PS3 Becomes a Workstation
PS3 Becomes a Workstation
June 4, 2007: Helios says it can install its digital asset management software on a PlayStation 3's IBM-made Cell processor.
Helios has released a free version of its modified Yellow Dog Linux v 5.0 operating system which utilises the IBM 64-bit GHz Cell processor to provide a Linux server for Sony PlayStation 3. The stripped down version of Yellow Dog Linux has been optimised to allow Sony’s Playstation 3 to be used as a test-drive server.
The PS3 Game operating system already offers features such as video games, movies, and photos, while HELIOS' Yellow Dog Linux adds a powerful server OS. Together they provide a unique combination of entertainment and server system.
HELIOS claims it has delivered a lightweight, low-overhead server environment on the PS3, while offering a test-drive platform for its file, print, PDF and image server software.
The software comes on a CD disk image, installs in less than 6 minutes, and provides a Linux server operating system with DHCP network settings, support for Java 1.5 and AppleTalk enhanced kernel.
The PS3 uses a 64-bit cell processor which runs at 3.2 GHz, is PowerPC (PPC) compatible with 256 MB of main memory, and has performance comparable to a G5 single CPU. The PS3 comes with the NVIDIA RSX Graphics Processing Unit, has a 60 GB 2.5" swappable serial ATA disk and offers WLAN and Gigabit Ethernet for network connectivity.
"Our Linux distribution for PS3 is another milestone in our support for the Open Source Community", explained Helmut Tschemernjak, CEO and president of Helios Software. "Helios Software runs everywhere: beginning with UNIX and Intel Linux to Mac OS X, Windows, and now the PS3 Entertainment Center.”
The product is available locally through Australian distributor, Databasics.