Two weeks after the release of the second beta, the Ubuntu developers have announced the availability of a release candidate (RC) for what will become Ubuntu 10.04 LTS, code named "Lucid Lynx"

I'm not suggesting that a blockbuster Canonical-Oracle relationship is set to emerge. But there are indications that Canonical continues to make some Ubuntu progress with MySQL - the open source database now owned by Oracle. Here's some of the anecdotal information I've heard.

Jane Silber has been chief executive of Canonical for 11 days. But she's no outsider swooping in to take over Ubuntu Linux's corporate sponsor. She joined Canonical in June 2004, two months after previous CEO Mark Shuttleworth founded the company.

Asay's job will be make sure operational activities match up to the company's strategic goals and make sure that day-to-day operations go smoothly. He will also head up Canonical's marketing. Asay is extremely well known and respected in open-source business and technology circles. [However, Pamela Jones takes exception to Asay's defense of Microsoft in her NewsPicks comment on this story. - gus3]

I must concede: Sometimes I worry Canonical is trying to do too much too soon with Ubuntu. ... But just when I get really worried, the company makes a major move that impresses me. A case in point: Open source expert Matt Asay has joined Canonical as chief operating officer. It's a big move for Canonical, Ubuntu and Asay. Here's why.

Former Microsoft employee announces that Canonical will send Ubuntu users to Microsoft's datacentres and herein we explain why it's a big mistake that will alienate users

Analysis of some of Canonical's recent moves, which give rise to Novell's Mono and proprietary software (at the expense of Free software)