Challenge
Our customer aimed to expand their client base with technology offering cryptographic and data compression services, while mitigating maintenance costs. However, their existing software package faced challenges. Released through a cumbersome out-of-tree process, it resulted in prolonged turnaround times and intricate quality checks, adding to maintenance overheads.
The task at hand was to develop a software package seamlessly integrated into the BSD kernel, ensuring leaner release processes without compromising on quality.
Solution
Mobica embarked on a journey to redesign the driver, transitioning it to kernel space with a bespoke API. Overcoming technical hurdles, particularly aligning the driver code with FreeBSD's open cryptographic framework, proved to be a significant milestone. Efforts culminated in rigorous validation, with over 6000 integration tests and 2800 system tests conducted in a single cycle.
Collaborating closely with open-source maintainers, Mobica spearheaded a series of high-level designs, code reviews, and fixes. This collaborative effort resulted in the integration of the driver code into the kernel, a feat achieved within five months from the initial pull request to the community.
To ensure quality control, Mobica implemented an internal release process before external code reviews. Additionally, a streamlined procedure for handling bug fixes and third-party contributions was established, empowering our customer to maintain oversight over quality standards.
Specific Key Technologies
The project leveraged expertise in C, kernel drivers (FreeBSD, Linux), and a Python-based proprietary test framework, reinforced by continuous integration practices.
Result
The implementation of Mobica’s solution yielded remarkable outcomes. Our customer's technology attracted a fresh wave of kernel-space clients while simultaneously reducing future maintenance costs. Notably, our software solution garnered recognition and appreciation from the FreeBSD Community, further solidifying our position as a trusted industry partner.
With the influx of new clients, the backlog of feature requests continues to grow, underscoring the success and scalability of the solution delivered by Mobica.
