Editorial Pointers

Peer-to-peer (P2P) computing was on the fast track long before Napster put it on the map for general consumption. P2P is, in fact, a natural offshoot of the Net, where "community" and "sharing" among friends, colleagues, and strangers are prime attractions. P2P networking allows users to connect and collaborate without a central hub governing the operation. But from these noncommercial roots have sprouted many business and commercial applications, and just as many exaggerated claims.

This month’s special section looks beyond the hyperbole to the real science behind and potential for P2P computing, particularly its technical and social components. Guest editor Richard Lethin points out that P2P is far more than a system for sharing pirated music, and the section identifies the attributes and weaknesses of the many applications ranging from a local person-to-person scale to a global business-to-business e-marketplace. Authors discuss the challenges of content distribution, what people really do with the technology, as well as user expectations for these systems.

Also this month, Arinze and Anandarajan describe a new approach for the rapid development of ERP systems using an OO mapping system. Lee, Siau, and Hong compare internal and external approaches to enterprise business integration. Jiang et al. detail a method for measuring service quality, and Krovi, Changra, and Rajagopalan present a framework for strengthening system design, as well as management control of entangled relationships. And by examining how the Internet has expanded throughout the U.S. and India, Dutta and Roy offer a promising measuring stick for predicting Internet diffusion worldwide.

Finally, this issue marks the departure of one of the key components of the Communications editorial staff. Robert Fox, an 11-year veteran of this team and guiding spirit behind our columns and author of our very popular "Newstrack" column, is moving on to different projects and new possibilities. We will certainly miss his humor and creative flair, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Diane Crawford, Editor