TOKYO--According to a listing on its Web site, Sony has begun recruiting engineers and producers to develop network services for the PS2 and PSP. The ad marks will be the first time Sony has officially revealed plans for the PSP's network capabilities.

According to the listing, potential hires should be skilled in the development of authentication systems, billing systems, data distribution systems, and copyright management. Requirements for engineers and producers are different but specific, asking for experience in the development of Internet server systems and network architecture and experience in Internet B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer) projects for an ISP or a content provider. Knowledge of English is also a prerequisite since employees will be sent to other regions of the world to set up the network services, such as the United States, Europe, and Korea.