Query: nRF8001 Bluetooth

Hello

I would like to interface nRF8001 [1] with a BeagleBone Black(BBB).

a) Can the SPI be used to communicate to nRF8001 ?

b) Has anyone been able to port the ACI protocol onto linux?

regards

[1] https://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/Bluetooth-Smart-Bluetooth-low-energy/nRF8001