GigaTribe is a free, encrypted and private P2P
software community that limits file sharing to GigaTribe users who are
part of your own self-governed network.
To use GigaTribe, you must first download and install the software.
Then you need to convince your friends, family, co-workers, etc. to do
the same. You can’t exceed 1000 contacts. There are no file size,
uploading or downloading limits.
The basic service is free to use, but GigaTribe
sells an upgrade version for US$29.95 per year that adds remote access
to your hard drive, unlimited simultaneous downloads and
password-protected folders. The software is currently Windows-only. A
Mac version is scheduled for release in September.
To make it easier for users to expand their personal “tribes,” a new GigaTribe Inviter Tool
will automatically invite friends from other social networking accounts
– Facebook, LinkedIn and Flickr – to use GigaTribe’s service. The
Inviter Tool also works with Web-based email accounts Yahoo!, Gmail and
Windows Live.
GigaTribe has a social networking strategy and is
planning to release GigaTribe software applications embedded within
other social networks. “People browsing your profile will discover that
you’re sharing large files of videos, photos, etc., increasing your
friend’s interest in you and your profile,” states a company press
release.
While the service is handy for sharing personal
videos that are too large for e-mail or social networking profiles, it
also provides small businesses the opportunity to set up a no-cost
Virtual Private Network for co-workers and clients.
