Epic P2P

Epic's unique knowledge-sharing system

Nobody is as smart as everybody.

Epic P2P allows an organisation or network to make the most efficient and effective use of its knowledge through a simple-to-use file-sharing tool. Individuals can share documents, learning objects and other knowledge assets between themselves simply and securely… with no investment in large-scale, centralised knowledge repositories.

• Provide instant access to organisation-wide knowledge resources - powerful search facility allows users to tap into the organisation-wide knowledge base
• Stop 're-inventing the wheel' - studies show that a great deal of the knowledge organisations purchase from outsourced suppliers already exists internally
• Encourage knowledge sharing - simple process for sharing files prevents knowledge staying locked up on individuals' hard drives
• Maximise filespace and bandwidth - peer-to-peer computing means more efficient use of ICT resources

Key Features of Epic P2P

• Simple click 'n' share operation - share e-learning, documents, presentations, etc.
• Share through multiple firewalls - unique feature of Epic P2P!
• Direct peer-to-peer file transfer or via routing server where firewall disallows
• Web interface enables search by keyword, catalogued subject or popularity
• Simple system administration, powerful reporting capabilities

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Selected functions of Epic P2P

File sharing with Epic P2P is simple:

• Right-mouse-click on a file to share
• Fill out metadata details that describe the file for easy cataloguing and retrieval by other users
• Click to send details to central 'index'

The P2P 'client' is compatible with all Windows environments and runs automatically on start up. Virtually any type of file can be shared. Allowable file types can be defined by the client organisation at project set-up.

File download is enabled through the P2P website as follows:

• Files are searched for and downloaded through a website interface, which also contains themed discussion forums to support other collaborative activities
• Files can be viewed by search, rating, popularity or viewed by catalogued subject
• Users can rate files and review them: these scores and reviews are then made available to other users
• The tool allows multiple simultaneous uploads and downloads
• Where firewall constraints prevent direct peer-to-peer file transfer, connection is via a routing server

Administration functions of P2P are powerful yet easy-to-use:

• Administrators can manage users and content using a web-driven system interface
• Activity reporting tailored to specific client requirements can be downloaded through this interface
• Both uploads and downloads can be monitored by system administrator(s)

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Technical/security

• The main server is on the Windows 2000 platform
• The system has a central database for storing document information, currently built with MSSQL
• Separate servers are used for system management and file exchange, with the file exchange servers having a lower spec - so system scalability is a simple matter of increasing the number of routers
• The website has 128 bit strong https encryption
• Security is at the heart of the design: the system is secure against would-be hackers and unauthorised users
• The transfer of documents is also encrypted, allowing sensitive documents to be sent securely

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