Akamai to Power Playstation Network

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (AKAM), said today that its Akamai Japan subsidiary will be content delivery platform for the PlayStation Network, the online service for Sony's PlayStation 3 game console. The agreement extend's Akamai's presence in the gaming market, where its worldwide network of more than 20,000 servers has served up downloadable PC software for game makers.

The PlayStation Network is a free online service allowing PlayStation 3 users to play online games and compete against players across the Internet. Online gaming is an important battleground in the gaming indutry's "console wars," as Microsoft's Xbox Live and Nintendo's new Wii offer similar capabiltiies. The PlayStation Network's features will include video chat, messaging, matchmaking, ranking, and game data upload and download. PS3 owners will also be able to purchase content via a download service similar to the XBox Live marketplace.

"We are very excited about working with Sony Computer Entertainment on enabling PS3 users to obtain games, media, and other content via the Internet in their homes," said Paul Sagan, President and CEO of Akamai.