ZaReason is taking a small but significant step to help strengthen the Ubuntu brand. To help celebrate the Ubuntu 9.10 launch, the PC maker is offering “a stick of Ubuntu aluminum case badges with each computer ordered” October 29 through November 5. Here’s why you should care.

When Canonical launched Ubuntu 9.10 earlier today, Centrify Corp. — maker of Microsoft Active Directory-related tools — raised its hand and vowed to support Ubuntu Server Edition 9.10. It was a small but significant announcement that could (potentially) help Ubuntu gain a stronger foothold within corporate Windows networks. Here’s why.

Across the board, Nine Lives Media Inc.’s web traffic is up 140 percent in October 2009 vs. October 2008. We thank you for your growing readership. We’re taking two steps to improve site responsiveness: A hardware upgrade from our service provider plus a few of our own software architecture tweaks. I will post a follow-up comment to this blog entry as soon as the adjustments are completed. In the meantime we appreciate your feedback. We’re listening and responding.

As Ubuntu 9.10 debuts today, I’d like to spend less time talking and more time listening — to you. What is your initial reaction to Karmic Koala? Desktop and mobile feedback is always welcome. But I’m particularly interested in server, cloud and Landscape feedback from IT administrators. Please feel free to post a comment or email me directly (Joe [at] NineLivesMediaInc.com). WorksWithU intends to develop a series of user case studies exploring Ubuntu 9.10’s business performance across mobile, desktop, server and cloud systems. I look forward to your thoughts.

As Ubuntu 9.10 nears its official Oct. 29 debut, the hype around this new Ubuntu is reaching a fever pitch. Some folks wonder if it can be the de facto alternative to Windows. I’ve obviously bet a portion of my IT media career on Ubuntu’s continued advancement. But let’s keep Ubuntu 9.10’s debut in perspective. Here’s a reality check — including a longer-term look at Canonical’s server and cloud strategy, which hinges far more heavily on Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx).

During a phone briefing today, Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth described the Ubuntu 9.10 desktop, server and cloud strategy to members of the IT media. WorksWithU tuned in and posed some key questions to Shuttleworth. Here are 10 highlights from the call.

With Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) set to debut this week, here’s a run down of all the new features and changes covered by WorksWithU in the last several months.

As Canonical delivers the first Ubuntu 9.10 release candidate to users, niche PC makers like System76 and ZaReason are preparing to offer Ubuntu 9.10 on their systems. We’ve already heard from System76. Now, let’s take a look at ZaReason’s system plans for the new Ubuntu — including thoughts about a new ZaReason server and an expanding customer base.

Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth on Oct. 26 is set to speak with the press about Ubuntu 9.10 Desktop Edition and Server Edition. WorksWithU will be extra careful not to “hype” Ubuntu 9.10 over the next few days. Instead, we hope to ask Shuttleworth some timely questions about the new Ubuntu and Canonical’s long-term business strategy. Here’s a sampling of issues on our mind.

As major PC makers prepare to introduce Windows 7 systems on Oct. 22, upstarts like System76 are maintaining their focus on the Ubuntu market and preparing to preload Ubuntu 9.10 on a range of PCs starting Oct. 29. Here’s a preview of what’s to come.