What our users make with Ubuntu Pro – Episode 2

How Vaultara achieved FedRAMP compliance with Ubuntu Pro

Ubuntu Pro helps businesses worldwide to innovate and shape the future. In this edition of What our users make with Pro, we talk to Dave Monk, CTO of Vaultara, a FedRAMP approved data-sharing platform trusted by the US government. Dave shares how Ubuntu Pro became a cornerstone of Vaultara’s security, compliance, and open-source ethos.

Tell us about your project or business.

I’m the CTO of Vaultara. We’ve built a secure data-sharing platform that helps clients and their partners exchange information across separate networks. Our solution is currently used by the US government, and we’ve achieved FedRAMP compliance – which is a major milestone for any technology company.

Are you a part of the Ubuntu or broader open-source community?

I’ve been using Ubuntu for close to 20 years. I started in a Windows environment but quickly gravitated toward Linux because of the openness and flexibility. I wouldn’t call myself a programmer – more of a technologist – but I’ve built much of my career and our business around open source.

We contribute by giving feedback to projects we use, pushing PRs for open-source libraries, and supporting the community ethos. For me, giving back is essential, whether through technical contributions or simply sharing our story of how open source is used in real-world solutions.

What challenges were you facing before engaging with Ubuntu Pro?

Security and compliance were the big ones. When pitching to government clients, we needed FIPS-certified cryptography and timely vulnerability patching to meet strict requirements. Ubuntu Pro provided exactly that – certified components, regular security updates, and the assurances we needed to meet regulatory standards.

Equally important was the support. When we raise an issue, we don’t just get an automated response, we get timely, knowledgeable help. In fact, we often receive a response within 20 to 30 minutes. In our industry, where every delay matters, that kind of responsiveness is a game changer.

That combination of compliance, security, and rapid support gave us the confidence to stick with Ubuntu. Today, all our systems, from desktops in the office to the servers hosting our applications, run on Ubuntu, backed by Pro.

Why did you choose Ubuntu Pro?

I’ve always believed in doing things differently rather than just following the crowd. Ubuntu was the operating system I trusted and was comfortable with. Ubuntu Pro gave me the additional security, compliance, and support I needed to make it viable for highly regulated markets.

It also helped us prove to clients that Ubuntu is every bit as robust and secure as any other option – and in many ways, more streamlined for our needs.

We haven’t had one issue with our customer base turning around and saying, “You’re not dealing with this in a timely manner.” And I think that’s important. We’re reasonably small, we’re very nimble, and as a result, I like working with partners that are just as nimble. That’s a big thing to me because, at the end of the day, it’s how the customer responds to any pros or cons regarding a solution. And if you can respond in a timely manner that exceeds their expectations, you’re always going to win in my opinion.

What’s the most important feature for your business?

Timely security updates. Because we operate under FedRAMP, we’re required to resolve vulnerabilities within strict timeframes. Ubuntu Pro ensures we can patch quickly and reliably, while also giving us direct access to Canonical’s support team when something needs extra attention.

That responsiveness is critical. We’ve even had cases where our feedback on a vulnerability assessment influenced how quickly a patch was released. That kind of partnership keeps our solution secure and compliant.

What business processes does Ubuntu Pro enhance? Does it save you time or resources?

Simply put, we couldn’t operate in our market without it. Ubuntu Pro gives us the Linux security, consistency, and compliance we need to meet customer expectations. It allows us to reassure clients that vulnerabilities are being addressed as soon as they’re identified and that fixes will always be delivered on time.

About 90% of my focus is on ensuring our solution remains secure and stable. Ubuntu Pro makes that possible – and by extension, it helps us maintain the trust of our customers year after year.

Have there been moments when Canonical went above and beyond?

One small but memorable example: I had suggested improvements to the support ticketing system, like better text formatting, to make communication clearer. Not long after, those improvements were rolled out. It might seem minor, but it shows that feedback is taken seriously – and it makes a big difference when you’re providing detailed security reports.

Ubuntu Pro is always free for personal use – whether you’re experimenting, building, or running your own projects.  Join a global community of Linux enthusiasts and builders who rely on Ubuntu every day.

Missed the last installation of What our users make with Ubuntu Pro? Read the blog for an insight into how Marc Grondin secured homelabs for him and his family.

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