RDS queued for Linux kernel inclusion!
RDS is queued to be included in Linux 2.6.30.
RDS is a protocol initially designed to enable Oracle RAC clustered database nodes to exchange datagrams rapidly and reliably. It has been developed and maintained out-of-tree for a number of years.
With this will come all the usual benefits that GregKH has enumerated many times: more eyes fixing bugs, a broader spectrum of users, fewer compatibility hacks, and it's the Right Thing to do if at all possible, natch.
One interesting angle is that Linux already has a reliable-datagram protocol, SCTP, and of course it's also not too hard to implement reliable datagrams on top of TCP, so why another? RDS has grown from its roots as a "thin sockets layer over Infiniband" to have its own set of distinct and unique features tailored to its particular niche.
Working on RDS has been a very positive experience for me. It's been the right balance of exposure to new stuff and also a return to the world of Linux networking development, which I find rewarding. There's still much to do to achieve further performance gains and higher code quality, so still plenty to keep me busy.
A good week.
