Bloomberg bets big on the Ubuntu Edge

The record-breaking Ubuntu Edge crowdfunding campaign has its first major corporate backer, Bloomberg LP.

Bloomberg, the financial information, analytics and news leader, pledged $80,000 towards the campaign in exchange for the Enterprise 100 perk, which includes a batch of 100 Ubuntu Edge devices and access to a range of Canonical workshops and technical support bringing Ubuntu for Android into the workplace.

“Bloomberg supports open innovation and initiatives, such as Ubuntu Edge, that align with our software development and business priorities,” said Shawn Edwards, Chief Technology Officer at Bloomberg LP. “With this investment, Bloomberg developers will contribute to an open technology initiative that could benefit our clients and have a powerful impact on the future of mobile computing.”

“Bloomberg’s developers are already designing and building software for advanced devices because our clients demand a seamless experience from the desktop to the mobile platform,” said Justin Erenkrantz, Head of Web Architecture, a division of Bloomberg LP’s CTO Office. “Ubuntu’s goal to offer a single-device solution for enterprise convergence and mobility is an exciting prospect and one that complements our vision for open development on the mobile platform.”

The Ubuntu Edge campaign has already exceeded crowdfunding records — it raised $2 million in the first eight hours — and support from such a high-profile company is a boost for us and other backers looking to get their hands on the world’s first truly converged computing device.

The Ubuntu Edge will enter production for delivery in May 2014, if $32 million is raised before 11:59pm PT on August 21. It’s available exclusively via Indiegogo, and won’t be available to buy at retail. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ubuntu-edge