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Peer-to-peer (P2P) is not a particular technology, industry, communications protocol or single network structure, but rather it is a mindset of decentralized and distributed uses of information resources.

The purpose of this paper is to outline the reasons an enterprise might consider implementing P2P, describe the basics of P2P technology, and examine some of the potential issues and risks and how they might be addressed. The business drivers of decentralization, excess capacity and performance are examined. The technology and examples are explained and security and control issues explored. An appendix of some P2P vendors with a brief description of their products is included.