IBM to open up Power source

By Stuart Finlayson

With more than a nod and a wink to the Linux community's way of doing things, IBM has outlined plans to openly collaborate and build a community of innovation around its Power microprocessor architecture.

The move by IBM is intended to enable researchers and device makers to add the features and capabilities that will drive new devices and applications. The company said the move "recognises the fact that it is the final chip designs – more than the underlying architecture – where innovation is taking place to create entire systems in silicon, not just electronics components."

IBM has also, for the first time, demonstrated its upcoming Power5 microprocessor running multiple operating systems in virtual micropartitions. Power5, which uses IBM's Power architecture, will drive future versions of IBM's server and storage systems, according to the company.

While IBM's plans are similar to those involved in the development of the Linux operating system, which is administered by a community of developers, it will differ in the sense that IBM will retain control of a number of the most important elements of the Power architecture.

"Power was designed from the ground up for massive scalability and is the most customised processor in the world," according to Nick Donofrio, IBM senior vice president, technology and manufacturing. "The time is right to establish it as a more open, modular and pervasive platform, accelerating the creation of next generation devices, systems and applications."

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