Ten places Linux and open source can thrive

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Some people might be surprised at the numbers of organisations that are now employing open source, says Jack Wallen. But which areas of activity could most benefit from its greater adoption?
Some industries with few outward signs of open source are already taking advantage of it, while in others it has no presence whatsoever. What is certain is that they could all benefit — in ways ranging from cost-effectiveness to reliability.
1. Printing
I recently experienced first-hand how well Linux works in the large-format printing industry. Not only does Linux have some of the best large-format software available, it also can perform as a highly reliable platform for a print server. But you needn't be a large-format print house to take advantage of open source. Any size business or home user can take capitalise on the reliability, flexibility, and cost-effective nature of open source for printing. On top of that, the user-friendly, web-based admin tool of the Cups open-source printing system developed by Apple makes the task even easier.