Canonical brings Snaps to multiple Linux distros

Ubuntu maker Canonical has partnered with a few leading tech companies to launch its Snappy as a universal Linux package format. With this new development, the single binary package can now be accessed directly through any Linux hardware — whether it is a desktop, server, the cloud or a connected device.

Snaps debuted on Ubuntu Core, and recently transformed the experience with its secure features on the latest Ubuntu platform. This is perhaps the major reason why companies like Dell and Samsung have agreed to use the new development for their devices.

Though Linux has supported Deb packages for quite a long time, it has now been considered inefficient to maintain Debs. Thus, Snaps has emerged as a solution.

“Maintaining Deb packages in a private repository was complex and timeconsuming. Snaps are much easier to maintain, package and distribute,” said Boudewijn Rempt, project lead at the Krita Foundation. “Putting the Snap in the store was particularly simple; this is the most streamlined app store I have published software in,” he added.

Canonical is not apparently looking to replace existing Linux packages with its Snappy platform package. Instead, the new development will “…sit alongside the native packages,” to expand the coverage of the open source world.

Starting from desktop and mobile devices to the cloud and the Internet of Things (IoT), Snaps now aims to power the entire Linux world. For Canonical, data security is one of the prime factors for this adoption. Besides, universal availability will also persuade the Linux community worldwide to opt for the new solution.