Bryan Cantrill, CTO of Oxide Computer, talks about their bet on rack scale computing, their own designed rack and sleds, and their OS Helios. They provide EC2-like compute and EBS-like storage with API driven software and no software licensing fees.
Oxide Computer's rack-scale machine with true hardware and software co-design revolutionizes on-prem computing and competes against traditional vendors.
Oxide prioritizes transparency and openness with their use of open-source Rust programming language, ensuring trust and control for customers.
Oxide streamlines rack provisioning by eliminating cabling and leveraging blind mating networking, enabling quick and efficient installation.
Deep dives
Rethinking Computer Design for On-Prem Computing
Oxide Computer's CTO, Brian Cantrell, discusses the company's mission to address the gap in on-prem computing by rethinking the entire computer design. They have developed a rack-scale machine with true hardware and software co-design, providing an integrated and transparent system. By eliminating front-side cabling, blind mating networking, and optimizing the installation process, Oxide is able to drastically reduce the time from rack arrival to VM provisioning, achieving provisioning within hours. The use of open-source Rust programming language across their software stack ensures transparency, safety, and robustness. Oxide's root of trust, implemented through serial wire debugging, provides secure attestation and verification of software payloads, bolstering security and trust for their customers. With their ZFS-based storage system and focus on delivering elastic compute, storage, and networking services, Oxide aims to revolutionize on-prem computing and compete against traditional vendors in the space.
Transparent and Open Approach to Hardware and Software Integration
Oxide Computer prioritizes transparency and openness in its approach to hardware and software integration. By using open-source Rust programming language for its entire software stack, Oxide ensures transparency, memory safety, and robustness. This allows customers to see and understand every aspect of the system's design, providing greater trust and control. With the use of serial wire debugging (SWD), Oxide's root of trust attests to the secure boot process, offering verification and control over the entire system. The company's focus on open-source development and transparent operations sets them apart from traditional vendors.
Efficient Rack Provisioning and Integrated Design
Oxide Computer streamlines the rack provisioning process by eliminating front-side cabling and leveraging blind mating networking and compute sleds. This innovative design enables quick and efficient installation, significantly reducing the time it takes from rack arrival to VM provisioning. With SSH access to the technician ports and a user-friendly install experience, Oxide minimizes the complexities traditionally associated with on-prem provisioning. The company's integrated hardware and software approach ensures smooth operations and complete control over the system, allowing customers to quickly and easily deploy VMs within hours of receiving the rack.
Transparent Compliance and Reliability
Oxide Computer stands out with its transparent approach to compliance and reliability. The company openly discusses the challenges and experiences encountered during bring-up and compliance testing, providing valuable insight and fostering trust with customers. By sharing lessons learned, Oxide demonstrates a commitment to delivering a robust and reliable product. Open communication and transparency extend throughout the entire development process, allowing customers to fully understand the system's capabilities and trust in its compliance and reliability.
Revolutionizing On-Prem Computing for Modern Needs
Oxide Computer aims to revolutionize on-prem computing to meet modern needs. By rethinking the computer design and focusing on integrated hardware and software solutions, Oxide provides an alternative to traditional vendors. Their rack-scale machine, built with true hardware and software co-design, offers elastic compute, storage, and networking services. With features like ZFS-based storage, high-performance networking, and open-source software, Oxide addresses customer pain points and provides an efficient, secure, and transparent solution for on-prem computing.
Bryan Cantrill (@bcantrill), CTO, Oxide Computer was a hard man to interrupt once started but the GreyBeards did their best to have a conversation. Nonetheless, this is a long podcast. Oxide are making a huge bet on rack scale computing and have done everything they can to make their rack easy to unbox, setup and …
