One of the world leaders in software development tools, Metrowerks, has signed an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment to provide tools for software development on Sony's PlayStation.
Metrowerks is best known for its Codewarrior series of C, C++ and Java development tools for the Macintosh. It recently ported to Microsoft's Windows environment.
Metrowerks has also signed a deal with Microsoft to port ActiveX to the Macintosh platform.
The PlayStation specialises in high-speed graphics-oriented game software.
The agreement marks one of the first times a game machine maker has allowed software development to move on to more popular computer systems.
Brian Hu, managing director of DBZ, a Hong Kong interactive media consultancy, said: 'I think it represents a chance for independent software developers to create interesting titles.' Mr Hu said it had been difficult to develop software for such platforms because of their closed nature.