Job Posting Reveals Canonical's Plans for Ubuntu Phone OS
Before a company can release a new product, they need to develop it. Oftentimes, if they don't have the right people in-house, they'll also need to hire one or more people to come in and help with the development. A job listing is one of the best ways to get the word out about the type of person the company is looking for and what this person would need to be able to do to fill the position. Unfortunately, a public job listing of any kind is also the quickest way to let the world in on the fact that you're working on something new.
Earlier on, a job posting on Valve's website more or less confirmed rumors that the company is working on its own gaming hardware. Now, another posting has revealed that Canonical is likely working on its own smartphone OS. Engadget points to a posting over on Canonical's site that advertises a desire for a "Business Development Manager (Ubuntu Phone OS)." As if that wasn't specific enough, the posting itself leaves little room for doubt about the company's plans for the successful applicant:
"Canonical is seeking a business development lead to engage and develop strong relationships with industry partners in the run up to the launch of Ubuntu as a smartphone operating system," the post reads. "The successful candidate will be an outstanding professional in the smartphone ecosystem with experience of engaging with both handset manufacturers and telco operators. This is an extraordinary opportunity and we are looking for someone who combines an outstanding track record of working with industry influencers and decision makers, an enthusiasm and aptitude for technology and a deep understanding of the dynamics of the market."
Anyone looking to apply for the position must have seven or more years of experience in the smartphone field, and the ability to build strong relationships between multiple departments (including sales, marketing, business development, engineering and product management) among other things. They will be responsible for establishing a commercial ecosystem around Ubuntu as a smartphone OS, driving awareness of Ubuntu's smartphone strategy across key industry decision makers, and successfully launching the Ubuntu smartphone ecosystem.
Canonical hasn't commented on the job posting but it certainly looks like Apple, Microsoft, and Google can expect some Ubuntu-flavored competition in the smartphone arena sometime soon.

if they can do that then it will be a great alternative.
Also keep in mind that since it will be their first attempt at smartphones, there wont be many apps so it will have a lot of catching up to do.
"Also keep in mind that since it will be their first attempt at smartphones, there wont be many apps so it will have a lot of catching up to do."
But didn you read, there's a planned merge between the mainline Linux kernel and Android's forked Linux kernel.
also @coder543, while that example is old, it still exist for the current versions of ubuntu, mainly for the apps that are in the tar.gz format where you have to go through a ton of commands to install them (while some can be install if 3-4 commands, there are many that require you to edit config files just to get the program installed.
My main point in the statement is as long as they can avoid as much command line as possible then it will attract a wide user base.
Let's hope Ubuntu can avoid problems like the 11.04 upgrade 'grub' debacle.
there already is an Ubuntu app store (Ubuntu Software Center), its been around for a few years, and with Ubuntu One they are already getting geared up for cross platform syncing and apps or whatever =D
When they are online and in market place.
I will purchase one.
May be it's ubuntu "Free"
lol
Just like the good ol' days!
Fed up waiting for my ICS update!!!! (UK Orange)
Lets be honest here. If Ubuntu wants an Ubuntu Phone to take off, they can't have much user interaction pressing "install" when they need something to work. Granted, I doubt this will be a problem, considering they'll be working on a small selection of hardware, so I doubt they'll have compatibility issues that require you to open a terminal.
Realistically, you can expect an Android that allows you to customize it to the n'th degree with free (open) software that doesn't require you to "jailbreak" the phone to obtain.
It could be great, or it can suck. We won't know until we see it.