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

Bruce Momjian wrote:

>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.
>
>

Also if I recall didn't Tom already have a patch ready to be
tested for the q2 stuff?

Sincerely,

Joshua D. Drake

>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
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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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>>
>>
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