Spotify Starts Shutting Down Its Massive P2P Network

[silicon_toad2000]

http://torrentfreak.com/spotify-starts-shutting-down-its-massive-p2p-network-140416/

That's different, usually we're hearing about organisations embracing the p2p model to improve responsiveness and cut costs.

When Spotify launched its first beta in the fall of 2008, we branded it “an alternative to music piracy.”

With the option to stream millions of tracks supported by an occasional ad, or free of ads for a small subscription fee, Spotify appeared to be a serious competitor to music piracy...

...In 2011 we reported that of all tracks that were not accessed over the Internet, roughly 80% went through the P2P network. This allowed Spotify to reduced server resources and associated costs, which is a pretty big deal for a startup.

However, the end of the road is coming soon for this massive private sharing network. TorrentFreak has learned that Spotify plans to discontinue its P2P technology altogether, to rely solely on central servers instead.

“We’re gradually phasing out the use of our desktop P2P technology which has helped our users enjoy their music both speedily and seamlessly,” Spotify’s Alison Bonny informs TF.

Where Spotify previously needed P2P to guarantee that all tracks could be played with the lowest lag possible, this is no longer needed. During the months to come Spotify will effectively shut down its P2P servers.

“We’re now at a stage where we can power music delivery through our growing number of servers and ensure our users continue to receive a best-in-class service,” Bonny says.

[GhostShip]

They are simply placing all of their eggs in a single basket, however as they are wholly owned by the recording industry folks should expect to see some further revenue creation models introduced, cash is the bottom line for these folks.