http://kotaku.com/5248465/ps3-to-become-a-platform-for-web-services-psn-coming-to-other-devices

Looks like Sony's move away from physical media isn't just being confined to the PSP, with Sony boss Sir Howard Stringer indicating that the PlayStation 3 is also moving towards online delivery.

Of course, you can already buy games and other content online via the PlayStation Network - and have been able to do so since the console's launch - but the wording of Stringer's statement suggests that Sony will be going much farther with the whole thing than just offering a few downloadable shelf titles (Warhawk, etc) and the odd artsy game for $10.

"We developed brand new, absolutely incredible technology for the PlayStation 3 (PS3), but the cost was high", Stringer told Nikkei Electronics Asia. "We've adopted a slightly different approach now, and are evolving the PS3 into a platform for web services".

"...Sony has begun the transition from a closed system to an open one", he continues. "Next we will be expanding the PlayStation Network to hardware other than the PS3, because the number of PS3 units sold puts a limit on the scale of the network possible. Sony has a vertical structure for each product line, an organisational structure that resists change, so it will take time to achieve this network growth. However, a large number of employees share my opinion on this".

Potentially big news, that. In recent months, Sony has begun the long, hard task of "centralising" all of their hardware, rolling out features like the XMB user interface and online connectivity across much of Sony's lineup, dvd players to cameras.

How long, I wonder, til we see Bravia televisions coming with a control pad and access to the PSN?

If PSN becomes "open" to the web, Is Sony giving up on the PS3? Slightly?

misleading title.
anyway this
"ony has a vertical structure for each product line, an organisational structure that resists change"

is very interesting because the have recognize a big problem they have and are going to fix it.

 How is it misleading?

" Sony has begun the transition from a closed system to an open one", he continues. "Next we will be expanding the PlayStation Network to hardware other than the PS3, because the number of PS3 units sold puts a limit on the scale of the network possible. Sony has a vertical structure for each product line, an organisational structure that resists change, so it will take time to achieve this network growth. However, a large number of employees share my opinion on this".

Those are the EXACT QUOTES of Sir Howard Stringer. Not misleading at all

Uhh...no?  What makes you say that?  The reason he said, and I quote, "the number of PS3 units sold puts a limit on the scale of the network" means exactly what it says.  If they're going to expand the service into what they want it to be, they need more than 20 million users able to access it.  And of the 20 million that have PS3's, maybe half have access to/use PSN regularly.  So you're building a platform for 10 million people.  That's not enough, especially for a company like Sony to develop a service for.  The same would be the issue for the 360 - there isn't enough of an install base to justify it.  If they open it up to PC, that adds an almost infinite number of possible users.  Not to mention using other mediums like their Bravia TV's, Blu-Ray players, etc. 

I think it's a smart move, but it worries me at the same time.  I'm hoping it doesn't create lag issues for people playing on PSN, or kill PS3/PSP users' download rates (which can sometimes already be low enough).  I'm all for opening up and allowing more people in, I think it's only going to increase the amount of content available which is always a good thing - I just hope they do it right.

It's not misleading, but it's taking an unneccesary jab.  Since we don't know exactly the scale of what they're trying to do, it's safe to say that 360 would say the same thing.  Read what I said - would you rather your service be available to 20 million people or 200+ million people?  Maybe you aren't about your money, but I'ma get mine..

Not at all,  I think it just means that the PSN service will be available to many of Sony's product lines.  maybe Blu-Ray players will have HDD installed so they can connect to the internet and download movies from the music store, or possibly even their Bravia TVs.  I dont know if Sony still makes phones, there were talks of Sony Ericsson closing I thought, but this might expand to them as well.  Maybe their laptop computers will also have access as well.  Maybe even their walkman MP3 players

When you open up a platform like PSN to everyone, it kills the need for a PS3.  Its the combination of Software + hardware that locks users into a closed system. Similar to I tunes + I pod, OSX + Macs, etc. PSN losing PS3 exclusivity is slightly giving up on the PS3.

Not necessarily,  when they say open up they may mean they will also open up its offerings as well.  Like include Weather information, news.  And maybe add in new stores like a music store and a music video store as well.  The only way it kills the need for a PS3 is if other machines start getting the ability to play PS3 games, and I mean disc games not downloadable PSN games.  Cause i dont know of anyone who would pay $400+ for Flower, Noby Noby Boy and Super Stardust HD.