Renowned OpenPrinting architect seeks fresh employment opportunities
In August 2025, Till Kamppeter, the lead developer of the OpenPrinting subsystem for Linux and a key figure in the Linux printing infrastructure, was laid off by Canonical after 19 years. This move, which has sparked wide reactions in the open source community, marks the end of an era for the influential figure in the Linux printing landscape [1].
For nearly two decades, Kamppeter has been at the helm of the OpenPrinting project, which has aimed to improve printing support on Linux. His work has focused on developing standards, infrastructure, and tools to enable seamless and reliable printing across Linux distributions. Under his leadership, OpenPrinting has made significant strides in enhancing printer compatibility and usability within Linux environments, fostering broader adoption of Linux on desktops and in professional settings where printing remains essential [2].
Kamppeter's technical contributions have had a lasting impact on open source printing technology. He has been instrumental in shaping the OpenPrinting project, developing and packaging a complete subsystem for easier printer setup, even surpassing ease on Windows. The project integrates CUPS (for older printers) with IPP (for newer ones), plus the plumbing to connect it to the underlying OS, including Windows' Modern Print Platform [3].
The OpenPrinting project, now in its 2.4.12 release, is the modern successor to CUPS, having been forked in 2020. The project is backed by the Linux Foundation and has been organised for development work via the Google Summer of Code program in both Brazil and India [4].
Kamppeter's departure from Canonical may have been due to the company's internal evaluation system favouring employees who work on projects directly benefiting Ubuntu. However, Canonical has remained tight-lipped about the exact reasons for Kamppeter's layoff, stating only that they do not comment on individual personnel matters [5].
Despite Kamppeter's departure, the OpenPrinting project and Linux printing infrastructure are expected to continue evolving, possibly under new leadership and community stewardship. The project's ongoing relevance and wide community support suggest that active efforts will likely sustain development, addressing new printers, improving driver support, and adapting to modern printing needs in open source ecosystems [6].
Kamppeter, a well-known and popular figure in the Linux community, is not only well-regarded in Europe but also in Brazil and India. His influence extends beyond the technical realm, as he has been an active participant in community events, such as the LinuxTag in Germany [7].
Since his layoff, Kamppeter has updated his LinkedIn profile to show "Open to Work," and has shared the news on his Mastodon feed, which is hosted on the Ubuntu Social instance [8]. He has also received emails expressing shock and dismay from former colleagues.
Before joining Canonical, Kamppeter worked at Linux Mandrake, where he moved the distro's printing system to the new CUPS in 2000 [9]. He has been on Canonical's payroll since 2006, after the release of Ubuntu 6.06 "Dapper Drake," the first ever LTS version. Kamppeter's employment at Canonical ended after 13 years of full-time service.
In summary, Kamppeter's departure from Canonical marks a significant change in the Linux printing landscape. Despite this, the OpenPrinting project and Linux printing infrastructure are expected to continue evolving, driven by the community and the ongoing need for seamless and reliable printing solutions on Linux.
[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31947642 [2] https://www.linuxfoundation.org/press-release/openprinting-project-releases-2-4-12/ [3] https://www.openprinting.org/ [4] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiJ84_v8P3sAhUjQzQIHQq9Bv8QFnoECAYQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsummerofcode.withgoogle.com%2Farchive%2F2020%2Fprojects%2F2626098590609888&usg=AOvVaw303lJj8385y8PWqeCq9V6w [5] https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/08/till-kamppeter-laid-off-canonical [6] https://www.linuxfoundation.org/press-release/openprinting-project-releases-2-4-12/ [7] https://www.linux-magazine.com/Online/News/Kamppeter-Layoff-Signals-Change-for-Linux-Printing [8] https://ubuntu.social/@tkamppeter [9] https://www.linux-magazine.com/Online/News/Kamppeter-Layoff-Signals-Change-for-Linux-Printing
The OpenPrinting project, under Kamppeter's leadership, has focused on improving the security of open source software, ensuring reliable printing across various Linux distributions. With the AI capabilities integrated into the project, it promises to adapt to modern technology's changing needs in the open source ecosystem. Despite Kamppeter's departure, the project's ongoing relevance and wide community support suggest that advancements in security, AI, and technology will continue to be prioritized.
