"...According to an Intel release, the company will release what it calls "firmware foundation code" under the open source Common Public License (CPL) later this year. The code, along with a driver development kit, will allow companies to develop updated BIOS (Basic Input Output System) code--the software that enables the startup process in most PCs--as well as compatible hardware drivers. ..."
It will certainly make writing drivers easier, but what about hardware clones?