Company health

Employee growth
16% increase in the last year
Web traffic
28% increase in the last quarter
Financing
February 2013 - $13M

Ratings

G2
4.5/5
(22)
Glassdoor
3.1/5
(373)

Ubuntu Core description

Ubuntu Core is a lightweight, secure operating system for devices connected to the internet (also known as the Internet of Things). It offers a streamlined way to build, deploy, and manage software on these devices, with a focus on security and automatic updates. Ubuntu Core is used by companies of all sizes, but its features are especially beneficial for managing large numbers of devices. Its key promise is a secure and low-maintenance way to keep devices updated with the latest software, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.


Who is Ubuntu Core best for

We find that Ubuntu Core is best for companies needing a secure OS for IoT devices. Users highlight its reliability and smooth updates. Keep in mind that some find it complex and that application availability can be limited.

  • Perfect for companies with 1000+ employees. Also suitable for mid-sized businesses looking to scale their IoT infrastructure.

  • Great for companies in software, IT, and telecommunications. Also serves various sectors needing secure, reliable IoT device management.


Ubuntu Core features

Supported

10 years of security updates: 10 years of security updates as the standard. This means that you will receive security patches and updates for a full decade, keeping your devices protected against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. This long-term support ensures the stability and reliability of your IoT deployments, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and minimizing downtime.

Supported

Real-time/low latency kernel: Real-time optimized or low latency kernel. Ubuntu offers a real-time kernel for time-sensitive applications and a low-latency kernel to provide the best responsiveness for user interfaces and other latency-critical tasks.

Supported

Robust OTA update infrastructure: Robust OTA update infrastructure for global scalability. This ensures that your devices can be updated remotely and efficiently, regardless of their location. This feature is crucial for managing large deployments of IoT devices and keeping them up-to-date with the latest software and security patches.

Supported

Custom commercial images: Optimised custom commercial images for the edge. Ubuntu allows for the creation of customized commercial images tailored to specific edge devices and use cases. This enables optimized performance and resource utilization in edge deployments.

Supported

Secure boot and encryption: Secure boot and full disk encryption. These security features protect the integrity of the system by ensuring that only authorized software is loaded during boot and that all data on the disk is encrypted, preventing unauthorized access.

Supported

Minimal footprint: Minimal footprint for resource-constrained devices. Ubuntu Core is designed to have a small footprint, making it suitable for resource-constrained devices and embedded systems where storage and processing power are limited.

Supported

Transactional updates: Ubuntu Core enables transactional updates, ensuring that updates are applied reliably and consistently across all devices. If an update fails, the system can automatically roll back to the previous stable version, minimizing downtime and ensuring system stability.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Value and Pricing Transparency

Rather positive
+0.5

Customer Service

Rather positive
+0.5

Ease of Use

Rather positive
+0.67

Reliability and Performance

Strongly positive
+0.85

Ease of Implementation

Neutral
+0

Ubuntu Core reviews

We've summarised 22 Ubuntu Core reviews (Ubuntu Core G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Ubuntu Core
  • Secure and reliable operating system, ideal for IoT devices.
  • Automatic updates ensure smooth operation and minimize downtime.
  • Lightweight and efficient, leading to fast boot times.
  • Easy to manage multiple devices from one central location.
  • Strong security model with a read-only file system.
Cons of Ubuntu Core
  • Not beginner-friendly and can be complex for new users.
  • Limited application availability due to the snap-based ecosystem.
  • Transitioning to snap packages can be complex.
  • Difficult to downgrade or remove packages.

Ubuntu Core pricing

The commentary is based on 5 reviews from Ubuntu Core G2 reviews.

We find that Ubuntu Core is generally considered free and open-source, which is great for cost-conscious users. However, some users have mentioned high contract costs, which may be related to specific support agreements or enterprise use cases.

Users sentiment

Rather positive
+0.5

See the Ubuntu Core pricing page.


Ubuntu Core alternatives

  • Logo of Amazon FreeRTOS
    Amazon FreeRTOS
    Connects small devices securely and easily to the cloud.
    Read more
  • Logo of Azure Sphere
    Azure Sphere
    Secures internet-connected devices with cloud-powered protection.
    Read more
  • Logo of DigiCert Device Trust Manager
    DigiCert Device Trust Manager
    Secures device-cloud connections, ensuring IoT data integrity and trust.
    Read more
  • Logo of Minoca OS
    Minoca OS
    Lightweight, open-source operating system for smart devices and more.
    Read more
  • Logo of Azure IoT Hub
    Azure IoT Hub
    Connect, monitor, and manage billions of IoT devices securely.
    Read more
  • Logo of Datablaze Voyager
    Datablaze Voyager
    Effortless IoT device management: control, track, and optimize.
    Read more

Ubuntu Core FAQ

  • What is Ubuntu Core and what does Ubuntu Core do?

    We find that Ubuntu Core is a lightweight and secure operating system designed for internet-connected devices. It simplifies building, deploying, and managing software, with automatic updates and a focus on security for large-scale IoT deployments. In our experience, this results in lower maintenance and more reliable device operation.

  • How does Ubuntu Core integrate with other tools?

    We find that Ubuntu Core integrates with other tools primarily through snaps, which are containerized software packages. It also offers custom commercial images and a robust OTA update infrastructure for seamless integration with existing and new deployments.

  • What the main competitors of Ubuntu Core?

    We find that Ubuntu Core's main competitors include Amazon FreeRTOS, Azure Sphere, and BalenaOS. These alternatives offer similar features for IoT device management and security. Minoca OS also competes, appealing to users seeking open-source, lightweight options.

  • Is Ubuntu Core legit?

    We find Ubuntu Core to be a legitimate and secure operating system, especially well-suited for managing Internet of Things devices. Its robust security features and automatic updates contribute to its reliability.

  • How much does Ubuntu Core cost?

    Ubuntu Core pricing is custom and quote-based. However, they offer a SmartStart service starting at $50,000. Additional services like snap creation and consulting are available with set pricing. Contact Ubuntu for a tailored quote.

  • Is Ubuntu Core customer service good?

    We find that Ubuntu Core's customer support is generally viewed positively. Users mention helpful support for deployment issues and responsiveness to queries, contributing to a positive customer service experience.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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