RapidMind, Terra Soft Partner For PS3 Linux Dev Kit

Multi-core development platform provider RapidMind and Linux package provider Terra Soft have announced a new partnership to help developers create applications for the PlayStation 3 running Yellow Dog Linux and other Cell-based hardware. As part of the new arrangement, RapidMind will provide a full-featured evaluation version of the RapidMind Development Platform v2.0 for distribution from Terra Soft's YDL.net Enhanced accounts. The open-ended platform gives developers the means to develop applications for all hardware utilizing the Cell BE, whether for the PlayStation 3 or as a jumping off point for deployments to other Cell BE based products, including those from IBM, Sony, or Mercury. Said RapidMind CEO Ray Depaul, "It's exciting to imagine what will happen when you put a supercomputer-class PlayStation 3 with a great OS into the hands of developers. Developers are eager to take advantage of the Cell BE and the PlayStation 3 without the need to understand the underlying architecture of this complex multi-core processor. The RapidMind platform makes that possible." Terra Soft CEO Kai Staats added, "The PlayStation 3 places a supercomputer in the home. Yellow Dog Linux provides a complete Linux OS for the PlayStation 3 resulting in a very powerful computing platform. We are thrilled to be working with RapidMind to make this platform more accessible for professional developers and hobbyists alike."