Who will win the competitive battle between P2P file sharing networks and iTunes over the long run and why?

As it was stated on this case, P2P networks and software has been improved a lot in the last few years. These sytems have improved their speed, security, and distribution. Moreover, the code of these systems is available for other to change them and release new improved versions of the existent systems. The films and music industry can stop some of the creators of current systems such as Bitorrent, Grokster, Per Impact and so on, but they can not stop the release of other more secured networks based on the mentioned systems that will encrypt the files transmitted and will keep complete anonymity of people uploading and downloading any kind of files. Moreover, the author of the P2Psoftware and network should not be liable for any wrong-doing with their systems. They are just creating the technology that could have other multiple legal and beneficial uses such as file sharing of company’s information within a the same, instant messaging, or son on.

It is difficult for the films and music industry to stop all users through the legal system. By 2006, there were more than ten million of users worldwide of P2P systems, and this number is increasing day by day. P2P users are always trying to finding new ways to share their files and hack security schemas. Although some law suits were won against some major P2P systems, these suits are too costly and slow to stop the increasing number of member and users of P2P systems. Perhaps, the ISP providers are the ones who could help establish some filters to avoid illegal piracy, but, as the article stated, they do not want to interfere and are constantly upgrading their systems to support the increase in traffic demand because P2P systems is increasing its use and number of affiliates.

Despite iTunes success (“reviving online music”), iTunes is not making any profits for itself. Apple’s real goal is to make money by selling iPhones or iPods. Furthermore, many efforts have been made to sell music online, but most of them have failed in the process. My opinion is that the business of digital information good as it is these days is not working, and firms in this business might be defeated by P2P systems if they do not update their business model to be profitable in the long run.