Business Model Peer-to-Peer - Is there a future beyond file sharing?

摘要

Today, the main application domain of Peer-to-Peer (p2p) networks is filesharing. It is an open question whether there are applications for this technology beyond filesharing and whether the p2p paradigm has the potential to succeed in the long run with sustainable business models. The paper comprises a model to view p2p through a technological, through a content and service and through an organizational prism. A case study of the music industry with its filesharing applications shows the potential and inherent drawbacks of p2p and the study of virtual communities illustrates how to design social networks following a p2p paradigm. The paper discusses how the experience from the design and management of virtual communities eventually benefits p2p systems.