Blender’s ecosystem gets a boost. Independent Blender LTS support and services for enterprises are available via Canonical now.
Blender recently published its 2020 annual report, outlining the organization’s vision and strengthened mission statement: “To get the world’s best 3D technology in the hands of artists as free/open-source software, and make amazing things with it”. This statement enables a fair and accessible ecosystem for businesses, including services, consulting, education and integration.
Although Blender has received massive industry support and adoption in the past years, a pressing issue remains unaddressed for almost two decades — namely the lack of commercial software support contracts. This is important because enterprises find support contracts vital for the purchase of essential products.
In the past months, Blender and Canonical have had extensive discussions on this topic, resulting in the decision to enter a partnership. Canonical’s mission to empower open-source institutions is perfectly aligned with Blender’s need to remain independent and focused on making an amazing 3D creation environment.
Canonical agreed on building and maintaining their own Blender services organization, based on their trusted Ubuntu Advanced platform. Revenues from the services will be partially shared with Blender, then invested in core Blender development and public support for LTS releases. Aside from linking to Canonical’s service on blender.org, there is no obligation from Blender to participate in the service contracts.
“It’s a privilege to support Blender and the fantastic work of this remarkable community, its founders, and leaders. Today’s announcement strengthens Blender with full-service Canonical support and long term security maintenance, and delivers the level of assurance that professional Blender content creators need, in partnership with the Blender Foundation,” shares CEO Mark Shuttleworth.
Blender Foundation’s Chairman Ton Roosendaal adds that “the way Canonical structured this service with us is exemplary for the open-source movement. I believe it will set a new standard for how independent, free groups of makers who truly care for their product and users participate in the market and shape the future of the industry.”
More details on Canonical’s Blender support are available on ubuntu.com.
