A Linux distribution supporting IBM DB2 isn't usually that big a deal. But when it's Canonical's populist Ubuntu distribution, which is known far more for its community support than for its business savvy, it's more noteworthy. <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1885880,00.asp?kc=ewnws111405dtx1k0000599">Canonical's Ubuntu is a Debian Linux branch.</A> In the past, its developers have emphasized its community Linux status. Ubuntu engineers worked directly with IBM DB2 Lab Software engineers to do compatibility testing under the DB2 for Linux Validation program to earn the "Ready for IBM DB2 Software for Linux" service mark.