A peer-to-peer (P2P) or point-to-point network is a computer network in which all or some of its components run without clients or fixed servers over a series of nodes that behave equally among each other. In other words, they act simultaneously as clients and servers with regard to all the other nodes in the network. P2P networks allow the direct exchange of information in any format between interconnected computers.

The age of the Internet is revolutionizing many businesses, such as music, travel, remote purchases, etc. It is also opening up the opportunity for individuals to cooperate, giving rise to new kinds of businesses that were unthinkable before the advent of the Internet and connectivity.

Many of these new models of collaboration between individuals are generating new businesses that have a direct impact on conventional businesses. The first reactions are strikes (like the taxi strike throughout Europe last week) and legislation (like the restriction on crowdfunding in Spain a few months ago). However, it cannot be denied that the Internet revolution is more significant than the industrial revolution of the 18th century, which changed the production landscape throughout the world, just like the Internet today.

P2P began as a simple platform for collaboration, like Napster, which allowed individuals to share music and shook the foundations of the music industry. In the end it disappeared, but the industry has never recovered. Fascinating new business models are currently being developed in a variety of fields:

TRANSPORT:

• Uber and Blablacar: Car rentals between individuals. . https://www.uber.com/ www.blablacar.es
• Parkinghood: Parking rentals  www.parkinghood.com/es/
• Bicing: Bicycle rentals. . www.bicing.cat/es/

SERVICES:

• Cronoshare: Find the most trusted professionals for your cleaning needs, private classes, handymen, languages and much more. www.cronoshare.com
• Taskrabbit: Outsource household tasks to neighbors. www.taskrabbit.com/
• Etece: Entrust your daily chores to trusted professionals. Save time and money (up to 35%).  
• Bibulu: Individual housing for pets. . http://es.bibulu.com/

TOURISM:

• Airbnb: Rent space from other people in 34,000 cities and 190 countries https://www.airbnb.es/
• Trip4real: A marketplace where you can find authentic experiences organized by locals and earn money doing what you like. http://es.trip4real.com/
• Eatwith: Meet incredible people, try new dishes and enjoy an unforgettable experience eating with people in their homes.   http://www.eatwith.com/es/

SHOPPING:

• Ebay: Buy and sell technology, computer components, motor components, collectables, clothing, baby products, etc. Stores and individuals. New and second-hand. www.ebay.es
• Wallapop: Second-hand purchases in your area. www.wallapop.com/
• Mitrastero: Second-hand purchases. www.mitrastero.org
• Grownies: Children's clothing exchange. www.grownies.com

A New York resident using P2P earns an average of $45,000 a year by "renting" things to other people, and according to a recent study by Nielsen nearly 50% of the population in Spain would be willing to rent something for money.

There is no doubt about it: the economic crisis and new technology are going to lead to an explosion of P2P in this country, simultaneously transforming many traditional sectors and businesses.