P2P Knowledge Commons
From P2P Foundation
Contents |
P2P Knowledge Commons
A P2P Knowledge Commons is a repository of information that exists within the relationships of peers in network. In this sense a P2P Knowledge Commons is similar to any Common Resources in a P2P Network. The P2P Knowledge Commons is, in essence, owned, maintained, and used by peers. The resource exists to serve the peers in the network.
Relationships of the P2P Knowledge Commons to Other Concepts in P2P Theory
A P2P Knowledge Commons is related to the general concept of a Knowledge Commons and is more specific to the needs of a P2P Network that uses P2P Protocol. Several P2P Network Models make use of a P2P Knowledge Commons as a core resource for the Peers in a P2P Network, and the P2P Knowledge Commons is also drawn on in P2P Network Functions.
Qualities of a P2P Knowledge Commons
A P2P Knowledge Commons has properties specific to Common Resources in a P2P Network and is managed through P2P Protocol.
A few of the distinguishing qualities of a P2P Knowledge Commons are:
- Clear definitions of purpose, maintained by the peers, that evolve over time with the peers
- Shared understanding of the value of public open access to the resources where this doesn't create poor usability for the members of the network
- Focus on capturing information and processes that allow others to add value to the Commons while they are consuming the value for themselves.
P2P Concepts Applied Make a P2P Knowledge Commons
The P2P Knowledge Commons draws on a number of core P2P Concepts. Each of this has particular implication when applied to a knowledge commons.
- Distributed - A P2P Knowledge Commons endeavors to be distributed.
- The location of the repository is distributed
- The Peer Network maintaining the repository is distributed
- The specific items in the repository can be copied and distributed widely and forever
