Cliff Biffle

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.

Cliff Biffle, a firmware engineer at Oxide, talks about the intricate processes involved before a CPU powers on, including adopting Rust for greater safety. Dave Pacheco shares insights into the evolution of Oxide’s self-service update system, tackling challenges like non-disruptive updates and safety safeguards. Ben Leonard, Oxide's head of design, discusses his approach to creating a unified design system that enhances both branding and user experience, highlighting how intentional design fosters trust in a competitive market.

Cliff Biffle, a firmware engineer at Oxide, discusses the creation of Hubris, a lightweight OS designed for service processors, emphasizing Rust's advantages in firmware. Dave Pacheco, Oxide's engineering lead, reveals the challenges of orchestrating software updates, including self-service options that minimize downtime. Ben Leonard, the design lead, shares insights on Oxide's unique design language, blending nostalgic aesthetics with modern functionality, while maintaining brand consistency across products. Together, they showcase Oxide's innovative culture and engineering prowess.

Special guest Conor Hoekstra from the ADSP pod joins Oxide and colleague Cliff Biffle to settle podcast beef. The hosts discuss their experiences at an open source firmware conference, probabilities and flipping coins, title consultancy and gen z slang, programming language preferences, experiences with compiler bugs, the importance of backward compatibility in C++, fear in programming communities, and challenges with manipulating and deleting objects.

In this conversation, Cliff Biffle, a firmware engineer, dives into the intricacies of pre-main CPU work and the advantages of using Rust in firmware development. Dave Pacheco, leading the update system, introduces a novel self-service approach to software updates and discusses unique challenges in managing updates for Hubris. Ben Leonard shares insights into Oxide's cohesive design language, merging retro nostalgia with modern aesthetics, while emphasizing the importance of balancing functionality with creative expression in hardware design. A fascinating mix of engineering and design reveals the innovative spirit at Oxide!