WebProNews

Barry Diller's search engine Ask Jeeves may soon tuck file-sharing company Grouper into the IAC/InterActive creel.

A comment on Om Malik's broadband blog hints at a takeover of Grouper, a peer-to-peer "social sharing" company. Online service MyFamily works in a similar fashion, but is web-based where Grouper is client PC-based.

That sharing allows users to create an invitation-only file sharing network. But it isn't true file sharing; though it permits photos and other files to be shared, music can only be streamed through the networks created. That little tweak helps Grouper avoid the wrath of RIAA lawyers.

Mr. Malik's posting suggests Ask could use the Grouper client as a base for web and desktop search services, and deliver text-based ads to users through that client. In a humorous side note, Mr. Malik references an earlier post he made about Grouper; he decries online photo sharing services as "slowed by adverts."

For people who'd rather share with people who have common interests instead of disinterested family members, Grouper offers a directory of users and user groups classified by music, arts, hobbies, and other categories. Users can find a group or user and request an invite to join.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.