Lexmark's Linux Secret

[d0b33]

Most of the time at Phoronix we focus on looking at the Linux graphics performance of the software drivers and hardware, since traditionally that has been one of the most troubling areas of Linux hardware support. Tides though have turned as AMD continues to back their own open-source strategy with providing documentation and pushing out code that enables open-source hardware support from 3D acceleration to power management, while Intel continues to back their fully open-source model too. Another area of hardware support that has caused much grief for users has been with printer support. Printers are not nearly as complex as a modern-day graphics processor, but the different vendors have not been quick to offer up any Linux support -- and binary-only drivers frequently back the ones that do. There is one printer manufacturer though that as of last year has begun supporting Linux from top to bottom with their entire line-up of printers. Not only are they providing CUPS drivers, but also they are even printing Tux in the corner of every box they ship right besides the Windows and Apple logos. Do you know who we are talking about? Probably not, but it's Lexmark. After months of wrangling within the company, Lexmark has stepped up to become a Linux and open-source friendly company. We are seeing how far this Linux support extends as we try out the Lexmark Pro905 Platinum multi-function printer.

link

 

[McGuywer]

That is good news.
Glad Lexmark is stepping up to the plate.

 

[fskmh]

http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Ricoh-joins-the-Linux-Foundation-970368.html

Ricoh joins the Linux Foundation

Ricoh Logo The Linux Foundation, the non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Linux, has announced that digital office solutions specialist Ricoh has become its newest corporate member. Ricoh, best known for its multi-function printing products and digital cameras, says that it hopes to further advance Linux, while developing "more user-friendly devices and useful services for Linux users." Tetsuya Morita, general manager of GW Development Center at the MFP Business Group in Ricoh, said that, “Our Linux Foundation membership is a natural extension of our support for Linux and demonstrates for our customers our commitment to the platform”.

Ricoh will also be participating in the OpenPrinting.org workgroup, one of the most active Linux Foundation workgroups aimed at standardising printing functionality on Linux. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to increase our contributions to the OpenPrinting.org workgroup activities as well as participating in events," added Morita.Those events will include the upcoming 4th annual Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit where Ricoh will be working with other members on issues such as distribution independent printer drivers, colour management, common printing dialogs and printing in the Linux-based ChromeOS.

 

[ponder]

And tomorrow we rule the world

Still think lexmark is crap though.

 

[kingrob]

Lexmark is not really what I would call a "high end" printer, but it is very cool that they are supporting Linux.