Re: 8.0.X and the ARC patent - Mailing list pgsql-hackers

pgsql@mohawksoft.com wrote:
> 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.

I doubt they will give us something that extends to companies that sell
PostgreSQL so I don't see the point.

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> 
> 
> > 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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--  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,
Pennsylvania19073