Sony's divisions also say the online gaming systems are being moved to a "new data center in a different location that has been under construction and development for several months."

Customers may see changes because "in addition, PS3 [PlayStation 3] will have a forced system software update that will require all registered PlayStation Network users to change their account passwords before being able to sign into the service. As an added layer of security, that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation, a critical step to help further protect customer data," Sony's divisions said in their statement over the weekend.

The "welcome back" program SNEI is putting together once services are up and going again in various regions is expected to include 30-day free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service for all existing PlayStation network customers, among other things. According to the Sony statement, "SNEI will continue to reinforce and verify security for transactions before resuming the PlayStation Store and other Qriocity operations, scheduled for this month."

in Network World's Wide Area Network section.