O'Reilly P2P Directory

What's New
The O'Reilly P2P directory lists companies, projects and initiatives related to peer-to-peer technologies. •  Collanos Workplace
•  Outhink
•  VXNET
•  ZetaGrid
•  PeerMetrics
Category View | Alphabetical Listing | Detail Listing
.NET Microsoft's .NET consists of a "set of building block services" including Passport.NET (for user authentication) as well as services for file storage, user preference management, calendar management, and many other tasks. The .NET strategy is built around the principle of web services that are built around SOAP's XML messaging framework. The idea is for the internet itself to be the basis of a new operating system that is capable of providing application services previously only available to the desktop. The focus seems to be divided into services for developers, IT professionals and businesses. Microsoft's .NET website provides a simple definition of .NET as well as a number of white papers that are available for review.
Internet Operating System, Servers/Services as Peers
1stWorks 1stworks Corporation provides an interactive peer-to-peer collaboration platform that is based on its own patented peer network addressing technology and content management architecture. The company's hotComm client enables drag and drop file sharing, instant messaging, interactive text messaging, voice connections and web tours between participating hotComm users on the Web. hotComm supports multiple communication modes including "Text Messaging" that transmits every single word separately so that the message builds dynamically in front of the recipient and Voice features that direct audio connections between hotComm users.

IM-Live is a component of hotComm that provides immediate, serverless, Internet-based Messaging for sales and service applications, using a Java applet to create a direct, real time connection to customers or prospects. ezPeer provides the platform's dynamic addressing capabilities. See the hotComm User Guide for more details.
Collaboration, File-Sharing
AgentWare AgentWare's Syndicator is an open-architecture Java and XML-based software development suite for creating distributed applications and services for the Internet. The Syndicator development suite consists of the builder, the content monitor, wireless and broadband enablers, an XML development interface and support for SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol). Syndicator provides a simple interface for developing e-business applications, syndication applications, and a host of off-the-shelf packaged solutions. It also supports integration with many popular e-business application servers like BEA WebLogic, Apache Jakarta Tomcat, IBM WebSphere, iPlanet and ATG's Dynamo. Data sheets and several online demonstrations for the Syndicator suite are available for review.
Development Frameworks
Akamai Technologies, Inc. Akamai Technologies' core intelligent mapping technology is known as EdgeAdvantage, an independently-controlled content distribution service (CCD) based on Peer-to-Peer technologies. The company was cofounded by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Laboratory for Computer Science (M.I.T. LCS) professor Tom Leighton, an expert in parallel algorithms, applied mathematics and fault tolerance in distributed networks. Akamai provides what is commonly known as content peering, the task of optimizing large and complex networks and keeping large sites up and serving content, applications and streaming media at usable rates. Akamai's FreeFlow service delivers content via its global network utilizing sophisticated algorithms developed by M.I.T. researchers. The service continuously monitors Internet conditions to discover the optimal "edge server" and delivery route for each request. Akamai's Digital Parcel Service (DPS) combines enhanced content delivery with digital rights management capabilities to form a licensed digital media content distribution system.
Infrastructure, Licensed Media Distribution
Alberg Software HIVE is Alberg Software's Enterprise P2P Platform for developing new, collaborative applications based on Sun's JXTA technology. Unlike Lotus Notes and other collaborative business process management applications, HIVE operates without the use of a central server for regulating processes or storing data. The program also comes equipped with a set of utility components and tools for creating "Discussions", "Instant Messaging", "File Sharing", "Calendering" and other features. The Hive 1.0 Beta is available for download.
Collaboration, Distributed Objects
AllCast The AllCast software-based platform provides peer-to-multipeer content distribution for the content webcaster that also allows the content owner to maintain a 'cascading' environment. The new network distribution model represented by AllCast is based on its own patented technology (US5884031) to ensure that there are no bandwidth or server bottlenecks regardless of the size of the stream or audience. AllCast claims that its technology can enable content-providers with the ability to webcast easily and securely in a scalable fashion that allows a maximum number of listeners or viewers to participate for a much lower cost than most currently-deployed live Internet broadcasting systems (audio or video, narrow or broadband). AllCast's streaming media broadcast technology provides the passive conduit functions necessary to ensure that content is delivered to end users in a quality fashion.
Superdistribution
Alliance Consulting, Inc. Alliance Consulting, Inc. is a consulting firm that specializes in offering Peer-To-Peer solutions utilizing the Groove Networks business collaboration and component based distributed application platform. Alliance tries to apply a Dell business model to consulting, and specializes in solutions pairing existing network infrastructures with Groove software to provide basic P2P collaboration "out of the box". Alliance also provides custom solutions through its Web Development Center, staffed with Microsoft Distributed Internet Applications (Microsoft DNA), Java 2 Enterprise Edition (Java2EE) and Groove specialists, for systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and financial applications.
Infrastructure
Amaya Web Editor/Browser Amaya is an open-source browser and authoring tool from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It allows web pages to be read or written to, and may eventually include support for third-party annotation.
The Writeable Web
Anthill Anthill is an experimental framework created by members of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bologna. Anthill's goal is to simplify P2P application development and deployment by freeing the programmer of all low-level details including communication, security and ant scheduling.

Anthill is based on the multi-agent system (MAS) paradigm and strives to integrate the evolutionary techniques of natural systems into its framework. Gnutant is an ant algorithm implementing a document sharing application. There is also a prototype implementation of a real network environment. A development site, publications and Javadoc-generated documentation is available.
Agents as Peers, Development Frameworks
AudioFind AudioFind maintains web based Peer-To-Peer (P2P) network search services. AudioFind.com is a searchable directory of MP3 and other audio files that crawls the Internet for updated content on a daily basis. Gnute Network Search is a searchable directory that allows users to locate and download audio, image, movie and software files located on the Gnutella P2P network. Both search services employ the Engage privacy service to protect the privacy of users via browser ads that do not collect personal information and permission-based e-mail.
File-Sharing
BabbleNet BabbleNet is an XML-based communication protocol and real time chat application that IBM describes as "a cross between Gnutella and Internet Relay Chat". BabbleNet's P2P modular framework and multicast peer location protocol allow decentralized, ad hoc chat networks to be constructed by users without connecting to or involving a centralized server. Users may also edit a babblenet.properties file to create private subnets. BabbleNet supports all Java platforms. The distribution is free for non-commercial and lawful use under the terms of an IBM alphaWorks License Agreement.
Messaging Frameworks
BadBlue BadBlue's line of server products is designed to transform any client workstation into a powerful, search-enabled web server with built-in security features for creating and managing user accounts and passwords and restricting access to shared areas and virtual directories. The BadBlue system also provides users with the ability to share Microsoft Office files such as Excel spreadsheets and Word documents in real time, and supports CGI, ISAPI, PHP and popular web extensions. The BadBlue core small footprint server is only 65k and was designed for use within mobile and embedded devices. A version of the BadBlue Personal Edition is freely available for the Windows 95, 98, ME and NT 4 platforms. Two white papers, A Standards-based, P2P Approach to Marketplaces and Exchanges and BadBlue Platform Approach: A Web Server in every device, provide more details about the company's technology strategy.
File-Sharing, Security
Base One International Base One develops programming tools and middleware for developing P2P applications. The company uses its patent-pending technologies to extend Microsoft's Visual C++ and MFC classes and connect to any existing database including: SQL Server, Access, Sybase, IBM DB2, Oracle and SQL Anywhere. The company's Base/1 Internet Server (BIS) and other products are all build upon the same Peer-to-Peer, Rich Client Architecture. Current clients include Deutsche Bank, who uses BaseOne to create a virtual supercomputer able to do the work of a mainframe.
Development Frameworks, Distributed Computation, Security
BEEP BEEP (Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol) is an XML-based messaging framework for building application protocols in progress at the IETF.

BEEP will provide a generic application protocol kernel for asynchronous interactions that is designed to permit simultaneous and independent exchanges of both textual and binary messages.
Messaging Frameworks
BIAP Systems, Inc. BIAP Systems, Inc.'s GOtrieve is a software platform for retrieving, integrating and sharing content across networks or the Internet. GOtrieve uses open-source technology including HTML and XML to create customized "agents" that can retrieve web- or network-based content from multiple sources. The content is then compiled into a single, custom designed page that can be accessed by any web-enabled device, including web-ready cellular phones and PDA's.
Agents as Peers
Bioinformatics.org: The Open Lab "Bioinformatics.org: The Open Lab" is a non-profit organization established in 1998 at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to provide Open Source software for bioinformatics by hosting its development and keeping biological information freely available. The group has 300 members working on a dozen products. One of which is "Piper", a Peer-To-Peer (P2P) distributed scripting language originally used to build a P2P collaboration tool for distributed bioinformatics applications. A FAQ is available onsite that provide more details about this organization and the nature of its work and projects.
Collaboration, Development Frameworks, Distributed Computation
Bitzi Bitzi is a freely-available open community "metacatalog" that allows users to describe, rate and verify any type of digital content based each file's uniquely-distinctive "bitprint" (cryptographic hash). Bitzi's comprehensive catalog of the available files from various decentralized networks (such as Gnutella, FreeNet and Napster) also provides users with a bit-level authentication system for determining if their downloaded files are complete and uncorrupted. Bitzi has a developer program and will be making its service available to the public in the future.
Metadata
Biz2Peer Technologies Biz2Peer is developing a peer-to-peer marketplace platform that can be used to create e-commerce and Supply Chain Management systems. The company's architecture is designed to solve many of the shortcomings and problems of centralized platforms.
Development Frameworks
Blogger Blogger makes web publishing easier by providing an easy-to-use interface to update your web site. Blogger can be used to create an individual or group weblog that can be transferred to the user's own domain.
The Writeable Web
Bluetooth Bluetooth wireless technology is emerging as a de facto standard for short-range wireless connections between cell phones and other mobile and portable devices. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group consists of companies in telecommunications, computing, and networking industries that are driving the development of the technology and backing it on the market.

For an introduction to the technology, see "Personal Area Network: A Bluetooth Primer."
Devices as Peers
Brazil Project Brazil an enterprise P2P Java technology developed and tested at Sun Labs over the last two years that is now available for download. If you are a developer using Java technology, it's worth a serious look. The Brazil project is a web-based infrastructure that links people securely to information, computers and other devices leveraging existing standards and protocols. The framework enables stand-alone systems to work together within the Web space. A strong authentication architecture allows extranets to access intranets in an open environment without compromising security. The Brazil project's approach extends the endpoints of a network to new applications and smaller devices. At the same time it can incorporate legacy applications. It seems to be a much more evolved Jini API.
Devices as Peers, Infrastructure
Buzzpad, Inc. Buzzpad, Inc.'s initial product release is BuzzPad Linker, a Peer-To-Peer file sharing, messaging and gaming product. Buzzpad Linker enables a user to create contact lists, send Instant Message (IM) chats and allow multiple people to "link" to each other and use applications together. A number of free multiplayer games for the Buzzpad Linker made by Freeloads Games (freeloads.com), a division of Buzzpad, Inc., are available for download.

Freeloads.com offers Peer-To-Peer gaming and social interaction based upon the Buzzpad Linker P2P gaming platform. The Freeloads P2P Games Suite (Solitaire, E-Battle, Snakes, Quadris, Go-Moku, Checkers and Chess) is installed by the user for online P2P (including chat) or offline individual play. Windows, a Pentium computer, 16 MB RAM, SVGA 640x480 with 256 colors resolution, 2x CD-ROM drive, a mouse, and a 28.8 connection to the Internet are required.
Gaming
BXXP BXXP is an XML-based messaging framework for building application protocols that was used as a starting point for the IETF BEEP (Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol) Working Group's efforts.

BXXP was the brainchild of Marshall Rose, now of Invisible Worlds.
Messaging Frameworks, Servers/Services as Peers
CareScience, Inc. Care Data Exchange is CareScience, Inc.'s peer-to-peer technology that enables the exchange of information between healthcare organizations by providing highly secure, real-time Internet access to clinical results, patient demographics, medical records and other critical data. The system uses Intel's IAS (Internet Authentication Services) for its managed authentication services, and its risk assessment technologies are based on the Corporate Hospital Rating Project rules library developed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and rules libraries developed by The Wharton School of Business. CareScience, Inc. offers its public data benchmarking product, CaduCIS Net, free of charge to all hospitals, physician groups, health systems and plans.
Distributed Computation, File-Sharing
CenterSpan CenterSpan Communications Corporation recently purchased Scour and the Scour Exchange, and will be relaunching as both legal and secure systems for sharing music, movies and images over the Internet. Before aquiring Scour's assets, CenterSpan's already had its own client software, Socket, which provides a "group activity hub" that combines instant messaging with collaborative applications and multiplayer gaming. (See game demonstration page.) Take an interactive tour of Socket's file sharing and instant messaging capabilities.
Collaboration, Gaming
Centrata Born at MIT and developed by pioneers in distributed computing, Centrata has created technology that connects desktop computers in an effort to create an enterprise-class computing platform.
Distributed Computation
ChessBrain ChessBrain is a globally distributed Chess playing network by veteran programmer Carlos Justiniano. The Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and XML -powered P2P framework currently connects hundreds of node operators in 24 countries. Players request a serial number and download a game viewer client that interacts with the main ChessBrain server, known as the SuperNode server. The SuperNode server dispatches move branches to hundreds of peernode servers for processing. The six kinds of clients currently used are PHP game viewer, Java/Flash MX game viewer, C++/Win32/DirectX3D game viewer, Linux/Win32/Cygwin/MacOS X server node, PHP SOAP proxy (for returning SOAP responses) and a SOAP::Lite-driven Perl test suite that handles important automated testing tasks. A C++-based intelligent agent named Shannon runs as a SuperNode thread to communicate with Free Internet Chess Server (FICS).

The primary ChessBrain servers provide two publicly accessible sites, chessbrain.net and distributedchess.net. All ChessBrain SuperNode and PeerNode interactions take place via SOAP over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which is utilized as a common protocol allowing communications between ActionScript, C++, Java, Perl, and PHP programs running on Linux, MacOS X and Windows. The ChessBrain site provides links to a Quick Summary covering ChessBrain technology, the ChessBrain Web service, a global map of the ChessBrain Network, a well stocked Resources page, a FAQ and Mobile ChessBrain.
Distributed Computation, Infrastructure
Clip2 Clip2 Distributed Search Solutions (Clip2 DSS) develops and provides technical data and research for the Gnutella developer and end user communities. The company also recently released the Clip2 Reflector, a proxy server with indexing capabilities designed to operate as a "super peer" that works in conjunction with one or more Gnutella servents to enable a "brokered peer-to-peer" networking model. Although the actual file transfer is still handled directly between peers, the rationale is that using a network management application to broker the search requests improves network performance overall. The Java-based application requires a Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE), Standard Edition, Version 1.3.0 (or equivalent) and is compatible with all software implementing version 0.4 of the Gnutella protocol.
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing
Collanos Workplace

Virtual collaboration has never been more simple, secure and practical. Within minutes you can be sharing documents, having online discussions, and managing tasks, all in a single, consolidated space. Built on reliable peer-to-peer technology, Collanos Workplace software allows you to work anywhere, anytime, both online and offline.

Collanos addresses the growing pains of teams being overloaded with information scattered across various communication channels, notably congested email inboxes. Ad-hoc cross-organizational teams easily and securely access, update and share team knowledge locally on their computers within the context of their activities. Teams can reach their goals faster and more effectively. The base version of the product is offered free of charge and is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Collanos was founded in November 2003 and has offices in San Francisco and Zurich, Switzerland.


Collaboration, P2P
Colloquia Colloquia is a Java-based P2P collaboration tool with a built-in network browser interface designed to support and encourage self-organizing groups. Users primarily interact through P2P text messaging, and can share local files or resources downloaded from the Web. Originally developed with the aid of grants for UK Higher Education, the program was inspired by theories of the importance of conversation in human activities, and the importance of context to conversations. Colloquia was designed as a tool for distributed learning, for activities such as teachers providing assignments then directing the resulting conversations, peers setting up study circles, or groups using the software as a project management tool.

Colloquia is free to non-profit educational establishments. It supports Windows 95/98/98SE/ME/NT/2000/XP, MacOS X, AIX, Solaris, Linux, HP-UX, Unix and other Java-enabled Platforms. The program requires Java 2 (included in the download package), a processor speed of 200 MHz or better, 64 Mb of RAM (128 Mb recommended) and 40 Mb of free space. A dedicated email account for the program is also recommended.


Collaboration
Consilient, Inc. Consilient, Inc. builds software using a many-to-many Peer-To-Peer network infrastructure, which shares some characteristics of email and Web browsing systems. At the core of its XML and Java-based software is a new kind of intelligent process agent known as a "Sitelet": a small, portable applet. Sitelets are mobile J2EE/XML-based web applications that contain both the code required to present a user interface and the data required to manage the process instance. Created for e-business, Sitelets connect individual applications and transactions to create an infrastructure for sharing information in a Peer-To-Peer fashion.

Sitelets record all activity throughout the course of their participation in a virtual process. Sitelets are self-contained and asynchronous that can operate on any client or server in any location that are executed by, and move between, instances of a Java run-time environment called a "Peer". Peers may be extended to include a wide variety of process enhancing components, including task oriented templates (e.g., a purchase order), domain-specific logic (e.g., contract management), Sitelet processing services (e.g., digital signature) or gateways to existing applications. A Sitelet SDK is available.
Agents as Peers, Infrastructure
DataSynapse DataSynapse is a global provider of application virtualization software. The company's flagship products, GridServer® and FabricServer™, virtualize business-critical applications and adaptively provision them across a real-time infrastructure. DataSynapse drives business agility through shared services, helping clients reduce the cost and complexity of their IT infrastructure. The company is headquartered in New York City and can be found at www.datasynapse.com.
Distributed Computation
DigitalOwl, Inc. DigitalOwl, Inc. is the developer of KineticEdge end-to-end Digital Rights Management (DRM) software and services. The KineticEdge packaging tool is TitleFusion, a Windows application for embedding metadata information (such as royalty, brand, and price information) into a content file during encryption. It can also assign different rights to different parts of a document, known as "micropackaging". TitlePool is an Oracle 8i-based content repository, where additional metadata is added to enhance searching. TitleWave handles sales to consumers, including tracking licenses and storing customer profiles. Vision is Windows client software for viewing KineticEdge content. Supported file formats include XML, the Open EBook (OEB), PDF, JPEG and HTML. Catalyst is the name of the available support and consulting services. Clients can pick all or only specific KineticEdge components (except TitleFusion, which DigitalOwl must handle). Content is hosted on a distributed Peer-To-Peer network, which enables a variety of online intellectual property transaction usage models, including pay-per-use. KineticEdge uses Certicom encryption (which supports wireless devices) and relies on proprietary digital certificates rather than a third party certificate authority.
Licensed Media Distribution
Distributed.net Distributed.net is a non-profit organization, founded in 1997, to promote distributed computing and develop applications that enable it. The project says its efforts now encompass thousands of users around the world, and its computing power has grown to become equivalent to that of more than 160,000 Pentium II, 266-Mhz computers working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Distributed Computation
Dynaptics Dynaptics Personal E.ssistant products are designed to analyze visitor behavior within a website and deliver relevant content. The product family consists of the Personal Sales E.ssistant (PSE) and the Personal Information E.ssistant (PIE). The sales model is designed to provide predictive on-screen messages and recommendations based on real-time information and historical sales data. The information model is designed to tailor the content and navigation of a website "on-the-fly" by analyzing the information the visitor is viewing. Personal E.ssistants are available from Dynaptics as stand-alone or hosted applications. More information and an FAQ are also available.
Servers/Services as Peers
Ecocys Technologies Ecocys Technologies develops the TaskShareTM infrastructure, a set of content/data-management tools that use familiar web-based technologies (the Web, e-mail, peer-to-peer computing, and wireless connectivity) to link people, data and devices together into a cohesive collaborative process management system. TaskShare leverages open standards-based technologies such as Java, XML, HTTP, JINI, SQL and SSL, to create a peer-to-peer collaborative technology platform, enabling the creation and management of both lightweight and heavy-duty business processes on-demand. Ecocys Product Suite's Easelet Administrator provides wizards for customizing the configurations of the peer-to-peer infrastructure's service components, while its Process Builder Wizards allow users to create ad hoc "task teams" that share and exchange data, documents and multi-media objects. Team members can collaborate in real-time via chat, video conferencing, instant messaging and e-mail, before integrating the results into the company's existing corporate database.
Agents as Peers, Collaboration, Distributed Objects
Eikon Eikon is a Java -powered prototype for distributed image search engine software. The engine receives the URL of an image, then locates a user-defined number of similar images on the network. The query image may be in a wide range of forms, for example a thumbnail, scan, video capture or user-generated drawing. Image metadata can be retrieved via Extensible Markup Language Remote Procedure Calls (XML-RPC).

The Eikon project employs the Fast Multiresolution Image Querying method, which is described in a white paper (mrquery.pdf, 446k) by Charles E. Jacobs, Adam Finkelstein and David H. Salesin of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington. This page provides links to documentation for the Eikon Application Programming Interface (API), additional research references and a FAQ.
Distributed Search Engines
eLiberation eLiberation is a two-year-old Internet software company that uses its "relational micro-transaction technology" to offer streaming and downloadable file tracking, reporting and revenue allocation. Its Integrated Peer Commerce System (IPCS)provides digital content owners with a method of commercializing the distribution of their digital media within a peer-to-peer environment ("superdistribution"), that includes: high volume micro-payments, royalty tracking and revenue distribution, content distribution control, protection of intellectual property and copyrights, marketing control and back-end reporting. IPCS is made up of three smaller services/mechanisms: a Financial Transaction Management (FTM) tracking and reporting service, a Digital Rights Management (DRM) access control mechanism that allows publishers and artists to manage their own intellectual property rights and Rich Information Files (RIF) that enable new marketing opportunities to be provided at the point of sale by allowing value-added sales and marketing information to be included along with the digital content distribution.

eLiberation's first commercial implementation of its Financial Transaction Management model is ePilot.com, a cost-per-click search engine that pays its members to search for information using the company's patent-pending ePilot application. The ePilot site performs over 3 million micro-transcactions every day. eLiberation has also partnered with Groove Networks to provide a branded version of its FTM software to Groove's File Sharing users.
Licensed Media Distribution, Superdistribution
eMikolo Networks The "Demand Driven Access" (DDA) suite of appliances from eMikolo Networks is designed to create an "Intelligent Distribution Network" (IDN) by reducing the cost of content distribution and increasing network performance and scalability. The DDA suite achieves this through the use of various content and distribution management techniques enabling a network to scale to its maximum capacity. This product is not yet available for review.
Licensed Media Distribution, Superdistribution
Endeavors Technology, Inc. Endeavor's products (Magi Suite) focus on document management and control over the Web using Java technology and open source standards such as HTTP, WAP/WML, XML, especially for its work flow sharing product. Document management and control includes remote document control, including authoring, publishing, sharing, manipulation, approval, collaboration and more in a secure and scalable way over the Web.
Devices as Peers, Security
Engenia Software, Inc. Engenia developes Unity, which is "XML-based web-enabled software for managing corporate and personal data." In other words, it's a collaborative workgroup solution. Unity is a virtual distributed file system that lets users share information, no matter where it resides. In Unity, information is stored in an object that possesses context. Objects in turn are discovered, managed, and maintain currency and relevancy through their relationships with other objects. The content of an Engenia Unity object is its set of properties and methods that define its behavior, user interface, and interaction with other objects. Objects can communicate with each other without the need for a centralized administrator. As each new object enters the system, it can easily interact with existing ones. The company's management team consists of former IBM and Lotus executives. It was founded in 1998, and is currently in second round of financing.
Collaboration, Distributed Objects
Entropia Download the Entropia app to your PC, and it uses your computer's idle resources in distributed computing applications for philanthropic organizations.
Distributed Computation
Eudora Qualcomm's e-mail client, Eudora, integrates P2P technology into its existing e-mail services. Users running Eudora can share and synchronize files within a directory on their local machine. The Eudora client uses "ESP" (Eudora Sharing Protocol) to insure that each user has the most recently updated files and information when files are transferred to other clients within a defined user group. Eudora supports all standard e-mail features, including the ability to import data from other mail clients such as Outlook, Outlook Express and Netscape Messenger. Eudora is available in three different distribution "modes". A FAQ and white paper are also available.
File-Sharing
Everything Everything Development Company's "Everything" is a MySQL/Perl-based information management system for entering, linking, and retrieving information that can also be used to create "writable" web sites. Everything's community-building features include a "Chatterbox" to enable realtime communication between users and a voting system that helps establish trust among users.

The Everything home page provides a working example of the "writable" platform in action, and also features news, poetry and commentary from the Web at large. Other example implementations include: a collaborative writer's workshop application, a system for tracking client browsing patterns, a collaborative database of pop-culture and a travel advice website.
The Writeable Web
ExactOne, Inc. ExactOne, Inc. enables real time searches of dynamic data residing throughout the Internet via its ExactOne Query Engine. The specialized Java application consists of a front-end Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request server that deals directly with end users via browsers or online applications, and a back end query and parsing engine. Results of searches can be returned as a formatted HTML page or an XML data stream. Dynamic data, or information in Web pages and databases that changes frequently, has traditionally been difficult to mine. A typical use of ExactOne's technology would be a shopping bot that accepts the type of item and price range desired from a shopper's Web browser or cell phone, and returns a formatted page of links to matching items available in real time.
Distributed Search Engines
eZ eZmeeting is a peer-to-peer application aimed at facilitating virtual meetings. Its features include a real-time shared whiteboard, real-time chat, and file sharing.
Collaboration
Fairtunes Fairtunes is a free, voluntary, digital music payment system that allows music fans to voluntarily send money to, compensate or tip, any artist for their work. Fairtunes empowers any artist to receive money online in the form of a voluntary payment. Fairtunes' FreeAmp is a multi-platform music listening program used to access Fairtunes artist web pages. A FAQ is available for more information.
Licensed Media Distribution
Fatbubble, Inc. Fatbubble is an instant messaging and file sharing client that's all about "hanging out" with your digital buddies. The creators of Fatbubble are major web surfers and IM users who wanted to create a system for sharing recommendations on local restaurants and entertainment in addition to the normal IM and file sharing features (IM tools, browsers, e-mail, and phone service). With Fatbubble, users can check out each other's bookmarks, music and book collections, and social calendars, or find out if any of your friends' friends happen to be at the same party. The company plans to make its services available to PDAs and mobile phones in the near future.
File-Sharing, Messaging Frameworks
File Rogue, Inc. File Rogue, Inc. is the developer of File Rogue, a Java based Peer-To-Peer file sharing client application and service for Windows, Macintosh or Linux. File Rogue users must create an account for themselves (free) and then create a "Personal Catalogue" of files. The list is uploaded to the "Global Catalogue" on the File Rogue Server. At launch time, the user may perform searches of the catalog of shared files or browse through categories. Instant messaging service is also available. Users are required to download and install the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which requires about 13Mb of memory, in addition to that required by the client.
File-Sharing
Filetopia Bitmap Multimedia is the developer of Filetopia, a free communications software that includes instant messaging, chat, e-mail, a powerful distributed file sharing system with a search engine, an online friends list and message boards. Filetopia's file sharing tool includes public key encryption and a choice of strong ciphers to protect the IP addresses of its users.
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing, Security
FirstPeer FirstPeer provides a development framework for facilitating "Dynamic Distributed Marketplaces" that have more functionality, increased scalability and lower costs than most server-based centralized marketplaces. Features include: enhanced real-time trading, visibility of entire inventory, no increased overhead, cooperative interactions, analytic tools and tracking and the ability to receive monitored reports for the entire marketplace. FirstPeer's platform is based upon the Domain Naming System (DNS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), XML, Extensible Markup Language Remote Procedure Calls (XML-RPC) and Jabber protocols.

FirstPeer's Java-based Professional Servant is a thin client file sharing application that is able integrate directly with existing data sources (JDBS, XML, or CSV). Professional Servant supports Windows, Macintosh and Unix. The company has posted a form for persons interested in obtaining its Personal Servant application or the plug-in required to by its GnuMarkets active marketplace.
Development Frameworks, Distributed Search Engines
Flycode Flycode offers a web-based peer-to-peer secure file-sharing network for the automatic distribution and digital rights management of video and image files using Preview Systems Inc.’s ZipLock Technology. ZipLock provides content owners with a digital rights protection and management tool for: specifying payment requirements, placing limits on the length of time a file can be viewed, or limiting the number of users allowed to share a file. Flycode's secure network uses Microsoft's Windows Media Digital Rights Management technology, and its Windows-based Flycode Client Application requires Internet Explorer 4 or later.
Licensed Media Distribution, Security
Freenet: The Free Network Project Freenet is a large-scale peer-to-peer network that depends on the power of member computers around the world to create a massive virtual information store open to anyone to freely publish or view information of all kinds. Freenet lacks any centralized control or administration and allows information to be published without identifying its source or its physical location.

The Freenet Network consists of many computers on the Internet each running a piece of software called the "Freenet Server" or "Freenet Daemon" that enables a computer to become a "node" (a small but equal part of the larger Freenet network).

The system provides a flexible and powerful infrastructure capable of supporting a wide range of applications. It enables the anonymous and uncensorable publication of material ranging from grassroots alternative journalism, provides a method for the distribution of high-bandwidth content, and provides a platform for universal personal publishing. A Quickstart and User's Manual will help get you started if you're interested in participating.
Infrastructure, Reputation and Asset Management
Frontcode Technologies Frontcode Technologies develops the WinMX application, a Win32 Napster protocol client. The program offers file sharing, chat, simultaneous connection to multiple networks, operation behind SOCKS4/5 (Socket Secure 4 and 5) and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) based networks, and intelligent queuing options. WinMX also supports any file type, allowing access to a diverse assortment of shared files, including video.
File-Sharing
FurthurNet FurthurNet is a Gnutella-based P2P music cataloging and trading network. About 400 bands, including the Grateful Dead and Phish, have given permission for recordings (typically of live performances) to be traded legally.

The Java-based system employs Packet Chain Protocol (PCP), which enables cascading downloads, and Antelope, which allows the same file to be downloaded from multiple hosts, to improve downloading performance. Beta version 1.5.9 or later of the free Furthur client is required for Phish downloads. (The band withdrew permission because of the availability of some unauthorized material on the network, and renewed when the problem with the software was addressed to the band's liking.)

In addition to distributed file sharing, Furthur offers chat, detailed music cataloging and the ability to search on a large number of attributes. Furthur requires a Java 2 runtime environment and provides clients for Windows, MacOS X and Linux. The client software is distributed under a non-commercial, open source license.
File-Sharing
Gaim This is the home page for Gaim, an open source America Online Instant Messenger (AIM) clone. Gaim also has a SourceForge project page at http://sourceforge.net/projects/gaim. The client interoperates with AIM, Yahoo, I Seek You (ICQ), Internet Relay Chat (IRC), and Microsoft Network (MSN). Gaim supports Berkeley Software/Standard Distribution UNIX (BSD) and Linux.
Messaging Frameworks
Global Network Computers Global Network Computers' patented Borgbuster technology is a peer-based security system that uses a "hybrid firewall" that runs on the client that can be configured to both detect and prevent security intrusions. Most effective when hardware-based, Borgbuster's special new hybrid firewall can be configured to protect a specified portion of the PC. Global Network Computers is currently developing licensing arrangements.
Security
Globus The Globus project is developing the fundamental technology that is needed to build computational grids. Grids are persistent environments that enable software applications to integrate instruments, displays, computational and information resources that are managed by diverse organizations in widespread locations. Grid applications often involve large amounts of data and/or computing and often require secure resource sharing across organizational boundaries.

The Globus project is centered at Argonne National Laboratory’s Mathematics and Computer Science Division and the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute. Major partners include the National Computational Science Alliance, the NASA Information Power Grid project, the National Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure, the University of Chicago, and the University of Wisconsin.
Distributed Computation
Glue Technology, Inc. Glue Technology, Inc. delivers an open, Java and XML-based platform for integrating distributed applications and Web services in a seamless manner. Glueware is Glue Technology's premier software engine that serves as an open integration platform for bridging between legacy systems and applications for real-time collaboration and business process automation. Glueware's open-architecture conforms and supports business, industry, and technical standards, protocols, and technologies, such as SOAP, UDDI, WSDL, JXTA, BizTalk, ebXML, RosettaNet, .NET, HTTP, XA, XAML, XSL, WML, Open Applications Group (OASIS), and more. Clients include Qwest, Cablevision, Bellsouth, Advanced RadioTelecom (ART), Reuters, Telegea, Slamdunk Networks, Inc., Neon, KPMG, DTCC and Duke Energy.
Infrastructure
Gnotella Gnotella is a distributed real time search and file-sharing program run from a user's desktop as a client and a server (a "servent") on the Gnutella peer-to-peer network. Gnotella allows users to interface directly with each other with no intermediate, central authority, and search for and share any type of digital file (audio, video, word processing documents, recipes, games, and text files). The Gnotella client is designed for the Windows environment and offers features such as multiple simultaneous searches, resumption of partial or failed downloads, improved filtering/spam protection, bandwidth monitoring, enhanced statistics, upload throttling, skinning and other features.

Gnotella's open architecture allows for the program to be customized to target consumer and business communities. Gnotella's parent company, Petapeer Holdings, Inc., will continue to distribute the program freely while it develops a committed user base. Once that user base is in place, the company plans to begin charging for Gnotella upgrades and deluxe features. Petapeer Holdings Inc. does not monitor the activity of, collect or sell information about the users on its network.
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing
Gnutella Gnutella is a fully-distributed information-sharing technology. Each piece of Gnutella software is both a server and a client in one, because it supports bidirectional information transfer. Installing any of several available clients is all that is needed to become a fully functional Gnutella site. Then find a few other sites that are willing to communicate: some may be friends, while others may be advertised Gnutella sites. The client communicates directly only with the handful of sites that it's agreed to contact. Any material of interest to other sites is passed along from one site to another in store-and-forward fashion.

Gnutella is an open source project with clients registered under the GNU License.
File-Sharing
Groove Networks Groove Networks was founded by Lotus Notes creator Ray Ozzie. The company's flagship product, Groove 1.0, is a groupware application (the company likes to refer to it as "peerware") that enables groups of collaborators to form in a decentralized ad-hoc fashion. Groove enables group members to interact in highly secure shared spaces to support collaborative editing in real time. All of a group's documents, messages and applications are stored and replicated across user machines so that all of a group's members can access the materials online or off. Groove Enterprise Network Services provides an outsource model for component management security services. Groove Networks has an extensive developer program. A Groove Development Kit (GDK) containing resources for building tools, skins and Groove-based solutions is available for download. Presentations, white papers and a collection of FAQ are also available.

Check out the OpenP2P.com article featuring Groove: "How Ray Ozzie Got His Groove Back".
Collaboration, Infrastructure, Security
grub.org Grub, Inc. authors a distributed computing client utilizing P2P technology. The initial client applicationis a distributed web crawler. The distributed crawler network will have the capacity to index, on a daily basis, every web page residing on the Internet. The index will be kept in a centralized database, on Grub's servers.
Distributed Search Engines
HailStorm HailStorm is a blanket term for a collection of Microsoft technologies, peer-to-peer related and otherwise (e-mail, instant messaging, alerts and notifications, addressbooks and Microsoft's Passport authentication technology) that were announced by Bill Gates as part of Microsoft's .NET platform. Windows XP and Office XP will ship with core elements of HailStorm built into them. The HailStorm architecture is based on SOAP and XML, using common identity, security, and data models for each of its HailStorm services so that they may be accessed from any minimally connected device.

Check out these OpenP2P.com articles about Hailstorm: Hailstorm: Open Web Services Controlled by Microsoft by Clay Shirky and Brewing a HailStorm by Rael Dornfest.
Infrastructure, Servers/Services as Peers
Harmonic Invention Software Harmonic Invention Software's Direct File Express Private System of private filesharing servers have numerous security features built into them. All users uploading or downloading files must have a valid account, and permissions can be configured at the account, group or file level. A demonstration of the Direct Private File Trader product is available for download.
File-Sharing, Security
Hotline Connect Hotline is a P2P-Client/Server hybrid system for community building and file sharing that has been in operation since 1997. Hotline Connect is a suite which includes both a Hotline Client application and a Hotline Server application (available via separate downloads). Hotline works over any Internet or Intranet network and has capabilities similar to File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Internet Relay Chat (IRC), but using its own "Hotline Protocol". Features include resumable uploads and downloads, real time chat, newsgroup style forums, and streaming capabilities in numerous media and file formats. The program's search function is used to locate servers, rather than the files of individual users. The Hotline Client, which has approximately a million active users, provides an easy-to-use interface and small memory requirements (2 MB).
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing
Human-Links Human-Links is a distributed searching environment that categorizes public information in a personalized and relevant manner in order to generate accurate responses tailored to each user's specific needs. The program functions as a shared neural network, based on a group of technologies that fall roughly within the disciplines of cognitive science and artificial intelligence, and derived from algorithms that stem from research in data compression and natural language translation. The "brain" of Human-Links' complex classification system identifies conceptual patterns in media documents to determine their actual meaning, so that it can be situated in relation to other works of greater or lesser relevance. Using this method, the system is able to develop a sense of how each user organizes the world as opposed to imposing a standardized cultural or linguistic lexicon. The system is designed on an open-source platform with public sockets targeted at third-party development communities.

Human-Links is owned by Amoweba, a cognitive science research and development company specializing in enterprise applications of neural networks, artificial intelligence and human-centered ergonomics. The company is actively seeking individuals interested in beta-testing and is even offering incentives (a vacation package to anywhere, Palm PDAs, and DVD players and discs) to entice test participants to turn in comprehensive results and refer friends to the program.
Distributed Search Engines
IBM SashJab SashJab is an Instant Messaging client from IBM based on the open source Jabber technology. It is part of the Sash Weblication family, a platform for application development using existing web technologies such as HTML, DHTML and XML to create lightweight Sash "weblications". The idea is to migrate application development from traditional C++ type programming languages to the simpler "SashScript", a superset of JavaScript that allows the program to be executed in its native platform code. Simply put Sash allows developers to create applications from existing web-technologies that will run independent of the web browser. The SashJab application is developed using an XML framework which allows the user to interface with a variety of Instant Messaging clients including: AOL's Instant Messenger and ICQ. See the FAQ for more information.
Messaging Frameworks
ICQ ICQ (I Seek You) is freely distributed peer-to-peer communication client that supports file transfers, instant messaging, real time chat, e-mail integration, voice messaging, telephony, SMS, and a host of other plug-ins. User connections are validated through the ICQ server, and optionally published in member directories, where they are searchable and can also provide information on a member's online status. In addition to an FAQ and new user guidebooks, ICQ offers an extensive set of developers tools, including groupware for system administrators, web site enhancement tools, and application development tools for modifying or creating new plug-ins and interfaces based on the ICQ API.
Collaboration, Messaging Frameworks
Ikimbo, Inc. Omniprise is Ikimbo's enterprise-level groupware application framework. Omniprise provides a unified platform for inter-organizational communication, including support for: instant messaging, group email management, real-time and asynchronous group communication, and file sharing (both client-server and peer-to-peer). Privacy, security and group administration tools are also included.
Collaboration, Messaging Frameworks
iMaestro iMaestro is focused on e-commerce applications of P2P technology. The first product, iMaestro Interact, offers a peer-to-peer auction network.
Servers/Services as Peers
iMesh Ltd. iMesh is a free program and service that helps users find their favorite content over the Internet. iMesh Ltd. is attempting to provide a perfectly legal distribution channel for its user base by entering into distribution agreements with copyright holders. This makes it easier for its users to locate and obtain their desired files (photos, source files, homework, or home made videos, etc.).

The company's Legal Notice doesn't pull any punches about its software's complete lack of privacy protection or security features, going as far to suggest that users are placing themselves at an unusually high level of risk by using the software.
File-Sharing, Licensed Media Distribution
IMPP The goal of the IETF's Instant Messaging and Presence Protocol (IMPP) Working Group is to define a standard protocol so that independently developed applications of instant messaging and/or presence can interoperate across the Internet. This working group will eventually define the protocols and data formats necessary to build a cohesive internet-scale messaging system capable of: end-user presence awareness/notification, instant messaging, user authentication, message integrity, encryption and access control.
Messaging Frameworks
Infobot Infobot is a Perl-based online fact gathering service that relies on the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) protocol. The fact-gathering involves factoids, perhaps another useful online research tool.
Agents as Peers
InfraSearch InfraSearch (a.k.a. gonesilent.com) was acquired by Sun Microsystems in February to become part of Sun's JXTA (Juxtapose) project. InfraSearch, a technology prototype of a fully-distributed search engine, was orginally based on the Gnutella technology but has since been moved to a proprietary framework. Infrasearch was built by Gene Kan and other Gnutella developers, and the founding engineering team has roots in UC Berkeley's Experimental Computing Facility.
Distributed Search Engines
iNoize iNoize.com is a web-based application and music service that allows users to share music without infringing on the copyrights of music companies or their recording artists by "sharing" using a stream rather than actually creating a copy of the copyrighted material. The company has been collaborating intensely with the music industry on an e-commerce system that will benefit all parties involved by providing users with on-demand music, while providing music companies with a new venue for showcasing their music and offering an option to buy it.

Music on the iNoize network is organized in a three-tier streaming system (Artist - Album - Title) rather than the kinds of file-based systems used by other "sharing" networks. The music is streamed in real-time, using a secure, encrypted patent-pending framework which essentially eliminates the need or desire to copy by making the desired music selections accessible on demand. Playlists of favorite songs can be created using music from other iNoize.com members and users can creat playlists, share them with other users or even purchase their favorite CD's while on-line, if they choose. iNoize is available for download on the Windows 98, NT, 2000 (Version 1.10) and Linux (Intel)(Version 1.10). (A Macintosh version is on the way.) A tour of iNoize's service is also available.
File-Sharing, Licensed Media Distribution
Intel IAS Intel's Internet Authentication Services (IAS) is a comprehensive system for enabling secure transactions for the e-health industry. The service provides a centralized location where all authentication activity can be handled, enabling the messages themselves to be distributed via a peer-to-peer network or any other kind of network. It is able to authenticate all different kinds of complex healthcare-related transactions and also provides a system for managing such transactions. Intel provides a number of Demonstrations of its IAS services in action, as well as a Reference Center of white papers.
Security
Intel Philanthropic Peer-to-Peer Program Intel is working with the scientific community on a distributed computation project that enables the average PC user to perform acts of PC Philantropy, or the donation of unused computing resources to benefit charity. Intel's goal is to build the largest virtual supercomputer to date with cooperative-computing software that will link millions of users to a P2P network passing processing power to medical researchers. Users can currently download software to help the United Devices Cancer Research Program search for new drugs, or help the Stanford Alzheimer and Amyloidogenic Disease Research Program study protein misfolding. To participate users need an Intel-compatible PC with 48 Mb of RAM, a 500 Mb hard drive with 20 Mb free, an internet connection and an 800x600 256 color display. The United Devices Cancer Research Program software requires Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT4/XP. The Stanford Alzheimer Research Program requires Windows 2000/NT4.
Distributed Computation
Interbind Interbind software supports open, secure, low-cost business-to-business systems based on Web Services delivered across a peer-to-peer network. Web Services are self-contained, modular business applications that can be described, published, located and invoked over the Internet. Interbind software acts to extend and connect various Web Services while routing and translating the data traffic among Web Service users. Interbind recently released its Interbind XML Messaging Server (IBX), available as a free download at its developer website, which includes HTTP 1.1 and SOAP support. Interbind's Messaging Server transports XML-based messages to and from nodes offering Web Services in a peer-to-peer network. Features include: pre-built XML message envelopes that support a variety of message types, Java-to-XML serialization/deserialization, support for secure peer-to-peer connections, and lightweight memory and processor requirements. Use of the Interbind XML Messaging server requires an XML parser that is either SAX2 or DOM compatible and Sun's Java Runtime Environment. Development using the message server requires JDK 1.2 or later.
Messaging Frameworks, Servers/Services as Peers
International Interactive Commerce, Ltd. International Interactive Commerce, Ltd. (IIC) creates distributed Internet server software. IIC's technology uses software agents to break up and re-distribute rich media and applications by utilizing unused portions of Internet bandwidth to deliver the reassembled package to endusers.This provides a solution for delivering rich media, for example, with no streaming on the server side or increased bandwidth requirements. The company calls this optimized use of currently underutilized network resources Distributed Internet Server Technology. Distributed Internet Server software is Java2 compliant, and does not require changing existing applications systems or rearchitecting of existing server environments. The IIC Research and Development team includes scientists formerly employed at IBM, Sprint, GE, GTE, SilkNet and XEROX.
Agents as Peers, Distributed Computation
Invisible IRC Project Invisible IRC Project (IIP) is anonymity software for Internet Relay Chat (IRC) clients that was originally inspired by point to point anonymity encryption protocol networks as demonstrated by Icecast and Shoutcast. IIP operates as a sophisticated proxy between IRC servers and clients. An IIP network offers IRC communications that are both anonymous and secured by 128 bit encryption. A future version currently in development will drop servers from the architecture to become a completely decentralized anonymous IRC protocol.

IIP suports Unix, Portable Operating System Interface for Unix (POSIX), OS X and Windows 95/98/CE/ME/NT/2000/XP. The IIP download package is distributed under a Berkely Software/Standard Distribution (BSD) license.
Messaging Frameworks, Security
Jabber Jabber started out as an idea for an instant messaging platform but has since been adapted by its creator, Jeremie Miller (of JavaScript parser XParse fame) to become an XML message routing platform. Jabber the company (Jabber.com) was originally started as an open source project (Jabber.org). JabberCentral is a place for open source and commercial development communities to exchange propaganda, code and ideas about the technology. The Jabber Developer Zone is where the open source development codebase and tools are published.

Check out two OpenP2P.com articles written by Jabber.com's own DJ Adams: You Have Mail! and A More Sensitive Mail Notifier .
Infrastructure, Messaging Frameworks
Jabberzilla This site is devoted to Jabberzilla, a Jabber client that installs into Mozilla-based browsers. Jabber is an Instant Messaging (IM) client that interoperates with I Seek You (ICQ), America Online Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo, Microsoft Network (MSN), and other protocols all through a servent using the Jabber XML messaging protocol. The site includes an on-line XUL-based (XML User Interface Language) Jabberzilla installer. After running the installer, launch Mozilla (or Netscape 6). Jabber will appear in the browser's sidebar. Opening and closing the sidebar once makes Jabberzilla appear in the sidebar.
Messaging Frameworks
Jibe Jibe has recently released its Enterprise File Sharing v 1.0 beta. Jibe customers can participate over a public network or set up a private secure P2P hub between suppliers or partners. Any storage system that can be accessed through JDBC or ODBC can participate, including Microsoft Access and Excel spreadsheets.

Jibe provides a Java servlet that can interpret the XML for each taxonomy and present a Web form to an end user. A Jibe application can run standalone, or a company licensing Jibe can store a single servlet on an internal Web server and let its employees do searches through their browsers. Users can simply type a string into the application's "GO FIND" box, and let Jibe do the retrieval, ranking, sorting and display. Jibe's storage format and taxonomies are both defined in XML. Support for JXTA is planned in the future.
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing
Jini Jini from Sun Microsystems provides simple mechanisms that enable devices to plug together and communicate without any planning, installation, or human intervention. Each device provides services that other devices in the community may use. These devices provide their own interfaces, which ensures reliability and compatibility.

Sun has released the Alewife beta Jini Starter Kit, a beta version of its upcoming Jini Technology Starter Kit 1.2. Features include virtual machine sharing using Jini services and a multithreaded implementation of Jini Helper Utilities. Specifications and programming examples are also available.


Devices as Peers
Jungle Monkey Jungle Monkey is a Unix-based file sharing service developed by the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department University of Michigan. It's designed to let users create their own file-sharing channels, browse other users' channels, and "efficiently [use] bandwidth by finding the closest client with the file you want."
File-Sharing
JXTA Juxtapose (JXTA) was originally one of Bill Joy's research projects aimed at developing a network programming and computing platform able to solve a number of the problems in modern distributed computing. JXTA has since become a community-based open source development platform. The four main concepts of the JXTA project are: the ability to "pipe" from one peer to another, a grouping notion, the ability to monitor and meter, and a security layer. The JXTA Shell is a prototype application that illustrates the use of JXTA Technology. The JXTA Shell permits interactive access to the JXTA platform's building blocks through a simple, text based interface (available on Solaris Operating Environment, Linux, or Microsoft Windows). A Technical Specification provides a description of the architecture and key elements of the Project JXTA technology including: peers, advertisements, messages, pipes and protocols. Demonstrations are available for download. See the FAQ or the documentation page for more details.

Check out OpenP2P.com's Project JXTA Developer Contest.
Distributed Search Engines, Servers/Services as Peers
Kalepa Networks, Inc Kalepa Networks is a "provider of Internet content delivery infrastructure". Individual investors included George Hoyem and Glenn Osaka of Redleaf Ventures, Rick Serafini of Serafini Capital, Chris Shipley, Executive Producer of the Demo Conferences, and executives at Excite@Home, Marimba, Robertson Stephens and Ziff Davis. The company is currently in "stealth mode".
Infrastructure, Licensed Media Distribution
KaZaA KaZaA's P2P file sharing network allows users to search for and download audio, video, image and text files using one of three interfaces: the KaZaA Media Desktop Peer-To-Peer (P2P) client, KaZaA's Winamp Plug-in or the KaZaA.com web site. KaZaA's distributed network is "self-organizing" and features the ability to automatically transform more powerful clients into "SuperNodes" able to broker the search query requests of the weaker nodes on-demand. (See the FAQ for more technical details). The service is currently free, but KaZaA anticipates a small fee in the future in light of the lawsuits against Napster and Scour. KaZaA's core technology is based on KaZaAlib, a platform independent C++ library comprised of 59 functions. (The company has not yet formalized an open source development program.)
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing
Killdara Killdara has developed a family of products using an XML open architecture to create a platform for universal data exchange. The products include Killdara's Paraphrase Engine, that, when triggered by a specified event, generates an XML document from various data sources (such as relational databases) and distributes it via the Web, e-mail or FTP, to any "interested partners". Killdara's b2b Messenger, designed to assist and enable B2B (business to business) transactions, performs similar functions while also supporting digital encryption and "signatures". Killdara's Health Data Courier features similar document distribution methods, and is designed to conform to existing medical information standards, such as the HL7 XML templates. White papers and a FAQ are available for review.
Development Frameworks, Security
Magnetar Games FX Visuals is the first product in Magnetar Games' FederationX family of peer-to-peer internet gaming development tools. FX Visuals is a development tool for C++ Builder and Delphi used to expedite the creation of Internet multiplayer games using Microsoft's DirectX technology. A trial version of FX Visuals is available. The company is also planning to release additional products in the FederationX line that may or may not be game-related.
Gaming
MangoSoft Mangosoft's suite of software solutions uses a patented technology known as "pooling" to address the needs of small businesses, workgroups and large enterprises. Pooling is a clustered caching technology that utilizes the network and resources on PC and workstations to deliver software services normally associated with servers.

Mangosoft's products include Cachelink, a software-based web caching product that increases the delivery speed of Internet and intranet content to end-users, and Mangomind, a business user file-sharing application.
Distributed Computation, File-Sharing
Manila Manila is a content management system from Userland. Manila allows groups of people to publish Web sites, and it is particularly suited for developing weblogs. Each page on a Manila site is editable directly in the browser. Editthispage.com is an example of a Manila installation that is open to anyone who wants to build a weblog.
The Writeable Web
Meerkat: An Open Wire Service Meerkat is a Web-based syndicated content reader. It is based on Rich Site Summary (RSS), an XML specification used for distributing news, product announcements, discussion threads, and other assorted content as channels. Meerkat provides a simple interface to these stories. While maintaining the original association of a story with a channel, Meerkat's focus is on chronological order -- the latest stories float to the top, regardless of their source.

Meerkat includes an Open API that users and developers can use to incorporate the news feeds into their own sites or web-based applications.
Servers/Services as Peers
Mithral Communications & Design Inc. Mithral produces developer tools under the Cosm product family name. Cosm Phase 1 is a set of open protocols and applications designed to allow distributed computers to work together on projects. The project may be a mathematical challenge, or rendering an animation, or writing. Cosm also involves building the libraries, APIs, and standards that are required to make those types of applications easy to develop for every kind of system.

Mithral has released a Client Server Software Development Kit to enable developers to write large scale client-server applications, including distributed computing and peer-to-peer applications.
Development Frameworks, Distributed Computation
Morpheus Morpheus, available from MusicCity Networks, Inc. is a distributed file-sharing network based on the KaZaA code base. (Morpheus and the KaZaA Media Desktop client provide uniquely-branded interfaces to different breeds of what amounts to the same underlying network.) Like Napster, Morpheus is a closed system that requires the use of a centralized user registration and logon system. However, Morpheus differs from Napster in that it does not maintain a central content index or subject its network to content filtering. The Windows-based Morpheus client is available for download and contains an embedded version of Microsoft's Windows Media Player.

See the OpenP2P.com article: "Morpheus Out of the Underworld" by Kelly Truelove and Andrew Chasin.
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing
Movable Type Movable Type is Perl-based Web publishing software. The focus of the program is easing the linking, text editing, uploading, page creation and site maintenance work required to publish a frequently updated news- or journal- style blog. Features include page customization via templates, multiple template publishing to multiple destinations, support for multiple authors governed by a permissions system, grouping of entries into categories, a comment system for reader feedback, multiple weblog support, support for the Blogger Extensible Markup Language Remote Procedure Calls (XML-RPC) Application Programming Interface (API), the ability to pre-date or post-date entries, a hold status for entries, remote posting, RDF Site Summary (RSS) support, flexible archiving options (monthly, weekly, daily, by entry, by category) and an email notification system.

Movable Type requires Perl 5.004_04 or later, a browser with cookies and Javascript enabled, an FTP client and either a server or an account on a server that allows custom CGI scripts. The library-driven system is extensible by Perl coders. Movable Type is distributed under a user license specifying prohibited online activities. The program is free, with a small donation encouraged.
The Writeable Web
mozBlog mozBlog is an open source blogging interface for the Mozilla browser. It implements the Blogger Application Programming Interface (Blogger API) in a sidebar component, enabling the user to maintain a blog via Extensible Markup Language Remote Procedure Calls (XML-RPC) messaging from the Mozilla sidebar.

mozBlog works with blogging tools that support the Blogger API, like Blogger, Moveable Type and Radio Userland. This site provides links to installation instructions, a user manual, the source code, a mailing list and screen shots of the interface.
The Writeable Web
MusicBrainz.org MusicBrainz Metadata Initiative was formed to organize a means of exchanging metadata describing media files on the Internet. The vocabulary was employed in the development of MusicBrainz Metadata (formerly CD Index Project), a Dublin Core metadata application and free web service that uses XML and Resource Description Framework (RDF) to make artists names, track numbers, song titles and other metadata describing musical content downloadable to the user's CD player, MP3 player, Vorbis player, or other client. The first player to fully support MusicBrainz is FreeAmp.
Distributed Search Engines, Metadata
MusicNet MusicNet is a new platform for digital music subscription services based on RealNetworks' Internet media delivery technology that claims to be the first digital music subscription platform to offer both downloadable and streamable music. MusicNet is a joint venture of RealNetworks, AOL Time Warner, Bertelsmann, and EMI. (The ownership of MusicNet is approximately 40% Real, 20% AOLTW, 20% BMG and 20% EMI.) Rob Glaser, Chairman and CEO of RealNetworks, serves as its Chairman and interim CEO.

MusicNet will license its "private-label" platform to companies seeking to sell music subscription services under their own brands. RealNetworks and AOL are the first licensees of the MusicNet platform and expect to offer their own online music subscription services based on the platform this year. The specific details of offerings, such as price and number of downloads or streams per subscription, will be left to each MusicNet distribution partner to determine. See the FAQ for more details.
Licensed Media Distribution
myCIO.com myCIO.com is a Network Associates, Inc. subsidiary that offers Peer-To-Peer technology-based network security services. myCIO.com's Rumor service manages anti-virus updates by allowing users to serve each other virus signature files. The first five users on a network retrieve virus updates, then the update spreads throughout the network as the users serve it to one another (Rumor is named for the almost viral way the application independent service transports and propagates). Token-based authentication insures only legitimate anti-virus update files can be shared by Rumor. Network Associates feels that the Peer-To-Peer model will ultimately let myCIO.com spend less time supporting updating, and more time developing anti-virus code. PGP, Sniffer, VirusScan and McAfee antivirus technologies were incorporated into Rumor.
Security
Myster Myster attempts to duplicate Napster in every way except for the fact that it uses a completely distributed system. Although very similar to Gnutella, Myster has many optimizations that make it easier to scale than Gnutella, including a self organizing network of peers that is able to channel to only query the nodes that are most likely to contain the desired files. For instance, if one server only has a great MP3 collection and no Movie files it will only receive requests for those files. The system is also expandable so that as the network aquires more nodes, more sub networks can be created to keep searches efficient, enabling networks to eventually be sub-divided into more well-defined categories as the size of the network increases.

Myster is written in Java and available via the GNU General Public License (GPL). A full working version in either Macintosh or Windows format is available along with documention and source code.
Distributed Search Engines, File-Sharing
Napster Napster is on its way to becoming the world's largest secure file sharing network. Napster is paving the way for a new era of paid subscription services, courtesy of its new business partners: Bertelsmann AG, edel Music, TVT Records, America Online and Real Networks (MusicNet), its new technology partners: Loudeye, Gracenote, Relatable and its recently aquired Gigabeat. Napster's features include: a user-friendly interface, search capabilities, instant messaging, chat and Hot List User Bookmarks. You can still download the latest version of the Napster Client (Macintosh or Windows).

Napster claims to be taking the copyright issues it has brought so much attention to very seriously and has been ramping up on its technology over the last few months to that end. The company has been busy piecing together the technology required to enable an effective licensed media distribution network. Technology investments to date include several new acoustic fingerprinting technologies that will be used in conjunction with music databases to identify and track file usage on the Napster network. The Napster system is also now able to catch certain kinds of common filename variations that were traditionally able to circumvent its filtering processes in the past through the use of improved keyword filtering techniques. Napster has also implemented a new terms of use policy of discontinuing network access to anyone caught intentionally obscuring filenames. See the "Copyright Owners" section of its Copyright Policy for more details.
File-Sharing, Licensed Media Distribution
NeuroGrid The NeuroGrid system currently under development consists of two main elements: a learning engine that observes user activity and updates documents meta-data accordingly, and an approach to routing search messages in distributed, decentralized networks. The NeuroGrid approach stems from two basic desires. One is to have the ability to organise data in an associative, web-like fashion (as opposed to the hierarchical structure we see in file-systems). The second is to be able to extract that data from a large distributed network environment with the minimum of effort. NeuroGrid tries to provide a more general semantic framework than that of FreeNet by creating and maintaining lists of which queries other nodes have been good at answering in the past. A