Stands for Distributed Build System, and aims to reduce those pesky compile times.
December 12, 2005
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Author: SN Systems
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alex Cavanagh
Phone: +44-(0)-117-929-9733 / E-mail: [email protected]
Media Enquiries: Alison Beasley
Phone: +44-(0)-160-864-5756 / E-mail: [email protected]
Sony Computer Entertainment
Corporate Communications
Phone: +81-3-6438-8686
Bristol, December 12, 2005 - SN Systems, a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) specializing in software development tools, today announced the launch of SN-DBS (Distributed Build System), a software tool designed to significantly reduce compile times. SN-DBS reduces compile times by distributing source code builds between cooperating PCs on a local area network.
Every new generation of game console allows developers to create bigger games, with more physics, better collision detection, superior rendering, AI and online elements. While all these elements make for a more absorbing experience for the games player, it means longer build times for the games developer. This can be extremely frustrating and time-consuming, especially when developers have to build code regularly each day.
Andy Beveridge, Director at SN Systems, said: 'Compiling is a necessary evil in game development. What isn't so necessary is the wasted time and resources that the process takes. With each build increasing in time and builds required on an almost daily basis, it's clear to us that this is an area that needs an effective and reliable solution - hence SN-DBS.'
Alex McLean, Director of Technology at Pivotal Games and trial user of SNDBS, commented: 'SN-DBS really is excellent - all the PlayStation2 developers (myself included) are finding far more development time being freed up for coding rather than waiting around for compilers to finish!'
SN-DBS is an add-on tool for game title developers using ProDG tools that can be used across multiple platforms.
Features
SN-DBS harnesses the spare processing power from all networked PCs to minimise compile times. Starting a compile from one PC distributes source files to cooperating PCs, allowing parallel compilation. The process is controlled through an intuitive GUI which allows the user to monitor each PC's status in real time.
Significantly reduce compile times
Supports Visual Studio .NET and makefiles
Automatic detection and configuration of cooperating PCs
Centralized build management at the initiating PC
View build progress
Automatic recovery if a cooperating PC goes off-line Benefits
Shortens the development cycle, saving time and money
Increase productivity and efficiency
^ The more PCs on your SN-DBS network, the faster the build. With six or more PCs in the network, a typical improvement sees the compile time reduced by 80%!
System Requirements
PCs with Intel Pentium III (or equivalent) or higher processor
Network adapter
512 MB RAM and at least 20 MB hard disk space
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft .NET framework v1.1
ProDG tools (see www.snsys.com for list of compatible products)
Visual Studio .NET integration for SN-DBS on local PC (optional)
About SN Systems
SN Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. that produces industry standard development tools used by console game programmers worldwide. SN Systems has built a high reputation for understanding and meeting the needs of games developers, delivering quality software such as ProDG, ProView and Tuner while offering unrivalled first-class support. For further information, please visit www.snsys.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
PlayStation and PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. ProDG, ProView and Tuner are trademarks of SN Systems Limited.
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