Valve, the company that brought us Half-Life, has recently released a P2P file-system package that they will be using to distribute updates to their software titles, such as Half-Life itself as well as Counter-Strike [Steam]. The product, called Steam, may have what it takes to get P2P really going on the Internet in a way that integrates properly with the web.

At its core, Steam is a distributed file system and shared set of technology components that can be implemented into any software application.

With Steam, developers are given integrated tools for direct-content publishing, flexible billing, ensured-version control, anti-cheating, anti-piracy, and more.

I've been arguing for a while that the key to P2P's future success is seamless integration into the web. Several other tools, such as BitTorrent, have moved in the right direction, but they aren't yet user-friendly enough to be used by the average Joe. Steam, by targeting gamers, has a built in audience that will be eager to install their client. The big question is will this provide the critical mass to get the product on everyone else's desktop and to get software writers to use the network to distribute their own titles. 7:30:45 PM    comment []  

This has got to be one of the coolest services I've seen online. The MSN Autos site has a feature where you specify your zip code and it will give you a listing of gas stations in your area with a map and detailed comparisons of their gas prices [MSN Gas Prices]. So, instead of driving around to find the best price, you can quickly look it up and drive straight to the gas station with the best price. Sweet! 3:54:41 PM    comment []