Mandrake 2003. Followed by Ubuntu server 5.10 in 2005.

Switched to Debian in 2020, been on Debian since.

I use it because of the lack of BS.

Secondly, it’s stable.

Yes, Predictable release cadence is also important.

Manufacturers have to validate that it is going to continue working and remain supported. Rolling releases are basically impossible to accommodate in that process.

It’s also likely that Canonical is providing free assistance to them, in order to secure enterprise contracts on the other end.

It’s usually 10% of the device MSRP for windows pro.

There are some very low cost devices that get it for $10 for windows home…