P2PEOPLE: P2P "common interest" search engine and collaboration platform

In this paper, a "common interests" search engine and a collaboration platform based on P2P networks, called P2PEOPLE, is presented. The aim of its development is to allow people to form "common interests groups" and provide those group members with new ways to communicate, collaborate and make business together. It is based on jxta P2P technology, and following the EU guidelines, it is open code (Java) and open architecture (modular) programmed. The architecture is structured in three layers (core, collaborative and payment) and a Graphic User Interface. A basic set of services is included to provide users information sharing tools over established communication channels. Potential users vary from Universities and Science groups, professionals, non-profit organizations, big and small corporations, the general public, etc.