Beyond File Sharing–Commerce in Peer-to-Peer Networks: Surveying the Landscape
Jared Spencer · Journal of Internet Commerce · 2006
Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks have become ubiquitous due to their synonymous association with illicit file sharing. Although P2P networks offer the unique ability for users to work and share data directly with each other, they also have become a harbor for those illegally trading copyright-protected material. These concerns have led to a variety of court actions that have taken P2P technology itself to the verge of being declared illegal. This paper explores the developments in the P2P marketplace and investigates the hypothesis that commercial opportunities exist for this unique medium. Through a review of past and current research, legal issues, and existing and developing applications, the researcher explores the potential for P2P networks to facilitate legitimate, e-commerce-based applications.