File sharing, in lieu of the epoch of new media, is an action used to describe the interconnected transfer, access, or distribution of some form of digital content to other systems, networks, or computers via a cloud software of sorts. Some examples of file sharing platforms include iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Notably, all three software applications allow for the storage of data files into a cloud-based server upon which various levels of customizable security are instated for access elsewhere or by others. Generally, file sharing is more so the umbrella term which contains various modules or sections within it.

Namely, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is a particular example of the aforementioned blanket head which specifically focuses in on one individual providing a direct copy of a digital media file right into the hands (or computer, rather) of another individual at a quick pace. A prime case of P2P file sharing comes from the creation of the pioneer of this technology himself: Shawn Fanning's Napster. Napster allowed users to "donate" or upload bootlegged music files onto the application which then allowed for other users to directly download said files onto their own computers for their own use. Lead media analysts referred to Napster as “[an] absolutely...groundbreaking technology that changed the way consumers listened to music, discovered music, and interacted with music...” (Choi, 5). Thanks to this pioneering, other notable P2P file sharing applications that rode in Napster's wake include uTorrent and BitTorrent.

With that said, Choi points out that while it is important to note that some of these piracy applications are not entirely legal or ethical, they are: "(1) pioneers the use of new technologies; (2) provides the business world with invaluable market insight; (3) contributes to new market creation; and (4) evolves into legitimate and innovative business models." (Choi, 8-9) To elaborate, while some P2P file-sharing softwares are questionable in integrity, many of those who realm in the world of digital content acquisitions tend to be early adopters of products in the diffusion of innovations, which ultimately helps drive up a new market or invigorates the early and late majority that soon follows.

References

• Choi, David Y. and Arturo Perez. "Online Piracy and the Emergence of New Business Models." Joint Conference Proceedings in Technovation. January 2009. ResearchGate.