Might it be possible to contact IBM directly and ask if they will allow
usage of the patent for PostgreSQL. They've let 500 patents for open
source, maybe they'll give a write off for this as well.
There is an advantage beyond just not having to re-write the code, but it
would also be sort of an IBM blessing, great PR.
I will be at "Linux World" and see if there is an IBM booth, maybe I can
get some contact info.
> FYI, core has discussed the pending IBM ARC patent and the usage of
> those ideas in 8.0.
>
> Tom has found a 2Q cache algorithm that predates the ARC patent and is
> very similar to ARC. The major difference is that it doesn't auto-size
> the ARC sub-buffers.
>
> Core believes it is best to backpatch this 2Q algorithm into 8.0.X to
> avoid any possible patent problems if the patent is granted and
> enforced.
>
> We are testing the use of the 2Q code to see if it has any performance
> impact. The 8.0.X release that uses 2Q will have more extensive testing
> than a normal minor release. 8.1 will have a new cache algorithm that
> hopefully will remove the buffer contention problems experienced by SMP
> machines.
>
> For development, this means we will _not_ have a shortened, non-initdb
> 8.1 release but a regular release cycle with the typical big batch of
> features.
>
> --
> Bruce Momjian | http://candle.pha.pa.us
> pgman@candle.pha.pa.us | (610) 359-1001
> + If your life is a hard drive, | 13 Roberts Road
> + Christ can be your backup. | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
> 19073
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