Dell will sell Ubuntu pre-loaded PCs in 850 retail outlets in India. Ubuntu will also get brand recognition as the retail outlets will display Ubuntu-branded marketing collateral in-store, with trained staff explaining the advantages of Ubuntu to consumers.

"A founding principle of Ubuntu is to make computing more accessible," said Canonical's CEO, Jane Silber at the Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network' event in New Delhi. "By working with Dell to bring these machines to market, we're providing millions of people with the opportunity of an affordable, high-quality computing experience - in some cases, for the first time."

Sameer Garde, President, Dell India said, "With Ubuntu, these machines offer our customers a compelling mobile or in-home computing proposition, with the benefit of Dell quality and security. I am confident that they will prove attractive to both home and business users."

Mark Murphy of Canonical writes on a company blog, "Over the next few months we will extend the retail programme further into new markets, with the goal of providing greater choice of devices pre-loaded with the latest versions of Ubuntu and vastly improved quality of advice from staff in resellers."