Ubuntu corporate sponsor Canonical is developing a new Ubuntu Friendly hardware validation program for desktops, netbooks and laptops. The program will allow users to test hardware and the results of those tests will then be used to validate systems as "Ubuntu Friendly". The program will be developed in parallel with the development of Ubuntu 11.10, Oneiric Ocelot, and should be in place by the time Oneiric Ocelot is released in October.

The program will be based around open processes with anyone being able to test systems and review tests, while a small subset of participants will act as certifiers; for a system configuration to gain certification, it will require many positive results from the testing community. Client tools and the tests themselves will be open sourced and are currently being developed.

The programme is designed to complement the "Ubuntu Ready" (tested by the manufacturer) and "Ubuntu Certified" (tested by Canonical) programs. The "Ubuntu Friendly" branding will be owned by Canonical, but there will be no commercial terms for a system to be labelled as 'Friendly'.

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(djwm)