Peer to Peer networking

a peer-to-peer (P2P) network is created when two or more PCs are connected and share resources without going through a separate server computer. A P2P network can be an ad hoc connection—a couple of computers connected via a Universal Serial Bus to transfer files. A P2P network also can be a permanent infrastructure that links a half-dozen computers in a small office over copper wires. Or a P2P network can be a network on a much grander scale in which special protocols and applications set up direct relationships among users over the Internet.
a perfect example of peer to peer networks would be Limewire, lime wire is L a free, open source Gnutella peer-to-peer network client released under the GNU General Public License. The program allows users to share files using the Gnutella peer-to-peer protocol.

'Definition for gnutella from wikipedia - Gnutella is a peer-to-peer file sharing system originally developed by Nullsoft, a division of America Online, but quickly disseminated within the hacker community. Like Napster, Gnutella allows users to scan designated folders on other members' hard drives and copy files of any type between machines. Unlike Napster, it is completely decentralized, lacking central database of members. See gnutella.wego.com.'

Another example of peer to networks would be the newley developed Skype protocol.
Skype is a free Voip (voice over internet protocol) solution, use requires the ability to record and playback audio. The program and more information can be had at http://www. skype .com/. Add ons such as the ability to call out and in to POTS (standard phone lines) and soft answering machines (SAM is an freeware example) make this a versatile method of synchronouse and asynchronous communication, without the costley effects of a phonebill.

The IMPORTANCE of p2p
The growing commercial value p2p has on the industry is evergrowing down to new users joining the network and aid in distribution of files.For example by a new artist arriving on the music scene users can simply download it off the net for free taking the middle man out of listening to buying music.
By considering the loss of money that downloaders cause to artists they can also boost the sales by over 100% down to the fact that they are simply reaching a wider audience. A perfect example would be of gnarls barkley's Crazey which reached number one in the charts by downloads alone. and through this his popularity increased dramatically and thus sales increased down to his popularity and album sales went through the roof.