diff --git a/content/blog/2022/01/_index.md b/content/blog/2022/01/_index.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..2d0d600e3 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2022/01/_index.md @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +--- +transparent: true +--- \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/2022/01/post-1/index.md b/content/blog/2022/01/post-1/index.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..80b5890e9 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2022/01/post-1/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,109 @@ +--- +title: "Bridges Connecting the ThreeFold Ecosystem to External Networks" # Quotation marks allow colons, semicolons, etc. +description: "Since the launch of ThreeFold Grid 3.0, TFT is now available on three blockchains – Stellar, Binance Smart Chain and the Substrate-based ThreeFold Blockchain (aka TF Chain)." # Quotation marks allow colons, semicolons, etc. +date: 2022-01-10 +updated: 2022-01-10 # Comment-out this line with a # if content is unchanged +draft: false # Make it "true" if you don't want Zola to "publish" yet +template: blogPage.html +taxonomies: + categories: [foundation, cloud, technology] + tags: [threefold_grid, threefold_cloud, technology, blockchain, update] + +extra: + subtitle: "The UNIQUE Post 1 subtitle" # Quotation marks allow colons, semicolons, etc. + author: Hannah Cordes + authorImg: /images/people/hannah_cordes.jpg + imgPath: images/blog/bridges_connecting_threefold_ecosystem.png + +--- + +Wondering how to switch between blockchains? Cross-chain bridges allow you to easily transfer TFT from one blockchain to another.  + +
+ +Since the launch of [ThreeFold Grid](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__threefold_grid) 3.0, [TFT](https://threefold.io/tft) has been available on three blockchains – Stellar, Binance Smart Chain and the Substrate-based ThreeFold Blockchain (aka TF Chain). + +
+ +There are already active bridges that connect Stellar to Binance Smart Chain and [TF Chain](https://threefold.io/blog/post/tf_chain/), improving the accessibility and availability of TFT, while also connecting the ThreeFold ecosystem to external blockchain networks. + +
+ +Learn more about TF Chain in our blog post [here](https://threefold.io/blog/post/tf_chain/). + +## What are bridges and why are they important? + +The concept of bridges in crypto is similar to a bridge in the physical world. Bridges in the real world simply connect two different locations and communities so that the people can travel back and forth and resources can be exchanged freely. + +
+ +Similarly, using bridges in blockchain allows users to easily transfer tokens and other crypto assets between two or more networks – regardless of the different protocols, tooling, and governance models these networks have. Simply put, a bridge ensures a secure interoperability between different blockchains. + +
+ +ThreeFold uses blockchain bridges to connect external blockchain networks to the ThreeFold ecosystem. The bridging mechanisms we’ve implemented allow TFT to be transferred securely between [different blockchains](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__money_blockchain_partity_link). Currently, we’ve established **two 2-way bridges**: + +
+ +* Stellar <> Binance Smart Chain +* Stellar <> TF Chain + +
+ +But what is the difference between the 3 chains? + +
+ +**[Stellar](https://www.stellar.org/?locale=en)** is an open-source network for storing and moving digital assets, and still remains the main blockchain for the minting of TFT and distribution of farming rewards. Until the launch of TF Chain with Grid 3.0, only TFT living on Stellar were accepted for the reservation of Internet capacity on the ThreeFold Grid.  + +
+ +**[Binance Smart Chain](https://www.binance.org/en/smartChain)** (BSC) is a standalone, parallel Binance chain that is a leading DeFi ecosystem next to Ethereum. On BSC, TFT is implemented as a cross-chain asset, allowing anyone to [connect](https://bridge.bsc.threefold.io/) to the bridge using [Metamask](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tokens/threefold__tft_bsc_metamask) or [Trust Wallet](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold/#/tokens/threefold__threefold_wallets?id=the-threefold-connect-app) – the most popular Web 3 wallets in the world. + +
+ +**[TF Chain](https://threefold.io/tech/tf-chain)** was built on the [Substrate framework](https://substrate.io/) with the purpose of decentralizing user-farmer relationships on the ThreeFold Grid. It has its own native form of [TFT](https://threefold.io/tft), which can be bridged back and forth from Stellar-based TFT. This model will be implemented for other chains in the future, for interoperability and cross-chain features between blockchain and DeFi ecosystems and the ThreeFold Grid. + +## What’s new with TF Chain? + +TF Chain represents a leap forward for simplicity in payments for capacity reservations and a move towards greater decentralization of the systems that support the ThreeFold Grid. With the launch of [ThreeFold Grid 3.0](https://forum.threefold.io/t/what-is-new-in-tfgrid-3-0/1133), TF Chain became the official record of ThreeFold farms and nodes, and brought peer-to-peer [billing](https://forum.threefold.io/t/introducing-tf-chain-an-updated-billing-model/1277) based on smart contracts for workload deployments on the ThreeFold Grid.  + +
+ +For now, minting will remain on Stellar but reservations of nodes and capacity on ThreeFold Grid 3.0 are already executed via [TF Chain](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__tfchain). In the future, minting will also also be handled over TF Chain, as the creation of a custom blockchain for our ThreeFold Grid gives us great flexibility and scalability moving forward. + +
+ +Bridges were established between Stellar and TF Chain to facilitate payments, e.g. if you pay for a workload deployment in Stellar TFT, this payment needs to be bridged to TF  Chain’s native TFT to fund the [smart contract](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__smartcontract_it). + +### The two-way [bridge](https://bridge.bsc.threefold.io/) between Stellar & BSC  + +Until recently, the bridge between Stellar and Binance Smart Chain (BSC) was one-way only: from BSC to Stellar. Even though it was possible to transfer TFT from Stellar to BSC via  [command line](https://github.com/threefoldfoundation/tft/blob/main/bsc/bridges/stellar/transfers.md), this was only an option for tech-savvy people. Now, you can also deposit TFT from Stellar to BSC using the bridge with a proper UI, as you can see in the image below. + +
+ +![tft_bsc_bridge](/images/blog/tft_bsc_bridge.png) + +
+ +When depositing from TFT Stellar, **please be sure that both addresses and memo are as indicated** in the instructions or the TFT you transfer will be lost forever. To facilitate the process, a **QR code** is generated and can be scanned using the [ThreeFold Connect app](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold/#/tokens/threefold__threefold_connect), automatically filling in the right address and memo on your behalf. + +
+ +![tft_bsc_transfer](/images/blog/tft_bsc_transfer.png) + +
+ +As Binance Smart Chain is a more expensive chain, **a fee of 50 TFT** will be automatically charged for the bridge from Stellar to BSC. Find the full **step-by-step guide** for the Stellar-BSC bridge [here](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tokens/threefold__tft_bsc_bridge).  + +## What’s next?  + +As the ThreeFold ecosystem continues to grow, we’re looking into building more bridges (e.g. Cosmos, Ethereum), some of which are already under development, to improve the accessibility of TFT and simplify the onboarding of blockchain and DeFi projects on the ThreeFold Grid. TF Chain will play an important role in the further development of the People’s Internet as the main inter-chain for [TFT](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__threefold_token).  + +
+ +*Try out the Stellar-BSC bridge [here](https://bridge.bsc.threefold.io/) and visit [our forum](https://forum.threefold.io/) to share your experiences.* + +
+ +*Also, check out our blog post on TF Chain [here](https://threefold.io/blog/post/tf_chain/).* diff --git a/content/blog/2022/01/post-2/index.md b/content/blog/2022/01/post-2/index.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..eee82e4f5 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2022/01/post-2/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +--- +title: "ThreeFold’s 2021 Review and 2022 Preview" # Quotation marks allow colons, semicolons, etc. +description: "It was an important year for ThreeFold, with huge developments on the ThreeFold Grid, the continued expansion of the grid by farmers, key partnerships, and more – all setting up for a strong 2022!" # Quotation marks allow colons, semicolons, etc. +date: 2022-01-02 +updated: 2022-01-02 # Comment-out this line with a # if content is unchanged +draft: false # Make it "true" if you don't want Zola to "publish" yet +template: blogPage.html +taxonomies: + categories: [foundation, cloud, technology] + tags: [threefold_grid, threefold_cloud, technology, blockchain, update] + +extra: + subtitle: "The UNIQUE Post 1 subtitle" # Quotation marks allow colons, semicolons, etc. + author: Sam Taggart + authorImg: /images/people/sam_taggart.jpg + imgPath: images/blog/threefold_review_2021_preview_2022.png + +--- + +It was an important year for ThreeFold, with huge developments on the ThreeFold Grid, the continued expansion of the grid by farmers, key partnerships, and more – all setting up for a strong 2022. + +
+ +Let’s take a quick look back at the year that was. + +### The ThreeFold Grid + +In January we launched ThreeFold Grid 2.4 on Mainnet and evolved it through version 2.8. In September, we launched ThreeFold Grid 3.0 on testnet and just this week, we launched TF Grid 3.0 on mainnet, with limited capacity for now. + +
+ +ThreeFold Grid 3 brings a massive leap forward in the decentralization of the ThreeFold Grid and makes for a much simpler user experience for farmers and grid users. + +
+ +The starting point ThreeFold Grid 3: + +
+ +* [What’s New in TF Grid 3.0](https://forum.threefold.io/t/what-is-new-in-tfgrid-3-0/1133) +* [Manual](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/) + +### Notable Tech Developments + +Other new developments on the tech side included [QSFS](https://threefold.io/news/post/qsfs_intro/) (Quantum Safe Storage System), [TF Chain](https://threefold.io/blog/post/tf_chain/), Smart Contracts and more (take a look at the new [tech section](https://threefold.io/tech) we launched with the new threefold.io this year and of course [our knowledge base](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold/#/technology/threefold__technology)). + +### The ThreeFold Token (TFT) + +2021 was all about bringing TFT to more chains and making TFT more accessible, with the [BSC integration](https://threefold.io/news/post/bsc_update_news/), TF Chain, and [1inch](https://threefold.io/news/post/tft_1inch/). + +
+ +*[Read about our TFGrid & TFT Price Simulation.](https://forum.threefold.io/t/tft-tfgrid-growth-simulation/1633)* + +### ThreeFold Farming + +Today, the ThreeFold Grid is live in [57 countries](https://explorer.threefold.io) with more than 1,450 Nodes online. Thanks to all the Farmers who both built or bought and connected 3Nodes! + +
+ +In 2021, we introduced a [certified farming program](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold/#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__certified_farming) and [farming rewards 3.0](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold/#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__farming_reward) which will apply from ThreeFold Grid 3.1 onwards (end Jan). We also established [weekly 3Node updates](https://forum.threefold.io/c/farming/nodeshop-pre-order-faq/59) to keep you in the loop at all times. + +### Partnerships + +Throughout 2021, we announced key partnerships with [ownCloud](https://threefold.io/news/post/owncloud_threefold/), [DigiThree Labs](https://threefold.io/news/post/digithree/), [CasperLabs](https://threefold.io/news/post/threefold_casperlabs/) and many more. Most recently, two of these partnerships were featured in the news, [TAG](https://martechseries.com/technology/threefold-and-take-action-global-partner-to-bring-internet-access-to-1-billion-people-across-the-globe/) and [Computecoin](https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2021-12-21/helping-africa-go-digital-a-metaverse-startup-is-working-with-an-ngo-to-expand-digital-infrastructure-in-africa). All of these will be launched in 2022. + +## 2022 Preview (Q1) + +In the first part of 2022, we are launching our grid. + +
+ +Read our launch plan and offer feedback! + +
+ +[> OUR LAUNCHPLAN Q1 2022](https://forum.threefold.io/t/the-threefold-grid-3-x-launch-plan/1634) + +### The ThreeFold Token + +Now is the time to [buy TFT](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tokens/how_to_buy)! (Please take a look at the launch plan above.) + +
+ +In 2022, our goal for the ThreeFold Token is to be available at as many entry points as possible. We’re planning integrations with many ecosystems like Cosmos to achieve great networking effects for the money networks. There will be discounts for Utilization based on pre-purchasing of TFT, and more. + +## Wrapping Things Up + +There’s no other project out there like ThreeFold. TF Grid 3 is here, the grid is continuously growing across the world, and this collective effort is uniquely positioned to truly decentralize the Internet. Remember: ThreeFold is inevitable. + +
+ +So, here we go! You can expect many more updates soon on what was covered above. And may the year 2022 be full of health, happiness and opportunities for all of us! + +
+ +Please be reminded we are a decentralized movement, we need your help to let us all “BE THE INTERNET.” Become a farmer, register for a validator, contribute to our movement, develop a solution on top of TF Grid … If you’re not sure how to help out but want to, please get in touch on [our two-way chat](https://t.me/threefold) or here on the forum. diff --git a/static/images/blog/bridges_connecting_threefold_ecosystem.png b/static/images/blog/bridges_connecting_threefold_ecosystem.png new file mode 100644 index 000000000..43b2300cb Binary files /dev/null and b/static/images/blog/bridges_connecting_threefold_ecosystem.png differ diff --git a/static/images/blog/tft_bsc_bridge.png b/static/images/blog/tft_bsc_bridge.png new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6eb0f6e20 Binary files /dev/null and b/static/images/blog/tft_bsc_bridge.png differ diff --git a/static/images/blog/tft_bsc_transfer.png b/static/images/blog/tft_bsc_transfer.png new file mode 100644 index 000000000..f4da3b873 Binary files /dev/null and b/static/images/blog/tft_bsc_transfer.png differ diff --git a/static/images/blog/threefold_review_2021_preview_2022.png b/static/images/blog/threefold_review_2021_preview_2022.png new file mode 100644 index 000000000..40a58f250 Binary files /dev/null and b/static/images/blog/threefold_review_2021_preview_2022.png differ