IBM Launches Key Software Development Tools

IBM, Sony and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (Sony and SCE together referred to as "Sony Group") announced the release of new software components and documentation -- including extensions to Linux(TM) that support Cell programming -- for the groundbreaking Cell Broadband Engine Architecture (CBEA) technology.

These resources are available on developerWorks (www.ibm.com/developerworks/power/cell), IBM's forum for developers, and through the University of Barcelona Supercomputing Center.

"With this software and documentation, IBM, along with Sony Group and Toshiba, are providing the means to explore as yet undiscovered uses for the Cell Broadband Engine through developing value-add software applications," said Jim Kahle, IBM Fellow.

The following Linux operating system, compilers, and utilities are now available that provide software fundamental infrastructure for the Cell Broadband Engine (CBE) microprocessor.
• Linux for CBEA -- IBM is distributing source patches for the Linux operating system that provide services needed to support the hardware facilities of the Cell Broadband Engine microprocessor. These Linux operating system patches include the run-time programming interfaces needed to manage and utilize the Cell's synergistic processing elements (SPE's). The CBE Linux Reference Implementation Application Binary Interface Specification, V1.0 has been published simultaneously.

• gcc and binutils for the Synergistic Processing Elements -- Distributed by the Sony Group, this code contains the GNU Compiler Collection (gcc) compiler for the SPE implemented by Sony Computer Entertainment, which also supports the standards defined in the SPU C/C++ Language Extensions V2.0, SPU Application Binary Interface Specification V1.3, and Synergistic Processor Unit (SPU) Instruction Set Architecture V1.0 documents previously released.

"This joint effort by IBM, Toshiba and the Sony Group to build the Cell development infrastructure is an important step into the future," said Masakazu Suzuoki, deputy senior vice president, Semiconductor Development Division, SCEI.

By opening up a wide set of technical specifications to software developers, Business Partners, academic and research organizations, and potential customers, IBM, Sony Group and Toshiba continue their work to aggressively stimulate the creation of applications for CBEA technology.

IBM develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art semiconductor and interconnect technologies, products and services including industry-leading Power Architecture microprocessors.

IBM semiconductors are a major contributor to the company's position as the world's largest information technology company. Its chip products and solutions power IBM eServer and TotalStorage systems as well as many of the world's best-known electronics brands.