Microsoft To Launch BitTorrent Alternative

Researchers at Microsoft’s labs in Cambridge, UK, are developing a file-sharing technology that they say could make it easier to distribute big files such as films, television programs and software applications to end-users over the Internet, Infoworld reports. The product’s code name is ‘Avalanche’.

Like BitTorrent end users request the file parts from other users’ hard drives and reassemble them to create the original file. The concept behind Avalanche is impressive, according to Mike Thompson, principal research analyst with Butler Group, in Hull, England, who saw the technology demonstrated. But it faces two problems of perception, he said.

"Firstly, Avalanche is a mirror of P-to-P models that are coming under scrutiny for allowing illegal distribution. I believe this idea of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ P-to-P for file-sharing of copyright material will create a deal of confusion.

"Secondly, despite the ‘pull’ nature of the model and the security that should allow only the file to be accessed, Microsoft has had issues around security in the past — IIS [Internet Information Server] being the clearest example of a secure solution that wasn’t. I think the P-to-P network would be a prime target for the dissemination of viruses, despite Microsoft’s assurances that it is ‘safe.’"

Elsewhere in the UK, the Telegraph reports that British Sky Broadcasting will this week unveil plans for a new service allowing customers to download movies and sports coverage over the internet. The Sky service will be available to subscribers to its three top-tier packages: Sky World, Sky Sports World and Sky Movies World. Sports coverage will consist of highlights, interviews and news, but not whole games or matches. The movie service will offer a mix of 200 new and old films from the Sky Movies channels.

Infoworld Report
Telegraph Article