Former AOLers Bet on Private P2P App

buhatkj writes "Some former AOL staffers have come up with something interesting. Namely, a P2P/instant messaging/groupware tool called Grouper. Sounds to me a bit like the GAIM plugin suggested by downhill battle..."

Too late in the game...

[garcia]

"Our technology turns the computer into a private server that allows you to share files securely in a small, invite-only group," Felser said in an interview with eWEEK.com. Each group becomes an encrypted peer-to-peer network that allows one-click access to browse and download files.

The reason that P2P networks are useful is because the speeds are fast and there is a TON of material out there. I'm sorry but a private network that is invite only just won't cut it.

Running Grouper through university networks can save Internet bandwidth costs because file transfers are done between machines on the local network (unlike other P2P networks).

Most Universities probably don't want ANY filesharing. A lot of them have limited bandwith for P2P applications as it is. Do you think that really want it going on at all? Probably not. Too many problems w/the RIAA and the MPAA.

However, Felser said Grouper's emphasis on being a small, private, encrypted network minimizes the risk. "We're a heck of a lot safer to the business because we target very small groups of people who already know and trust each other. And we have a very firm anti-spyware policy. We'll never add spyware or adware of any kind."

However, to outsiders (RIAA/MPAA) encryption means hiding data that doesn't belong to you. They will counter any argument with that statement.

P2P is fine with the free alternatives. I'm sorry but I just don't think this program is going anywhere. Maybe if it was created 5 or 6 years ago.

like clevercactus?

[idonotexist]

Not sure who was first, but clevercactus [clevercactus.com] has had the same type of offering for awhile.

KDrive

[PktLoss]

KDrive [kdrive.com] allows users to set up secure groups across the net, push files to the group, and selectivly share different files with different groups

Done before?

[Anonymous Coward]

How is this different from WASTE [sourceforge.net]?

Re:Too late in the game...

[Nogami_Saeko]

Just check their forums.

It will NOT share files with MP3 or WMA extensions. Who knows that filetypes they'll decide to block next.

If they get rid of those restrictions (and the 30 person maximum) I'll bite. Until then, it's simple an interesting bit of software that I'll pass on.

N.

grouper don't like mozilla

[upt1me]

Problem with Email Verification

Grouper was unable to automatically verify your email address. This could be caused by one of the following:

* Your default browser is not Internet Explorer.
* Internet Explorer is not configured to run signed, trusted ActiveX controls.

Re:New name, same product?

[TheSpoom]

The sad thing is that AOL canned WASTE (pun not intended) after only a few hours of Justin posting it, and removed the file from the server. Compare this article to the original Slashdot article on WASTE [slashdot.org]. Very similar.