14 DAY TRIAL // The number one bug on Launchpad for the Ubuntu project has been closed by Mark Shuttleworth and a “fix” has been released.
When the Ubuntu project was started, Canonical had a very clear purpose and that was to take from Microsoft's market share.
“Microsoft has a majority market share in the new desktop PC marketplace. This is a bug which Ubuntu and other projects are meant to fix,” reads the original description of the bug on Launchpad.
This was a prevailing feeling back in 2004, when this bug was first initiated. It was more of a statement of intent from Canonical, but it's up to users to determine whether this goal has been achieved.
“Non-free software leaves users at the mercy of the software owner and concentrates control over the technology which powers our society into the hands of a few.
“Additionally, proprietary software stifles innovation, maintains artificial scarcities, and enables malicious anti-features such as DRM, surveillance, and other monopolistic practices. This bug is widely evident in the PC industry,” reads the mission statement from Canonical.
Ten years later, Mark Shuttleworth, the founder of Ubuntu and Self-Appointed Benevolent Dictator for Life of the project, has closed this bug with a bold statement.
“It's good to reflect on how much has changed since 2004, and how fast it's changed. For Ubuntu, our goal remains to deliver fantastic experiences: for developers, for people building out production infrastructure, and for end-users on a range of devices,” stated Shuttleworth in a comment for Bug #1.
The founder of Ubuntu cites an article on zdnet.com which underlines the steady decline of Microsoft share, and uses that data to pinpoint his reasons for closing the Bug.
Canonical wants to take a share of the mobile pie with its upcoming Ubuntu Touch, but whether it's going to be a hit, remains to be seen.