Vista includes unique peer-to-peer software

Windows Vista will include a new technology called 'People Near Me' which will allow file sharing with people close to you. Users will be able to share documents and other information.

Microsoft has built the technology into a programme called MeetingSpace. Clients running the programme can establish an ad-hoc wireless connection to each other, with file sharing and data access controlled by the programme itself, rather than global network connection settings.

Those hosting a collaborative session can choose to password their meetings and can invite people in, a la instant messaging. Microsoft says that it has worked to minimise the dangers of people being duped into establishing sessions with scammers after files and propagating viruses.

The company says that it will be good for people having impromptu meetings in coffee houses or those who want a simpler way to manage file sharing in the office.

Do you like the idea of being able to easily share data with your mates whilst out and about? Let us know over in the forums.