With all due respect (and I really mean that — bcantrill is absolutely deserving of tremendous respect), why would using an oxide server for the hardware be any different (better or worse) than a SuperMicro server?
And further, is it even possible to get Oxide equipment yet? Is there even a timeline? Or is it still vaporware?
A lot of questions in there! Taking these in order:
1. We aren't making standalone servers: the Oxide compute sled comes in the Oxide rack. So are not (and do not intend to be) a drop in replacement for extant rack mounted servers.
2. We have taken a fundamentally different approach to firmware, with a true root of trust that can attest to the service processor -- which can turn attest to the system software. This prompts a lot of questions (e.g., who attests to the root of trust?), and there is a LOT to say about this; look for us to talk a lot more about this
3. In stark contrast (sadly) to nearly everyone else in the server space, the firmware we are developing is entirely open source. More details on that can be found in Cliff Biffle's 2021 OSFC talk and the Hubris and Humility repos.[0][1][2]
4. Definitely not vaporware! We are in the process of shipping to our first customers; you can follow our progress in our Oxide and Friends podcast.[3]
And further, is it even possible to get Oxide equipment yet? Is there even a timeline? Or is it still vaporware?