PlayStation 3 as Business Tool?

Helios has figured out how to install its media asset management software on a PlayStation 3's IBM-made Cell processor.

The company has customized a version of Linux to allow its server suite to run on the PS3 hardware, and will release a free installer (which uses the Yellow Dog Linux distribution) through U.K. distributor, JPY's website on 1 June.

The installer includes a test drive version of Helios UB, the enterprise client server solution which customarily works on a more expensive IBM Blade Server or Xserve. Helios reckons using a PlayStation 3 cuts the cost of deploying such solutions to under #500 (US$1,000).

The bundle included on the disc image will run for four hours at a time, allowing users to see what the software can do.

Helios managing director, Dr John Yardley 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!"

PlayStation 3 uses a 64-bit Cell processor that runs at 3.2GHz, is PowerPC-compatible with 256 MB of main memory, and has performance comparable to a single processor G5 Power Mac.