Folding@Home has been a big hit for Sony. So big, in fact, they're shopping the concept around. And not to any filthy, lazy universities. Oh no. No, this application has commercial benefits.

Sony are in talks with several unnamed companies about potential "commercial applications" for the PS3 along the same lines as Folding@Home. Masa Chatani, Sony's chief technical officer:

This kind of computing model could be used in a commercial application...for example, a start-up or a pharmaceutical company that lacks a super-computer could utilise this kind of infrastructure. We are discussing various options with companies and exploring commercial applications.

So while you sleep, companies can be making money off your PS3's processor. That sit well with you? No? Ah, that's where the incentives come in. Chatani has thought this one through, and suggested that companies can "buy" the use of your PS3 by sponsoring or providing products or downloads for your games.

What do you think? You cool with a company using your hardware for their business, so long as you get a little gravy? Luke Plunkett

Sony in talks on commercial use for PlayStation 3 - report [Forbes]

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