Dear ***,

as a member of the free software community, I ask that you release the source code for the Platform Security Processor (PSP) to the public, or at least to a group who could use it to produce a free alternative (e.g. the Coreboot, Libreboot or Librecore projects), as part of its releasing the new Zen-architecture Ryzen chips.

The current perception of both AMD (and Intel) among FOSS groups is not exactly stellar: see, for example, https://www.coreboot.org/Binary_situation and https://libreboot.org/faq/#amd. Companies like https://puri.sm/ exist entirely to sell secure laptops.They use Intel chips, but are not a fan of the Management Engine contained. Such people may be a minority among tech users, but it could be to AMD's advantage in a Public Image Perception against Intel having a distinctive target market, particularly one with such idealistic zeal. So please, take a moment to consider releasing the source code of the PSP to FOSS groups.


Furthermore:

 * Security through obscurity doesn't work. At some point in time, some person or organization will break this, allowing it to be used maliciously, and they may not be a white-hat who'll publish the attack vector used. If the source code is released, it's much more likely to be discovered at some point, if not before an attack can be launched, and fixed.

 * It opens up a new market. Many Libre/Coreboot users use old technology that is second hand. Second hand buying means lost sales for processor manufacturers. If releasing the source code requires very little effort, and gains customers, then why not? Also realize these customers are likely to purchase more computers than average customers, as the devices are components of their hobbies as well as their work lives.

 * AMD can compete on new ground. Advertising "AMD is not Intel" through the likes of Super Bowl ads is obviously not
   economically viable as a strategy. Given that Core/Libreboot users are usually hardcore enthusiasts, and thus the types of people who work IT jobs, in large companies (that require security) no less, these people will push Ryzen to other markets zealously, and for free too. Even if it does take some investment on your behalf to win over other corporate leaders, promotion from trusted individuals is still an invaluable resource for gaining market share.

 * "When two strong armies meet, the braver one wins, when two brave armies meet, the stronger one wins"-Unknown Considering that Ryzen is comparable to Intel's Core series, it's going to take fine details to gain an edge. Intel retracted its support for science fairs: capitalizing on that could help greatly in making AMD look unique. Those same tech people that use Libre/Coreboot will support you to the death if you continue to support the ideal of free knowledge in the context of software liberty. However, getting there first is key. The success of the EOMA68 crowd-funding campaign (https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop), due to ship soon, has already offered freed ARM devices to low-end markets. What if it continues its crusade as computing power increases? What if Intel jumps in first? Then you've lost a chance at improvement, to a competitor no less.

 * Mindshare Intel has its iconic logo, the catchy tune, what people refer to as "quality". AMD needs an identity other than just "the other guy". By releasing the code, it can reinvent itself as "the company that supports open source".
   
Please realize that this is not merely a minor issue. Amongst the general public, widespread belief in privacy as a human right thus far remains an unexplored means of marketing products amongst mainstream technology companies. By making this a feature of Ryzen, AMD is effectively unrivaled in its target market. In addition, the sub-market of technological enthusiasts amplifies the advantage provided by this. Perhaps you recognize a large part of the above material is based on a comment posted during a Reddit AMA for the new Ryzen chips. This ended up as the top comment, outvoting every competitor it had and so highlighting how prevalent support for freeing hardware support code is amongst technologically-oriented individuals. Although this is perhaps a numerically small class, it is also an extremely devoted one. Not only do such
people naturally exhibit a tendency to invest more in computer purchases, due to their use of technology as a means for enjoyment, but their fiercely loyal evangelism is what marketing firms dream of- one only needs to think of the passion with which (GNU/)Linux is pitched by its advocates to see just how much untapped potential is available to the microprocessor company willing to recognize it.

I hope you can see what is on offer here- not only to the free-software and open-source community, but also too whomever has the vision and courage to work alongside them.

Yours Sincerely,

***