Open Source: Not Just for Tech Anymore

Amid the many predictions for 2012 regarding Linux and open source software, including my own forecast of Linux domination, there is a larger, wider embrace of open source software taking place not only in the technology and other industries, not only in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and South America -- but all over the globe in new corners and facets of our society.

We've already seen the ideas and fundamental principles of open source software applied in other industries and sectors, including automotive technology and infotainment, healthcare, and the space industry, where NASA recently launched a new site for its open source code and activities. Now, it appears 2012 may be marked by a further expansion of open source ideas and ideals into new areas. A few examples include pharmaceuticals and other biological sciences, politics and publishing.

In pharmaceuticals, the debate over open source research, results and data continues. There are also some interesting ventures, technology and tools in pharmaceuticals, such as an open source image-sharing effort in clinical research...