Arm & Ampere Support for Standards-Based Open Source Firmware
Overview:
Arm and Ampere have collaborated to enhance support for standards-based open source firmware across various computing environments. This partnership aims to ensure seamless integration and operation of open source firmware on Arm-based devices.
Key Points:
**1. **Vision: "Software Can Just Work on Arm-based Devices"
- Arm SystemReady Vision: Envisions software compatibility and ease-of-use on Arm-based systems through standardized firmware interfaces.
**2. Arm SystemReady Standards
- SBSA (Server Base System Architecture): Specifies hardware requirements for servers.
- BBR (Base Boot Requirements): Defines firmware interfaces essential for booting and maintaining Arm-based servers.
- Server Hardware Supplement (SBSA) v7.0: Expands to include common firmware interfaces while acknowledging the need for diverse software stack configurations.
**3. Ampere Mt. Jade Platform
- 2P/2U Reference Platform: For Ampere’s Altra series, serving as a benchmark for Arm SystemReady SR certification.
**4. Ampere’s Commitment to Open-Source
- Engagement with Community: Active participation in open-source firmware projects.
- Firmware Projects: Contributions to TianoCore/EDK2, OpenBMC, OpenOCD, and OCP initiatives.
- GitHub Repository: Accessible resources and code contributions via Ampere’s GitHub page.
**5. LinuxBoot Integration
- Foundation for Arm SystemReady LS: Development of LBBR (LinuxBoot Base Requirements) for enhanced boot reliability and performance.
- Multiple Platforms: Demonstrations on various Arm platforms, including FVP, QEMU, RPi 4, and Ampere’s Mt. Jade.
**6. OpenBMC Support
- Collaborative Project: Open source BMC firmware stack, focusing on interoperability and enhanced management capabilities.
- SBMR Compliance: Active development aligning with OpenBMC’s SBMR guidelines.
**7. Arm and TianoCore Collaboration
- TianoCore/EDK2: Open-source firmware framework supporting Arm platforms, including Ampere’s Altra Max.
- Latest Release: v1.07.300, featuring enhanced support for Ampere’s hardware.
**8. Arm and LinuxBoot Partnership
- Foundation for Arm SystemReady LS: Working towards defining LBBR for Arm servers.
- Demonstrations and PoCs: Across multiple Arm platforms showcasing the potential benefits.
**9. Call to Action
- Participation Opportunities: Visit Arm and Ampere booths at OCP Global Summit 2021 for demonstrations, talks, and networking opportunities.
This collaboration underscores Arm and Ampere's commitment to fostering a robust, open-source ecosystem for Arm-based devices, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and ease-of-use across various computing environments.
