I'm a little unclear here, does this establish a:

A)mildly secure VPN for sharing files, chats

B) multifeature private torrent system?

DocGratis

Doh, IO meant how is it different from running your own DC++ server

trstn

I was wondering that. Also, is this all that different from direct connect (or DC++ or whatever it was called)?

trstn

@DocGratis: @trstn: It works like Bittorent in that you download parts of the files, bit by bit, like all modern download managers :9 The good thing about Alliance is that you can form communities, which means you'll get your stuff faster and easier.

edythemighty

@GilbertErik: I sort of figured that this was the nature/limitation of this..

What we need is a program that remotely allows trusted friends to burn CD-ROMS and DVD-ROMS, then you bring it to the next gathering...

That would be cool.. (ok yes really impractical, but conceptually interesting.. )

DocGratis

This is eerily similar to WASTE that was released by Nullsoft years ago and promptly pulled by AOL.

[waste.sf.net]

PhragMunkee

So I had something similarly setup when I grabbed a copy of WASTE, but the biggest problem I ran into was the 'distributed sources' argument.

Sure, private p2p is a fast way to pick up distributed content, but the point of private networks is a limited number of trusted endpoints (i.e. RealLife™ friends), hence rendering the distributed sources argument moot.

Let's say I've only got a (1) friend who happened to work the soundboard at a concert and has some FLACs other's might be interested in, and there's only 5 of us on our private network... Since we're all on consumer broadband connections with limited uploads, it makes moving around large files painful for the first two people and beneficial only if the remaining few might want a copy.

For us, this only lasted a few months before we bailed and went back to burning CDs and handing them off at the bar. Why not go to any number of publicly available p2p programs that have a broad and established user base?!?

GilbertErik

"Why not go to any number of publicly available p2p programs that have a broad and established user base?!? "

The problem with that is the RIAA, and MPAA. Oink was awesome until it was brought down because it grew too large and became a target.

This might not work when you have 5 real friends all on broadband, but its much different when you have 60-80 friends (think fraternity, sorority, alumni, coworkers) and some of them happen to have extremely fast networks, or are system administrators at web companies with crap loads of bandwidth and hard drive space.

Things start looking a bit different then.

sycks23

This is similar to something that Walmart is developing at the moment. They are building an encrypted p2p client designed for a network they plan to set up with all their stores. They plan to use it to transfer video files from security tapes to Corporate quickly and efficiently.

klarcds92

What a huge coincidence. I started using this app today (before seeing this article) and I really like it.

I tricked my friend into trying it with me (he's not really computer-litterate) by telling him its like bittorrent and emule but only between your friends to share files.

I really like the app and the functionality is very nice for now but there are downsides:

1- The app is a resource HOG. Java does that sometimes but I mean I have 2gb of (very fast) ram, a core 2 duo processor and is still makes my system stutter.

2- The invitation system is not all that complicated (the app gives you a password, you give it to your friend and he's added to your friends list), but it could still be streamlined. It IS still better than having to swap IP'S though.

3- Its missing a few basic features. Auto-Update I believe is an important one because most people will NOT update the software unless told to do so. So if I update mine but my friend(s) don't, I won't be able to use the new features and/or feel the effects of the bugfixes (for connection stability for exemple).

Even with these caveats I think the foundation of the program is really setup solidly and that with some more maturity this program is gonna turn into a real gem.

Ozeki

@GilbertErik: Between just a handful of friends, yes it sucks, but as sycks23 pointed out, it's great for big networks. I've seen this used by anime fans looking to share the latest releases, and fans of primetime tv sharing the latest episodes of Heroes, etc.

edythemighty

I would love to see a lighter weight version of something like this.

Famf

@klarcds92:
That doesn't seem to make sense unless they need the exact same footage in many different locations.

Will

@Will
They are using the packet system that Bittorent is based off of. It allows them to split the files into pieces and make it available to any store or corporate related company that needs access to the video. By splitting it up they can maximize the transfer rate because downloading from one server can only support so much. They review their video tapes and have other companies do the same in order discover customer shopping habits, ways to use product and sales placement, and to ensure there is no theft by either customers or employees. Because it is a private network with every computer connected all the time, the download rate of the files will be significantly higher than downloading from a single computer at a specific store.

klarcds92

Thanks for this. I've managed to put together a really nice little network since yesterday.

KeBove

A more established alternative to this program is RetroShare, which can be found here:
[retroshare.sourceforge.net]

Both programs are pretty slow, but I slightly prefer RetroShare.

Code6226