CNET News.com: Intel woos open-source crowd with chip blueprint

“Intel has posted the blueprint for its upcoming Itanium
processor on the Web in an effort to make it easier for open-source
programmers to build applications for the new chip.”

“The blueprints, which contain technical information on the
chip’s subsystems, cache structure and other microarchitecture
details, typically aren’t publicly disclosed prior to the
commercial launch of a chip. Hardware makers and software
developers usually have copies but must sign nondisclosure
agreements.”

“Intel, however, is shifting its policy to accommodate the
changes in the industry wrought by the rise of Linux and the
open-source community, said Ron Curry, director of IA-64
marketing. Open-source programming is a communal affair:
Developers contribute ideas on a volunteer basis and don’t
necessarily work at companies covered by the nondisclosure
agreements.”

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