Note from Norm Hardy

Before I consider how to get to a better world I must record some of my own opinions and biases about the situation in Silicon Valley. By “software architect” I mean someone in a position to influence the structure of delivered commercial software. Perhaps 10% or 20% of software architects in Silicon Valley have heard of capabilities and the claims. I would guess that a substantial minority of those that have heard the claims believe them. Some areas of software architecture already practice capability patterns but not under that name, or any other name. Capability patterns are commonplace in computer language design but not in OS design. Most software architects, if they have noticed the difference, think that there can be no other way. Dennis and vanHorn showed that there is another way in 1966.

I have been recently reminded that some, who do understand capabilities, think that there are problems that they cannot solve. This causes some reluctance. There are non-trivial but efficient solutions to these problems that are not obvious.

Of those who have heard and believe claims for capabilities, most merely say that it is hopeless and thus a waste of time to think about changing the OS design. And there we stand.