Why Do We Need to Upgrade to Ubuntu Pro?

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world, widely used for everything from personal desktops to enterprise servers and cloud deployments. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, offers different versions of the operating system tailored for varying use cases. Two key versions often compared are Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support) and Ubuntu Pro. While both are based on the same underlying system, they serve different audiences and offer different levels of support and features.

This article explores the key differences between Ubuntu LTS and Ubuntu Pro, helping you understand which one is right for your needs.

What is Ubuntu LTS?

Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support) is a version of Ubuntu that receives extended support and security updates from Canonical for five years from its release date. LTS releases come out every two years (e.g., 20.04, 22.04, 24.04), and they are considered the most stable and production-ready versions of Ubuntu.

Key Features of Ubuntu LTS:

• Five years of free security updates for the main OS components (the “Main” repository).

• Stable, well-tested software versions aimed at enterprise and production use.

• Minimal changes during the support lifecycle to ensure consistency and reliability.

• Ideal for servers, cloud platforms, and desktops where long-term stability is critical.

For most users, especially in corporate environments or those looking for a "set-it-and-forget-it" system, LTS is the default choice. It's reliable, predictable, and officially supported for a long time.

What is Ubuntu Pro?

Ubuntu Pro is a premium version of Ubuntu LTS, offering additional security coverage, compliance tools, and extended support not available in the standard LTS version. Originally targeted at enterprises, Ubuntu Pro is now available for free for personal use on up to 5 machines (or up to 50 machines for official Ubuntu members).

Ubuntu Pro builds on top of Ubuntu LTS and includes everything LTS offers, plus more:

Key Features of Ubuntu Pro:

• 10 years of support for each LTS release (compared to 5 years with standard LTS).

• Expanded security maintenance that covers not just the core OS (“Main” repository) but also the “Universe” repository, which includes thousands of community-maintained packages.

• Livepatch service to apply kernel patches without rebooting — critical for high-availability systems.

• FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) and other compliance-ready modules for use in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government.

• Integration with Canonical support services, including 24/7 enterprise-grade support (with paid plans).

• Optional hardening and audit tools for enhanced system security.

In essence, Ubuntu Pro is designed for environments where security, compliance, and long-term stability are not just preferences — they are requirements.

Comparing Ubuntu LTS and Ubuntu Pro: Feature-by-Feature

What is "Expanded Security Maintenance" (ESM)?

A standout feature of Ubuntu Pro is Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM). This means Canonical will provide timely patches and updates for software packages beyond the core system — specifically those in the Universe repository.

The Universe repository includes thousands of applications and libraries commonly used in development and production environments. In standard Ubuntu LTS, these packages are community-supported and do not receive official security updates from Canonical. With Ubuntu Pro, they do.

This is especially important in enterprise or cloud environments where vulnerabilities in even a lesser-known package can be exploited. With ESM, you get peace of mind that your full stack is covered.

Real-World Scenarios: LTS vs Pro

Scenario 1: A Developer's Laptop

A software developer using Ubuntu as their daily driver might find LTS more than sufficient. It’s stable, secure, and free. If they occasionally work with packages from the Universe repository, they can keep an eye on them manually or use third-party tools for security.

Recommendation: Ubuntu LTS is likely enough, unless they want Livepatch or extended support.

Scenario 2: Cloud Infrastructure

A business running hundreds of Ubuntu virtual machines on AWS or Azure needs consistent, long-term security, especially if compliance and uptime are critical.

Recommendation: Ubuntu Pro offers the Livepatch service, longer support, and wider package security coverage — all invaluable in this context.

Scenario 3: Government or Financial Institution

If the organization operates in a regulated sector, such as government, healthcare, or finance, compliance is non-negotiable. FIPS modules, security certifications, and guaranteed patching timelines are often mandated by law or policy.

Recommendation: Ubuntu Pro is the clear choice, with its compliance tooling and security assurances.

How to Get Ubuntu Pro

Ubuntu Pro is now easier to access than ever:

1. Personal users can sign up at ubuntu.com/pro for a free subscription covering up to 5 machines.

2. Ubuntu members can cover up to 50 machines.

3. Businesses can purchase plans based on machine count, support level, and compliance needs.

4. Get it at Btech! We Provide an authorized license for you who wants to upgrade to Ubuntu Pro. Contact us at [+62-811-1123-242] or contact@btech.id

Once subscribed, enabling Ubuntu Pro is as simple as:

sudo pro attach <your-token> sudo pro enable esm-apps

This brings your system under the Pro umbrella, enabling extended security and features.

Conclusion

To sum it up:

• Ubuntu LTS is the default, reliable, long-term supported version of Ubuntu that covers core OS security updates for 5 years.

• Ubuntu Pro builds on LTS by providing wider security coverage, compliance features, and extended support for up to 10 years — making it ideal for enterprise, cloud, and regulated use cases.

If you're a casual user or developer, Ubuntu LTS may be all you need. But if you're running Ubuntu in a mission-critical or regulated environment, or simply want the peace of mind of full-system security coverage, Ubuntu Pro is worth the upgrade — especially since it's now free for individual use.

TL;DR: Ubuntu LTS is great. Ubuntu Pro is LTS on steroids — more secure, more compliant, and longer-lasting.