Intel announces peer-to-peer catalyst

Intel has announced it is to launch developer building blocks for peer-to-peer applications, designed to encourage the growth of the new technology.

Intel, which formally launched its peer-to-peer (P2P) strategy in spring this year, says the technology will enable the development of smart web-services around the P2P model. They will include tools to build knowledge management, search and collaborative applications.

Intel says the new tools will be available by the end of the year.

Intel is keen on P2P because it uses a high level of computing power at the client end. Rather than putting all the computing power back on the server, P2P uses networks of PCs to do the work, thus encouraging the continued PC sales Intel relies on.