BEIJING, June 21 -- Microsoft is developing a peer-to-peer software application that will provide an alternative to the controversial BitTorrent systems.

    Code-named Avalanche, the software uses a new technique called "network coding," which breaks data into small, easily transferable packets to accelerate downloading, but includes details on all the other data in the file.

    This allows the file to be reconstructed from all available packets in any order, not just sequentially as with current systems.

    BitTorrent systems have come under attack in the past year, as organizations like the Motion Picture Association of America have called for more legislation to shut them down.

    The MPAA, as well as the recording industry and other groups, have pointed to the amount of copyrighted work being traded as an indication of widespread online piracy.

    Microsoft's Avalanche could provide an alternative that works well with users and copyright holders. The researchers noted that users will be unable to redistribute content without approval by the publisher.

    This type of digital rights management (DRM) system might lessen illegal distribution and boost the amount of legitimately obtained content that users choose to download.

    (Agencies)