I'm not so sure the distinction between software and microcode is that artificial, but in any event I'd call Hercules a z/Architecture emulator rather than processor. Of course, with a closed architecture, having the "hardware" alone is not enough, since IBM wouldn't license the software.
Nigel On 18/1/07 14:54, "Paul Gilmartin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > In a recent note, Nigel Hadfield said: > >> Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:05:25 +0000 >> >> I suppose we should think of open hardware and open software separately. >> Anyone is allowed to build an "IBM-compatible" PC, but not an IBM-compatible >> mainframe. I guess anyone is also free to build an Intel x86-compatible >> processor (as AMD have done), or an AMD64-compatible processor (as Intel >> have done). But don't dare try to build a z/Archtiecture processor. >> > Hercules? (I'll ignore the artificial distinction between software > and microcode.) > > -- gil ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html
