The basic input/output system (BIOS), a type of firmware, is the fundamental software loaded to a computer hardware system. In the technology chain of the computer industry, the BIOS is a vital link that connects foundational hardware and system software. It initializes and manages hardware resources, shields their details, and boots the operating system (OS).

The development of chip, software, cluster, and other computing system technologies is driving the evolution of computing architecture and changing the role of the BIOS and its relationship with peripheral components, necessitating updates to BIOS specifications.

First, as a single chip incorporates an increasing number of computing units, each capable of running independent firmware, the BIOS specifications have evolved. They now define firmware-firmware and firmware-OS relationships in chips with multiple types of computing units, rather than just the BIOS-OS relationship in chips with one type of computing unit.

Second, as chip technologies advance, peripherals are becoming more intelligent and integrating independent computing units that run their own firmware. This development has redefined the relationship between BIOS and peripherals to one between BIOS and peripheral firmware.

Third, as the computing architecture evolves and the industry seeks to enhance hardware resource utilization, the BIOS specifications must adapt to enable hardware resource pooling. This involves allowing hardware resources to be flexibly scheduled, combined, and utilized through interactions between peripheral firmware and the administrator's firmware.

The computing industry is continually exploring next-generation BIOS technology, aiming to make BIOS development faster, simpler, and more cost-effective. This necessitates the creation of unified interfaces, a consistent software architecture, and BIOS technology standards applicable to various firmware types. In response to these needs, the Global Computing Consortium (GCC) has set up the New BIOS Special Interest Group (BIOS SIG) to drive the evolution of BIOS technology.

The establishment of the BIOS SIG was jointly initiated by Huawei, China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI), Byosoft, Kunlun Tech, and HuaKun Zhenyu, with support from several GCC members such as iSoftStone and eSurfing Cloud. The group brings together key stakeholders from across the BIOS industry chain, including independent BIOS software developers, chip vendors, OS vendors, server vendors, operational units, and academic institutions. Together, they aim to standardize the next-generation BIOS technology and build a robust industry ecosystem.

The group will carry out a variety of activities to drive industry development. It will start by formulating standards and specifications for next-generation BIOS architecture, interfaces, and tests. Then, it will launch open source projects and interoperability tests based on these standards to accelerate the R&D of products built on the new BIOS architecture. Meanwhile, it will cultivate talent and promote the use of the next-generation BIOS technology in the computing industry.

The BIOS SIG invites industry partners worldwide to join.