In industrial control, edge computing, and IoT applications, Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support) has become a go-to operating system. At our ARMxy series Industrial Edge Computer, such as the BL410 and BL335, come pre-installed with Ubuntu LTS. This article explains Ubuntu LTS versioning, its lifecycle, and why it’s the preferred choice for industrial environments.
Ubuntu’s version numbers are straightforward, reflecting the year and month of release in a YY.MM format. For example:
20.04: Released in April 2020
22.04: Released in April 2022
24.04: Released in April 2024
Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, releases two versions annually:
April releases (e.g., .04)
October releases (e.g., .10)
While both are stable, only the Long Term Support (LTS) versions, typically released in April of even-numbered years, are designed for extended use, making them ideal for enterprise and industrial applications.
Ubuntu LTS versions are built for longevity, offering 5 years of official support, including security updates, bug fixes, and critical patches. In contrast, standard Ubuntu releases are supported for only 9 months. Additionally, LTS versions can opt into Extended Security Maintenance (ESM), which extends support for up to 10 years total.
This extended lifecycle makes Ubuntu LTS a perfect fit for industrial applications such as:
Industrial gateways
PLC control systems
Energy monitoring devices
Edge computing nodes
At BaiRui Technology, our ARMxy series products support Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04 LTS, allowing customers to select the version best suited to their project needs.
Here’s a snapshot of recent and upcoming Ubuntu LTS versions and their support timelines:
|
Version |
Release Date |
Official Support Ends |
ESM Support Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
|
18.04 LTS |
April 2018 |
April 2023 |
2028 |
|
20.04 LTS |
April 2020 |
April 2025 |
2030 |
|
22.04 LTS |
April 2022 |
April 2027 |
2032 |
|
24.04 LTS |
April 2024 |
April 2029 |
2034 |
For edge devices, Beilai Technology recommends Ubuntu 20.04 LTS for its proven stability and compatibility, though newer versions like 22.04 and 24.04 are also fully supported.
Beilai Technology prioritizes Ubuntu LTS for our ARM-based edge computing devices, including the ARMxy series, for several compelling reasons:
Unmatched Stability: Industrial systems often run for years without interruption. Ubuntu LTS ensures long-term reliability with consistent updates.
Broad Hardware Support: Ubuntu is well-supported by major chip vendors like Rockchip, NXP, and TI, ensuring excellent compatibility with ARM architectures.
Active Community and Ecosystem: Ubuntu’s vibrant community provides access to a wide range of open-source tools, including Python, Node-RED, and AI toolchains, all of which integrate seamlessly.
Robust Security: LTS versions receive timely security patches, critical for protecting industrial systems.
Customizability: Beilai can tailor Ubuntu LTS with custom firmware, system trimming, and pre-installed business components to meet specific project requirements.
The ARMxy series from Beilai Technology is designed for edge intelligence, industrial control, and AIoT applications, with deep integration of Ubuntu LTS. Key features include:
Support for Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04 LTS
Built-in Node-RED for visual programming
6–10 TOPS NPU for AI-driven tasks like video recognition and model inference
Connectivity options including 4G/5G, RS485, RS232, CAN, and multi-channel DI/DO
Custom firmware, auto-start capabilities, and optimized system deployment
Industrial vision inspection terminals
Smart power distribution gateways
Remote environmental monitoring systems
Video analytics and facial recognition terminals
Ubuntu LTS, with its predictable versioning (year.month), extended 5-year support, and optional ESM, is the ideal operating system for industrial and embedded systems. Beilai Technology’s ARMxy series leverages Ubuntu LTS to deliver stable, secure, and customizable solutions for edge computing and industrial control. By combining Ubuntu’s reliability with our hardware’s advanced features, we empower industries to build smarter, more efficient systems.
