They’re special firmware blobs because generally the OEMs aren’t building their BMCs from scratch as they might with their main boards and other components. They’re generally getting the bmc SoC from the likes of Aspeed and others who are the ones keeping them closed up. I’ve tried to get the magic binaries and source for various projects but have given up because there are so many layers of NDAs and sales gatekeepers. I’m not entirely sure who makes the dell bmcs but I know supermicro bundles Aspeed (at least they did with older generations of their main boards.)
I agree with you that you should be able to run whatever since in the end it’s just another computer, but the manufacturers believe otherwise since there’s “valuable IP” or whatever nonsense (insert rollseyes emoji here).
There are open specs like redfish but still doesn’t get to the heart of the matter.
I agree with you that you should be able to run whatever since in the end it’s just another computer, but the manufacturers believe otherwise since there’s “valuable IP” or whatever nonsense (insert rollseyes emoji here).
There are open specs like redfish but still doesn’t get to the heart of the matter.