I've never been a huge fan of IBM hardware or software ( AIX is cringe worthy at times), but the new (kinda) Power8 CPU with OpenPower Foundation has got my attention.
This processor probably won't be exceptional for gaming but for servers and workstations it looks impressive. Of course it was impressive a year ago when it was released, but I wouldn't have given it a second thought because it won't run what I need it to run. The possibility of building your own system with it and without having to subscribe to IBM's rediculous pricing schedule and constraints is even better.
Unfortuantly, this won't be great for windows users unless Microsoft decides to get on board but that seems unlikely. IBM is targeting Intel's x86 server market by partnering with Google, so if Microsoft wants to play it will have to do most of it's own heavy lifting.
Lets not forget that what IBM says and does can be two different things. Its worth keeping an eye on since they seem honest this time. Maybe I can buy one in 5 years when the prices hit a reasonable level.
Yeah, I noticed that too. they still "need" your email address to give something away after spending 2.4 billion dollars on it. I'm not sure what I would have done with the docs anyway. It's not like I have a CPU foundry in the basement.
Remember how Microsoft recently ditched PowerPC with the Xbone? I imagine they probably don't give a flying fuck about IBM going after a slice of Intel's pie in the Linux server market.
Yeah. If you have an IBM.com account you can get to the Technical Docs --- which are limited to say the least. I'm not sure anyone could really begin using the architecture with what they have provided on day 1. Maybe they will post more... may they won't.
I believe that the membership is for the foundation itself, which will allow you to contribute the project more or less--- which really kills the "open" part of it, especially if IBM is heading the Technical Steering Committee. They should rename it "ReadOnlyPower Foundation." The membership may give you some additional access to new docs and most likely direct access to their community and support system.
I was thinking of applying for the membership but not actually joining to see what the benefits are, but the website outlines that an agreement must be signed and then co-signed by the foundation. IBM doesn't care about letting anyone average into the foundation except for big partners.
And how Apple ditched the PowerPC? I think it was mostly due to road map issues and influence on next gen tech competing with Intel. Maybe we will see Google ditch Power too if they don't get their way in the Foundation -- but without Google, the Power architecture is dead. IBM has to play nice this round.