OpenBoot

The OpenBoot system is the equivalent of a PC-based BIOS but typically utilised on non-x86 architectures. The name 'OpenBoot' is a Sun Microsystem's term for 'Open Firmware', the actual technology used to boot systems and is endorsed by the IEEE. The technology originated at Sun but latterly Apple and IBM (and other non-x86 system manufacturers) have released systems implementing the standard.

See the Wikipedia article for more details on the 'Open Firmware' technology.