Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Ubuntu, the leading Linux distribution extensively used across cloud platforms, is endorsed by Microsoft for Azure. These images are fine-tuned to enhance compatibility and performance on Azure, ensuring support for the latest cloud features as they are released. Known for its robust security and stability, Ubuntu powers more mission-critical workloads than any other operating system.

Key Features:

• Trusted source for open source: Official Images created by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, in a trusted build pipeline.
• Optimized for Azure: Ubuntu images are fine-tuned in collaboration with Microsoft to enhance performance on Azure, supporting the latest cloud features.
• Integration with Azure Tools: Integrates with tools like Azure Guest Patching and the Update Management Center, streamlining updates and management to ensure security while adhering to Safe Deployment Practices for improved stability.
• Security and stability: Canonical tracks and delivers updates regularly, embedding security from the initial deployment to safeguard your operations.
• Developer-friendly: Supports a wide array of libraries and tools, boosting productivity and enabling innovation.
• Seamless upgrade path: Upgrade to Ubuntu Pro from other Ubuntu plans in this offer at any time, without redeployment or disruption. See the upgrade documentation for details.

Features of Ubuntu Pro plans:

• Kernel Livepatch: Enables run-time application of kernel patches without rebooting, minimizing downtime.
• Expanded Security Maintenance: Provides up to 15 years of security updates, ensuring long-term support for enterprise applications.
• Enhanced package security: Extends security maintenance to thousands of packages, including critical applications such as Apache Kafka, NGINX, MongoDB, Redis, and PostgreSQL, allowing teams to consume a vast collection of open source software while meeting their internal security, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Landscape: Automates security management tasks across your Ubuntu estate, available on request, streamlining control and security.
• Compliance and hardening: Reduce your operational risk with certified automation tools for hardening and compliance profiles. Includes FIPS 140 certified components, with optional CIS hardening profile and DISA STIG. These features will be added as they become available.

If you require enterprise technical support for your Ubuntu instances, please contact us.

Available Plans:

1. Ubuntu Pro Server 26.04 LTS: Our recommended plan for most production Linux server use cases, Ubuntu Server 26.04 LTS enhanced with expanded security coverage, compliance tooling, and systems management.
2. Ubuntu Server 26.04 LTS: Ideal for reliable, economical server operations where the additional benefits of Ubuntu Pro are not needed.
3. Ubuntu Pro 26.04 LTS (Confidential VM): Combines the advanced security and compliance features of Ubuntu Pro with Azure's Confidential VMs for top-tier data protection. Ideal for sensitive and regulated workloads, ensuring robust security at run-time, at rest, and in transit.
4. Ubuntu Server 26.04 LTS (Confidential VM): Offers advanced security through encryption at runtime, at rest, and in transit for sensitive data protection.
5. Ubuntu Pro Minimal 26.04 LTS: Minimal-footprint Ubuntu image with Ubuntu Pro security and compliance, purpose-built for automated, non-interactive workloads at scale.
6. Ubuntu Minimal 26.04 LTS: Provides a minimal starting point so application builders can install just the packages they need and minimize both resource usage and attack surface. Not designed for interactive use cases.

For additional procurement and pricing options on Ubuntu Pro plans, see the companion Ubuntu Pro 26.04 LTS offer.

By choosing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on Azure, you benefit from Canonical's commitment to security, performance, and innovation, ensuring an optimal cloud experience. Whether you are deploying a simple web server or managing complex, mission-critical applications, Ubuntu on Azure provides a reliable, flexible, and security-maintained platform tailored to your needs. Start your Ubuntu journey on Azure today to harness the full potential of your cloud infrastructure.