Re: 8.0.X and the ARC patent

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.

> 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(at)candle(dot)pha(dot)pa(dot)us | (610) 359-1001
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