The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Inside Oxide (Friends)
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Sep 26, 2025 
Cliff Biffle, a firmware engineer at Oxide, shares insights on the development of Hubris, an innovative Rust-based operating system for service processors. Dave Pacheco discusses the ambitious Update project aimed at revolutionizing system upgrades with API-driven processes and non-disruptive updates. Lastly, design lead Ben Leonard insights into Oxide’s unique design language, blending retro vibes with modern functionality, all while emphasizing how robust design reflects the company's commitment to quality and care.
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Building Firmware From First Principles
- Cliff Biffle built the very low-level firmware and even designed the first PCB prototype himself before hiring electrical engineers.
- He started by iterating cheap boards as throwaway MVPs to validate circuits and reduce risk.
Writing Culture Scales Knowledge
- Oxide's heavy focus on written documents streamlines interviews and decision-making by forcing clarity up front.
- Living documents are updated after work to serve future hires and reduce tribal knowledge loss.
Choosing Rust For Firmware Reliability
- Cliff found Rust while working in firmware at Google and favored it because it reduced class-of-bug overhead when onboarding mixed-experience teams.
- Oxide uses Rust extensively for low-level firmware and most components below the host OS.