Peer-to-peer paradigm

What, in fact, is peer-to-peer (P2P)? Is it a set of protocols, an IT architecture, a design philosophy stressing decentralization, a business model? In its current form it encompasses all of these attributes. Reduced to a common denominator the term P2P refers to technology which enables two or more peers to collaborate spontaneously in a network of equals (peers) by using appropriate information and communication systems without the necessity for central coordination. It appears profitable to build information systems based on P2P architectures. However, the extent to which companies can take advantage of P2P is under debate. Will decentralized control be able to cope with challenges regarding network control, security, interoperability, meta data, and cost sharing? This minitrack features five papers that address the wide range of P2P research topics.