Power Architecture Platform Reference
Power Architecture Platform Reference (PAPR) is an initiative from Power.org to make a new open computing platform based on Power Architecture technology. It follows two previous attempts made in the 1990s, PReP and CHRP.
The PAPR specification provides the foundation for development of standard Power Architecture computers running the Linux operating system. PAPR is Power.org's move toward what IBM did originally with PReP, in that it defines a common hardware definition and software/firmware platform under a set of requirements. In practice the PAPR is is an extension to the Open Firmware specification developed by Genesi which allows PAPR machines to take advantage of readily available "off-the-shelf" PC accessories and add-on cards.
Wind River leads the Power.org sub-committee working on an embedded specification known as ePAPR,[1] expected in the fourth quarter of 2007.[2]
Compliant boards
- Genesi TetraPower[3] - Dual PowerPC 970MP processors with CPC945 northbridge and Open Firmware.
- IBM JS20/21 - PowerPC 970FX/MP based server blades.