Systems and Applications

Abstract

Chapter 9 describes some representative P2P systems and applications that have been deployed. We look at how different application environments and requirements drive the design and architecture of the systems. We discuss popular techniques employed in each type of applications. In particular, we first present representatives of P2P file sharing systems. After that, we introduce a variety of P2P systems that are used to support data backup purposes. We then analyze in details the two main architectures used in P2P database management systems. Finally, we discuss cases where P2P systems are used to support web caching, communication and collaboration. Additionally, since handheld devices become more and more powerful and connected, we begin to see a trend of moving applications from PCs to PDAs and cell phones. As a result, we also introduce two types of applications for mobile devices: file sharing and text messaging and voice communication.