Ubuntu-Pakistan Possible change in Ubuntu-Linux Free CD Shipment Strategy

[Fouad Riaz Bajwa]

Dear Community Members,

There is a discussion underway at Canonical thinking about the upcoming
release of Ubuntu-Linux version Edgy CDs. The current plan is to keep ShipIt
open but to continue shipping Version 6.06 LTS CDs rather than Edgy CDs.
The rationale for this is that Canonical wants to focus the investment they
make in ShipIt where it will have the largest impact, and continuing to
support the long term supported release is more beneficial than sending free
CDs for the latest, cutting edge release.

Canonical will still produce CDs for Edgy, but are looking to make them
available through other channels.  These channels may include:

1. Resale of CDs by Distributors, that first pay for them, import them and
then resell them at a feasible price. 

2. Also make the CDs available to anyone else who wants to purchase them.
Some details to be worked out, but the current thinking is that Canonical
would make them available at the same price (probably something like EUR
1.50/CD), there would be a minimum order size of about 100, payment in
advance.

3. Note that of course Ubuntu is still available for free - the new release
will still be available for free download so that people can make their own
CDs.  But this process will allow people to get the Canonical CDs, faster
than they currently can through ShipIt, and at nominal cost. And note that
6.06 LTS CDs will still be available for free from ShipIt.

Canonical is still working on these details. Any company that would be
interested in reselling Ubuntu-Linux CDs should get in touch. Linux Pakistan
already has an Ubuntu-Linux CD distribution service at Rs.35/- per CD for
Pakistan. 

This would also mean that in the future, free CDs of Ubuntu-Linux Edgy may
not be available through ShipIt free-of-charge.

Regards
-----------------------
Fouad Riaz Bajwa


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