exploited-in-academia | leveraged | how-might-opensparc-be-used | centers-of-excellence

How might OpenSPARC be used/leveraged/exploited in academia?

As a basis for experimental, specialized processor designs - a few quick examples:

highly threaded, high-bandwith network processor
add more FPUs, for highly threaded HPC processing node
add crytographic processing elements, for high-bandwidth crypto engine
add coprocessors for specialized functions
research into optimizing useful work done per watt of power consumed (efficiency)
computer architecture research - add/remove instructions, new operating modes
port tools to other hardware and/or OS platforms (x86/x64, Linux, others)

Platform for compiler research for chip multi-threaded (CMT) target processors
Starting point for lab courses - a known-good design that can be modified for lab projects in computer architectureor VLSI design courses
Real-world input to test robustness of CAD tools and simulators developed at university(major industry CAD tool vendors are already doing this)
Burn derivative processors into FPGAs for quick design iteration or high-speed emulation
Trigger spin-off/start-up ventures?
Your own ideas are likely far more creative than the above!