The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source From Sun to Oxide (Interview)
May 22, 2024
Bryan Cantrill, Co-founder and CTO of Oxide Computer Company, shares his remarkable journey from Sun Microsystems, where he contributed to DTrace and ZFS, to his current venture in on-prem cloud solutions. He discusses the cultural contrasts in tech acquisitions and how open-source software drives innovation. Cantrill reflects on the importance of user-friendly interfaces and the evolution of JavaScript, revealing insights into his team's mission to create transparent and reliable computing solutions. His anecdotes on tech fame and the emotional motivations behind founding Oxide add a personal touch.
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Shouting in the Datacenter
- Bryan Cantrill recalls a 2008 incident where shouting at hard drives increased latency.
- The sound vibrations moved the drive heads, causing read errors, demonstrating their sensitivity.
Hard Drives' Demise
- Hard drives, with their mechanical sensitivities, are a fading technology.
- Flash storage offers superior performance and reliability, especially for demanding applications.
Hard Drive Precision
- Bryan Cantrill learned that a hard drive's write head flies 0.8 nanometers above the platter.
- This incredible precision highlights the engineering marvel and vulnerability of hard drives.