Supermicro & AMD join the Open Source Firmware Effort
In a groundbreaking move at the OCP Regional Summit, Supermicro and AMD have aligned with the Open Source Firmware Foundation (OSFF) to pivot the tech landscape toward open-source firmware, challenging decades of dependence on proprietary systems.
24th April, Lisbon, OCP Regional Summit
In a groundbreaking move at the OCP Regional Summit, Supermicro and AMD have aligned with the Open Source Firmware Foundation (OSFF) to pivot the tech landscape toward open-source firmware, challenging decades of dependence on proprietary systems.
A Technological Revolution at OCP
The joint booth of the Open Source Firmware Foundation, AMD and Supermicro was a focal point at the summit, where they showcased proof of concept (POC) firmware solutions on two mainboards. With the open-source release of AMD openSIL (PoC for AMD CRB platform based on 4th Generation AMD EPYC™ server processors) on June 14th 2023, available on https://github.com/openSIL, Supermicro took on the challenge to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the new silicon initialization architecture and showcased their own server platform (Supermicro H13SSL-N) hosting 4th Generation AMD EPYC™ server processors – demonstrating scalability and seamless integration of AMD openSIL across two host firmwares – (1) UEFI based Tianocore and, (2) coreboot/Linuxboot.
In addition to Open Host Firmware/BIOS, Supermicro has announced its intention to equip their systems with OpenBMC in the future.
Shifting Business Models
The traditional firmware model involves proprietary SDKs from BIOS vendors, which often leads to dependency and loss of control over the technology, which often leads to dependency and loss of control over the technology. The OSF model, by contrast, promotes collaboration with the OSF community and Independent BIOS Vendors (IBVs).
This model empowers companies to maintain control over their firmware and gain all the benefits of open-source innovation, supported by contracts and OSFF’s consultancy in navigating partner ecosystems.
Why It Matters
This strategic shift to open-source firmware offers a sustainable advantage by allowing companies to innovate more rapidly and securely. For industries ready to break boundaries, this model reduces risks associated with vendor lock-in, accelerates technological adaptability and offers a reduced time-to-market strategy for board bring-up of new systems.
Introducing Hancock Chang - OSF Ambassador for APAC
Hancock Chang steps up as the new OSFF Ambassador for the APAC region, ready to navigate the complexities of open-source adoption across continents.
Looking Ahead
Supermicro, AMD, and OSF are not just participants but pioneers in a movement setting a new standard in technology. As we watch this evolution unfold, the tech industry can expect more robust, customizable, and secure systems that align with modern demands and standards.
Stay connected to witness how this transformation will redefine the hardware industry, ushering in an era of transparency and collaborative innovation.