14 DAY TRIAL // Leading digital workflow specialist HELIOS is the latest to have tapped into the power of the Playstation 3 platform. Using the powerful Cell processor, HELIOS has customized a version of Linux to allow its server suite to run on the PS3 hardware.
The HELIOS team admits that the reasons for porting HELIOS to the PS3 are showing off programming skills, as the PS3's Cell processor provides with enough juice. Dr John Yardley, MD of HELIOS distributor JPY Plc, said "It might seem like a crazy idea, but pound for pound the PS3 offers amazing power. I expect plenty of Linux enthusiasts will find good uses for the installation, which includes powerful tools like EtherShare and WebShare. Getting HELIOS running on the platform is akin to cramming a Spitfire engine into a Mini!"
One thing that caught my eye is that users will be able to download from HELIOS' web site for free. Now, I'm not saying that all this isn't cool or anything but, if you've bought your PS3 solely for playing games and watching a Blu-ray DVD every now and then (which is practically what everyone buys it for), what's the reason? They won't give you next-gen titles that's for sure. But hey, it's nice to know all this stuff is possible with the PS3. At least the Folding@Home applications does humanity good. But will they be announcing some downloadable classic titles in the near future? For free maybe...? Not that I'm trying to pass on hints. This is probably to make people think that the PS3 is worth buying.
For more installation instructions and a nice review of the HELIOS PS3 Linux Server, please visit our Linux section. Don't forget to check out the nice video!