Cell Processor Programming Contest

IBM has launched a programming contest for college and university students. The contest seeks the most innovative applications written for the Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.).

The Cell/B.E is a multi-core device with nine processors on a single silicon die that was jointly designed by IBM, Sony, and Toshiba and used in the Playstation 3. It is really fast -- but it is also really difficult to program.

To have a shot at the $10,000 first-place prize ($2500 for the fourth-place winner), contest participants have to demonstrate mastery of the theoretical and practical uses of Cell/B.E. technologies. Students can complete an online quiz testing their knowledge of Cell/B.E. trivia (Challenge 1), or they can develop an innovative software program based on the technology -- and win a cash prize if their selection is chosen (Challenge 2).

"In today's global economy, the ability to apply advanced technology, engineering and business thinking in equal parts is a prerequisite for success," said Nick Donofrio, IBM Executive Vice President, Innovation and Technology. "This contest gives students a unique opportunity to take the technology underpinnings of the Cell Broadband Engine and then imagine what is possible given their own skills and interests. They are the earliest adopters of these advanced technologies and in the best position to see new opportunities to take full advantage of its capabilities."

To find out more about developing the Cell processor, watch for the article "Programming the Cell Processor" by Daniele Paolo Scarpazza, Oreste Villa, and Fabrizio Petrini, which will appear in the April 2007 issue of Dr. Dobb's Journal.

Posted by Jon Erickson at 04:13 PM  Permalink