Boston, MA - June 7, 2006 - Major media players such as Disney, Sony, Warner and Universal will benefit from making their content available over peer-to-peer networks, according to the latest research from the Strategy Analytics Broadband Media and Communications service. This report, "TV and Movie Downloads: Harnessing the Power of P2P," concludes that P2P networks will perform a vital strategic role in the media and entertainment industries, which will provide social stickiness and economic efficiencies, as well as supporting a growing number of alternative business models, pricing strategies and legal consumption experiences.

"Regular high profile coverage of disputes involving content distribution websites of uncertain legality tend to imply that P2P is inherently a "bad thing," notes James Penhune, Director of Broadband Media and Communications research. "But our analysis suggests that P2P will ultimately provide considerable benefits for content providers seeking to tap into the growing demand from consumers for video, music and games delivered over the Internet."

The report also provides an introduction to the commercial potential of P2P networks offered by providers such as BitTorrent, SnoCap, Akamai, Kontiki, Brightcove, Google and YouTube, as well as a strategic snapshot of a space that is now undergoing considerable diversification, innovation and investment.