Open Source Firmware Conference 2024

Building a flash less firmware infrastructure
09-04, 14:45–15:15 (Europe/Berlin), Main Room

We will cover in that talk various ways to start an HPE ProLiant server in a flash less mode (aka boot from the network at the BMC level and gathering everything from the network) with OpenSource Firmware


We will demonstrate how we could consider the BMC firmware as being an O/S and use the associated relevant tools to manage that initial firmware stack through network booting, in the intent to expand supply chain security. We will emphasis on OpenBMC implementation, and how we changed the bootflow to successfully boot the BMC by using a full network block storage device, and provide continuous updates capabilities to lower downtime and enhance security by easing deployment process. We will focus on the security aspect by leveraging SiROT and linux LUKS technologies. We will also open the door to hardware modification as to reach a total flash less system design based on OpenSource firmware. That talk is going to be technical and requires a good knowledge of the linux stack. It is a common talk with OVHCloud an openbmc community member. A live demo will be run during the presentation as to demonstrate the full stack.

See also: Slides (994.3 KB)

I am thrilled by computers. I spent a lot of time designing them at architectural and hardware level, and participated to crazy projects, including building up the biggest european super computer in the late 90's. I love to share my knowledge and enable people to design better computers. I am particularly focused on open technologies currently, which includes design tools like FreeCAD, KiCAD, and open source firmware projects like linuxboot and OpenBMC. I used to work for big companies, created a french based startup that I successfully sold to an american company in 2018. I am now part of HPE mainly focused on open platforms. What does it mean will be known in a couple of months / quarters and years.