============================================ Ubuntu Desktop Certified Hardware Programme ============================================ Introduction ============== Canonical's Ubuntu Desktop Certified Hardware programme helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) manufacture high-quality, enterprise-class products that are compatible with Ubuntu Desktop. Certification uses an extensive set of hardware and operating system tests that ensure the certified hardware is fully compatible with Ubuntu Desktop. Canonical's engineers work closely with manufacturers to resolve issues and assure that the testing is representative of in-field use. Programme Goals: * Testing that hardware works correctly with a specific release of Ubuntu Desktop. * Identifying technical issues and potential certification blockers. * Testing proposed updates to ensure that those regressions are fixed before they reach a wider audience. * Publicly advertising hardware that is proven compatible with Ubuntu Desktop. * Providing Ubuntu Desktop users with resources for determining which systems to buy when deploying Ubuntu Desktop. Scope of the Ubuntu Desktop Certified Hardware Programme ========================================================== Certified computer configurations are tested at Canonical premises to ensure that hardware is fully compatible with Ubuntu Desktop. Systems remain certified for the life cycle of the Ubuntu release against which they were certified. Hardware remains with Canonical for the life-time of the release, helping to ensure the ongoing usability of the system through security and maintained updates. Manufactures have the option to self-test their systems at customers premises when they are under a OEM engagement to pre-install Ubuntu on their systems and this has been specifically agreed upon. Canonical engineers test the *proposed kernels* against everyUbuntu Desktop Certified Hardware to ensure that no regressions have been introduced that may affect the functionality of a certified system. If any regressions are found, Canonical Hardware Certification team works closely with the different Ubuntu Engineering teams, to ensure that those regressions are fixed before they reach a wider audience. Test results are published within two weeks of the hardware being received. Machines that pass the Ubuntu Certification test suite are listed publicly: https://ubuntu.com/certified/desktops OEM and ODM partners that have entered in to a distribution with hardware enablement agreement with Canonical to pre-install and distribute Ubuntu will have their systems published as “Pre-installed only”. Website ========= Public certificates will be available in *a specific desktop certification website*. OEM/ODMs will have access to additional resources on *the private Canonical certification site*. For each certified model, the certificate will show information about: * Ubuntu Desktop version used to test that system * Hardware configuration of the certified system (a list of the components that are part of the certified system) Ubuntu Component Catalog ======================== The Ubuntu Component Catalog lists designated hardware systems and components known to have been validated with a system that is Ubuntu Certified, pre-installed systems that have been enabled by Canonical, as well as the version of Ubuntu on which they were tested. A public version of the Ubuntu Component Catalog is available at: https://ubuntu.com/certified HEXR ======== HEXR (|c3_link|) is a partner only view of the component catalog. Access to HEXR requires a certification or OEM agreement with Canonical and it gives access to detailed information on the support for a given component within Ubuntu (including driver information). Partner resource ================= Partners can advertise and promote the certification of their systems with Ubuntu. Canonical's marketing team provides resources to partners for media and packaging, such as logos and guidelines for logo usage. Users of Ubuntu are provided with a list of certified hardware that will provide a positive user experience. Certification provides a means by which Hardware, OEM, and ODM partners can determine if hardware enablement is required by Canonical's OEM Services. If you are interested in enablement services, please check Canonical OEM Services: https://canonical.com/partners/ihv-and-oem Canonical's certification solutions also serve as a precursor for OEM or ODM partners who may choose to enter into a separate OEM or ODM distribution agreement with Canonical to pre-install and distribute Ubuntu, including its copyrights and trademarks on a commercial basis. Programme Access ================== System manufacturers and builders who want to have their computers designated as Ubuntu Desktop Certified Hardware can apply online for a partner account. Registration is a simple process and offers partners access to an Internet portal where they can manage their systems, as well as review and access certification suite test results. To apply for Canonical's certification programme, use the online Partner Registration form: https://www.canonical.com/partners/become-a-partner Enter your contact details, company information, and address, select Hardware Certification, and a Canonical sales representative will contact you regarding your hardware certification requirements. Once registered, partners can access the certification program online at: |c3_link| Pricing ========= System manufacturers and builders who want to have their computers designated as Ubuntu Desktop Certified Hardware will pay Canonical a fixed fee per system configuration certified with a release of Ubuntu (not including shipping). Appendix A. The Certification Process ====================================== The following steps outline Canonical's certification programme process for its certification solutions: * Complete the Certification Order Form * Sign the Certification Agreement * Generate a purchase order (requires a credit check) or pay by credit card (this is easiest and fastest) * Ship hardware to Canonical * The certification process begins when Canonical confirms receipt of payment. * Ship hardware to Canonical * Submit clearly scanned copies of the Certification Agreement and the Certification Order Form by email to the Canonical channel sales manager. * Test results are published within two weeks of the hardware being received. Once Canonical confirms receipt of payment, an account in the partners certification site will be created. If you require additional usernames for the site, please, contact your account manager. A.1. Using the certification site -------------------------------------- Once logged in the Canonical Certification website, you will be able to access additional information about the certification process though the certification home page (|c3_link|): * Ubuntu Certification Testing Coverage Guide: an overview of what components are tested as part of Ubuntu Certification * Ubuntu Certification Test Cases Guide: detailed information about the Test Cases performed during Ubuntu Certification Testing A.2. Accessing your hardware entries -------------------------------------- Every system to certify with Ubuntu Desktop will have a hardware entry in the certification web application. At any time, using the account information, the hardware information, their details and any test submissions can be reviewed at: https://certification.canonical.com/hardware The hardware information can be modified by the partners, to fix any possible inconsistencies: * Account: This field should be pre-populated for you. If it is not the case, contact your account manager * Configuration: Name of the machine configuration type, which usually matches the model name * Canonical label: Internal identifier that will be assigned by Canonical * SKU: Optional SKU for the hardware * Architecture: Architecture to be validated on the system, such as `x86_64` and `arm64` * Website: Optional website URL to system information on the manufacturer's website. This field is not currently published publicly * Confidential: Mark a system as confidential if you don't want it to appear in the public certification site * Comment: Optional field to hold any internal comment about the hardware, such as tester name and test location