remove news, blog and people
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title: "Blog"
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!!include blog:a_better_understanding_of_wealth
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---
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id: a_different_approach_to_blockchain
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title: Not your average blockchain project
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image_caption: a different approach to blockchain
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description: Sometimes we're compared to blockchain projects. We love the blockchain but that's just not who we are.
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date: 2021-04-20
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taxonomies:
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people: [sacha_obeegadoo]
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tags: [digital_twin,data,why]
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categories: []
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extra:
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imgPath: a_different_approach_to_blockchain.png
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---
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<br/>
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Sometimes we're compared to blockchain projects. We love blockchains and have many partners there – CasperLabs, DigiByte, Polygon, and Dash, to name a few – but that's just not what we are. Here's a few ways we are different than the "typical" blockchain project.
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## ThreeFold is actually much more than a blockchain
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ThreeFold is not actually even a blockchain project, rather it uses blockchain technology by combining it with other cutting-edge solutions. It's way more that just a blockchain alternative to a public cloud. <!-- -->ThreeFold started everything from scratch – built a super-lightweight and shell-less operating system, and a fully autonomous (self-driving and self-healing) architecture to enable a true peer-to-peer infrastructure. With zero intermediaries on the ThreeFold Grid, that leads to high efficiency and minimum complexity.<!-- -->
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<br/>
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<br/>
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The blockchain database (BCDB) acts as a registry for the workloads on the Threefold Grid. Workloads can only be accessed and managed with the private key of the data owner. The BCDB can prove to any party that their workloads are executed exactly as intended and that their data is untouched.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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In most distributed systems, data is stored multiple times to guarantee redundancy. This leads to a lot of unnecessary overhead and is also not the most secure mechanism. ThreeFold uses a dispersed storage algorithm to store the workloads on the ThreeFold Grid. <!-- -->The dispersed storage algorithm breaks data into shards and stores them on different nodes.<!-- --> This enables two things – first, performance efficiency (no need for consensus to run compute and storage) and second, energy efficiency (as there’s no more need for data duplication).
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<br/>
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<br/>
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*As mentioned up top, we have many partners in the space and we are working with them to bring true decentralization to their blockchains.*
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## ThreeFold had no ICO nor IEO. It pre-farmed its tokens
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ThreeFold didn’t have an ICO or IEO. ICOs and IEOs are fundraising schemes for blockchains to sell tokens to investors either directly (ICO) or through regulated exchanges (IEO). Instead, ThreeFold pre-farmed (ThreeFold’s sustainable alternative to mining) its tokens prior to going to the market and listed them on several exchanges, public and decentralized.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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This allowed ThreeFold to incentivize its early contributors, while also securing the ongoing development of the project until the launch of the Threefold Grid 2.0 in April 2020. Pre-mining is also an organic approach to the market, in line with ThreeFold’s values and vision of delivering products over using hype.
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## Product over Hype
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In some cases, ICOs and IEOs were surrounded with hype. It is always very hard to judge the ability of a project to deliver its promises through a white paper.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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Instead of fundraising with a white paper, the technological development remained the primary focus. For 4 years, ThreeFold developed the whole technology stack, starting with an operating-system built from scratch to the autonomous smart contract and virtual system administrator technology that enables a fully-autonomous peer-to-peer Cloud.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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In 2020, ThreeFold held the public launch of the ThreeFold Token on Liquid Exchange. At that time, the ThreeFold Grid was already live in its 2nd version.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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Today, you can go through the whole Threefold Universe and find ready-to-use products. You can participate in growing the world’s most advanced peer-to-peer Internet infrastructure, or use the peer-to-peer compute and storage capacity available on the P2P Cloud.
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---
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id: access_threefold_token_and_provide_liquidity_on_stellar
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title: "How to Access the ThreeFold Token and Provide Liquidity on Stellar"
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image_caption: How to Access the ThreeFold Token and Provide Liquidity on Stellar
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description: The more liquidity we provide on Stellar, the more we contribute to creating and sustaining a healthy market for TFT there. So today, we’re embarking on a little journey to find out how to access TFT and how to provide liquidity on Stellar via Albedo.
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date: 2022-09-08
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taxonomies:
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people: [sam_taggart]
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tags: [threefold_grid, threefold_token, blockchain]
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categories: [foundation]
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extra:
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imgPath: access_threefold_token_and_provide_liquidity_on_stellar.png
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---
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*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
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<br>
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As we previously shared, we believe in the organic and sustainable growth of ThreeFold Token and the Internet of Internets vision. And one of our key goals is to strengthen the foundation of the ecosystem by enhancing the stability and liquidity of the ThreeFold Token (TFT). So today, we’re embarking on a little journey to find out how to access TFT and how to provide liquidity on Stellar via [Albedo](https://albedo.link/).
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#### What are liquidity pools?
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Liquidity pools are an integral part of DeFi systems and can be understood as a “[collection of tokens or digital assets stored in a smart contract](https://www.blockchain-council.org/defi/crypto-liquidity-pools/)” on a decentralized exchange (DEX). Liquidity pools allow users to buy or sell such assets in a decentralized way and are used to enhance decentralized trading, lending/borrowing and other DeFi services. Users get rewarded with a cut of the fees generated in the process to incentivize them to become liquidity providers.
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#### What does it mean to drive liquidity on Stellar?
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Stellar offers multiple great solutions and basically everything we need, so it’s crucial for us to start building our own liquidity there. Since every asset and currency starts with zero liquidity when issued on Stellar, it is up to the community to put capital onto the Stellar Network and to put that capital to use for trading, e.g. by adding liquidity to pools with TFT. The more liquidity we provide on Stellar, the more we contribute to creating and sustaining a healthy market for TFT there – while simultaneously attracting others to get involved in TFT.
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#### About Stellar
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[Stellar](https://threefold.io/blog/thriving_with_stellar/) is an open network for storing, moving and trading any kind of money transparently and efficiently, with a thriving ecosystem on top and a huge community. Find out all about Stellar, its role for the TFT ecosystem, how to buy TFT on Stellar, and more [here](https://threefold.io/blog/thriving_with_stellar/).
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#### About Albedo
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[Albedo](https://albedo.link/) acts as a single access point to the Stellar ecosystem. It’s a free, open-source, secure and simple browser wallet for the Stellar Network. Albedo allows other Stellar apps to request transaction signing or identity verification – without ever requiring the exposure of users’ secret keys. It’s a nice and simple browser-based keystore with wallet-, swap- and liquidity pool functionalities.
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<br/>
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Together, we will now go through the process of accessing TFT and providing liquidity on Stellar by using Albedo and its key features. All it takes are four simple steps:
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1. Set up Albedo
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2. Get TFT
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3. Choose another asset
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4. Add liquidity to a pool
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## Step 1 – Set up Albedo
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Albedo is not just a wallet. It’s a **keystore** that interconnects applications across the Stellar universe and signs a transaction or verifies your identity for you, without running the risk of exposing your secret key or having to create new accounts for every Stellar application.
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### Step 1.1: Open Albedo
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Albedo works as a **web app and browser extension**, meaning you can either access it in your browser or install the extension on [Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/kbojmmmibkfijmjgnfgfpngmmgkkpncl) or [Firefox](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/albedo-signer-for-stellar/). Once you’ve either opened Albedo in your browser or installed the extension, just follow the instructions.
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<br/>
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For this step-by-step guide, I’ve chosen to open Albedo in my browser instead of using the extension.
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### Step 1.2: Set up your Albedo account
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First, click on the “Create Albedo account”-button. Next, click “Proceed” on the bottom of the Welcome page.
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<br/>
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Now, you can choose between between three main options:
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* Log in
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* Import account
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* Create account
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If you already have an Albedo account, either directly **log in** or – if it’s the first time you’re using Albedo on a new device – click on the “Import Account”-button to **import the 24 word passphrase or secret key** and access your account.
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If you’re new to Albedo, you’ll need to create an Albedo account first in order to use the keystore. Choose a **safe password** for this account and hit “Create account”.
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<br/>
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You just set up your Albedo account! Make sure to carefully read the instructions on keeping your **recovery phrase** safe, before continuing.
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Now you can check out your new account and play around with the settings, e.g. to change your account’s name. You also get an overview of all the possible ways to use Albedo.
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<br/>
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### Step 1.3: Activate account on ledger
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In order to make your Albedo account fully functional, you’ll need to initially activate the account on the ledger by sending at least **1.6 XLM** to your account’s address.
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## Step 2 – Get TFT
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The time has come to fund your Albedo account with TFT. Simply swap other assets for TFT if you’re already holding some in your Albedo account or transfer TFT from other wallets.
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<br/>
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*Good to know: Albedo doesn’t provide a direct fiat gateway. Visit our TFT knowledge base to discover all the ways you can [buy TFT](https://manual.grid.tf/threefold_token/buy_sell_tft/buy_sell_tft.html), including fiat options.*
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### Step 2.2.A: Deposit TFT to your Albedo account
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If you’re holding TFT in a different wallet, simply transfer the tokens and send them to your Albedo account. Simply open your wallet and send TFT to your Albedo address. It’s best to copy your Albedo address which is displayed in the top-left corner by clicking on the copy-symbol – it’s not only faster but also safer as copying prevents you from making typos.
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<br/>
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### Step 2.2.B: Swap XLM/USDC for TFT within Albedo
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You could also stay within Albedo by buying XLM or USDC first and then swapping them for TFT.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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***Important note**: I recommend buying XLM regardless of whether you’re choosing option A or B, as you’re going to **need XLM to pay for the transaction fees** within the Stellar Network anyways.*
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### Step 2.3: Activate assets
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Please note that you have to add a trustline for any asset you want to store in your Albedo account in order to activate it. Just go to “Balance” in your account overview. On the bottom of the page, you’ll find the “Add trustline”-button.
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<br/>
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Click on “Add trustline”, then press the “Choose an asset” on the next page and type TFT into the “Select an asset”-field.
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**Caution: make sure to select the right TFT** – the one with our logo that’s linked with our website threefold.io – as shown in the image below.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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Now you can activate the selected asset by pressing “Add trustline”.
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<br/>
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## Step 3 – Choose another asset
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At this point, you already have TFT in your Albedo account, so it’s time to choose a second asset to combine with TFT as a trading pair like XLM or USDC. You can get XLM or USDC on many exchanges and then deposit it to your Albedo wallet.
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<br/>
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Repeat the same procedure of buying/depositing/swapping and activating for this second asset – the other part of the trading pair you’ve chosen to provide liquidity to in a pool. We chose USDC.
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## Step 4 – Add liquidity to a pool
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For this guide, we’ll be depositing TFT and USDC in order to provide liquidity to the pool.
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<br/>
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So after creating and activating your account and assets on Albedo, you’re now holding TFT and USDC. You’re ready to add liquidity to the TFT <> USDC pool on Albedo.
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### Step 4.1: Select assets & amount
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Head to the “Liquidity” section in order to select the two assets you’d like to provide liquidity to and to set the amount of TFT and USDC you would like to provide to this pool.
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<br/>
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### Step 4.2: Deposit liquidity
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Now you’re ready to provide liquidity! Click on the “Deposit liquidity to the pool”-button located at the bottom of your screen to add the selected assets to the pool.
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<br/>
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<br/>
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**Congrats, you’ve just added liquidity to the TFT <> USDC pool!**
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<br/>
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Now you’re a liquidity provider on Stellar! Other ways to contribute to Stellar’s liquidity pools are [xBull Wallet](https://xbull.app/) and [StellarX](https://www.stellarx.com/). No matter which of the interfaces you use, they all enable you to add liquidity to the same underlying pool on the **StellarDEX** for the trading pair you chose.
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<br/>
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As exciting as this is, please don’t forget: With great decentralization comes great responsibility! So, do your own research on how liquidity pools work and make sure you understand the risks related to impermanent loss. Also, read [this advice](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tokens/threefold__threefold_wallets?id=important-notes) on keeping your TFT safe.
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<br/>
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Feel free to ask any questions either in the [chats](https://t.me/threefold) or the forum’s [token section](https://forum.threefold.io/c/threefold-token/22)!
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<br/>
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*Please note that the ThreeFold Token ([TFT](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold/#/tokens/threefold__threefold_token)) is not an investment instrument. Also, this is not investment advice, everyone is free to make their own choices. So, do your own research and read our [disclaimer](https://library.threefold.me/info/legal/#/legal__disclaimer).*
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---
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||||
id: actually_you_are_the_product
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title: Actually, you are the product
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image_caption: actually you are the product
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||||
description: Now more than ever with this global pandemic happening since late 2019, our lives are being shaped by our interaction with the digital world
|
||||
date: 2021-01-27
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||||
taxonomies:
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||||
people: [alexandre_hannelas]
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tags: [digital_twin, data, why]
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categories: [twin]
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extra:
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||||
imgPath: actually_you_are_the_product.png
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---
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# Actually, you are the product
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<br>
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Now more than ever with this global pandemic happening since late 2019, our lives are being shaped by our interaction with the digital world - work meetings on Zoom followed by Skype or Messenger Video Call with your family before a quick run with your favourite running app and a google search for your next meal. Technologies and services offer us a lot and greatly improve our daily lives. But what's the real cost of these tools we rely on so much?
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<br>
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A lot of companies, especially those offering free services, collect data about you. It might be data you knowingly and willingly share to enjoy the benefits of the service (name, age, email address,..) or data that you might not realize you are sharing, like your approximate location through your IP address or your social network identifier or apps accessing your contacts.
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<br>
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While some of this data, and its collection, may appear harmless to some, what happens behind the scenes is a real source of concern as the data collection is only the first step in a long and opaque process. Adtech companies combine this information and create an assumed picture of you that we may call a digital doppelganger - Your "digital secret identity". Actually, you may have hundreds or thousands of different doppelgangers held by companies you've never heard of.
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<br>
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Our data are so valuable that big tech giants spend so much time and effort building the platform that is useful for us and giving those platforms to us for free. Well, this data is collected for a single purpose: to better predict your behaviour and target you with ads.
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<br>
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Real example:
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<br>
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Imagine a person who has never talked about their political views online, never shared anything related to politics, never donated any money and never mentioned anything even in their private emails. Now the algorithms models that had been developed can analyse his/her Facebook likes or the music he/she listen to and with high accuracy can predict their political affiliation, and then being the target of unnecessary ads.
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<br>
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P.S: This is not only for political affiliation. It stands out for every products and service using these marketing tools.
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<br>
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Technology isn't just hardware and software; it's a fundamental component of every aspect of our lives and society. Inventions need to be created with social impact in mind. The invention should not be driven solely by profit, and the long-term effects should not be ignored and unknowable.
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<br>
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If you are not paying for it, you are not the customer. You are the product being sold. It's a powerful phrase, a modern dialogue to get people rethinking their relationship to social media.
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<br>
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With Digital Twin, regain your freedom where you will live your digital life securely and privately. Now, you will have one and unique digital identity to interact in human-to-human way with your peers, edit, manage and store your documents, publish your web and make automatic payments.
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<br>
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With Digital Twin, only you own your data and no one else.
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---
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||||
id: africa_regen_summit_ii
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||||
title: "Africa Regenerative Futures Summit | Volume II"
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||||
image_caption: Africa Regen II
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||||
description: We recently hosted the second edition of the Africa Regenerative Futures Summit in Zanzibar. Read about our experience.
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||||
date: 2023-11-21
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||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [community, why]
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||||
categories: [foundation]
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||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: africa_regen_summit_ii.png
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||||
---
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||||
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||||
*The below is an update from a summit we held here in Zanzibar this past weekend called the Africa Regenerative Futures Summit. It was a follow-up of [an event we hosted in July](https://youtu.be/GIBlmID7g5o?t=246&si=KYEExcPFHUCU7HKY). And we aim to continue to host this as a series of gatherings around OurWorld, ThreeFold, and other planet-first people-first projects and individuals who are supporting or want to support Tanzania and the African continent as a whole.*
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<br>
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||||
|
||||
On the 16th of November, we had a roundtable covering important relevant topics (Cyber Pandemic, AI, Quantum Computing, etc.) and explaining the core vision of OurWorld and ThreeFold in context to what is currently happening in today’s world as a whole.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Over the course of Friday and Saturday morning, we delved into an exciting array of projects, with a focus on experiencing two inspirational mornings that provided valuable insights into the current landscape of OurWorld and its affiliated initiatives.
|
||||
|
||||
### **Friday Morning Highlights**
|
||||
|
||||
**OurWorld Infrastructure (Kristof De Spiegeleer):** Kristof gave us a deep dive into the foundational aspects of [OurWorld](https://ourworld.tf) Infrastructure, explaining the [ThreeFold](https://threefold.io) technology and how it serves as a foundation for a wide array of impactful projects.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**Hub Culture (Stan Stalnaker):** Stan Stalnaker presented his [HubCulture](https://hubculture.com) platform, highlighting its role and impact as a Network State.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**Fumba Permaculture Project (Franko Gohse):** Franko shared his work on the [Fumba](https://fumba.town/) Permaculture Project, detailing its sustainable and regenerative initiatives.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**Naledu Health (Stephanie Ndungu):** Stephanie is a wonderful project to raise awareness of breast and other cancers in Kenya and reach out to local women and children to screen them for free. Her idea will be to devise an AI-powered SMS solution that could help them seek treatment if they show symptoms.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**Dark Matter Labs (Raj Kalia):** Raj Kalia presented the vision and initiatives of [DM Labs](https://darkmatterlabs.org/About), offering a glimpse into the innovative ventures they are supporting.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**HedUnity (Tim Degraye):** Tim presented his company HedUnity and his first wifi headphone which can stream lossless uncompressed Hi-Res audio up to 96kHz 24-bit, [Unity](https://www.getunity.com).
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
### **Saturday Morning Startup Sessions**
|
||||
|
||||
**TechBridge Institute (Justine Mahinyila):** Justine presented his exciting new project to help Tanzania’s technology community, ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, as well as sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**Sikana (Greg Flipo):** Greg discussed the [Sikana](https://www.sikana.tv/en) project, how he sees the future of the platform, emphasizing its significance and contributions within the OurWorld ecosystem.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**HATCH (William Chamberlin):** William introduced [HATCH](https://hatchexperience.org), a global network of changemakers, illustrating its potential to drive positive transformation on a global scale.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**Chatafisha (David Machuche + Victor Muhagachi):** David and Vic shared insights into ReFi Tanzania and Regen Tech, showcasing their [projects](https://chatafisha.com) that aim to make a positive impact on communities.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**Sarufi (Kalebu Jordan):** Kalebu shed light on the development of conversational AI tailored [for African languages](https://sarufi.io), addressing a critical need in tech accessibility.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
On the fourth and final day, we spent time with some of our friends participants from Dar Es Salaam and Kenya to understand each others’ collective goals and put together a collaboration plan, which involves deploying ThreeFold infrastructure locally and working together in the coming months on developer sessions and hackathons. The team is really looking forward to supporting and working together with this community and we’ll [provide updates](https://forum.threefold.io/t/introducing-dunia-yetu/4147) as we have them.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
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|
||||
---
|
||||
id: an_intro_to_the_threefold_grid
|
||||
title: "Building a New Internet From the Ground Up – Part 1: Introduction"
|
||||
image_caption: The ThreeFold Grid Peer-to-Peer Technology
|
||||
description: The first episode in an approachable series on the inner workings of the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
date: 2021-07-19
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [scott_yeager]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [foundation,farming,cloud]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: an_intro_to_the_threefold_grid.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## An Intro to the ThreeFold Grid
|
||||
|
||||
If you are a farmer or member of the ThreeFold community, you may be wondering about the capacity provided by the ThreeFold Grid and how it's relevant to individuals and businesses who currently rely on centralized corporate clouds. This can be hard to imagine, because the back end infrastructure that makes all of our apps and services tick is generally invisible to us.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
This piece will be the first in a series where I'll be working to understand what the technical components are and how ThreeFold provides an alternative with distinct benefits for individuals, businesses, and for the planet as a whole. But don't worry, we'll start from the ground level and build up understanding in a way that's accessible to everyone.
|
||||
|
||||
## Infrastructure for a New Internet
|
||||
|
||||
So, what is the internet? In short, it is a network of interconnected devices that facilitates communication and commerce. These devices include our mobile phones and personal computers, but also the servers that store and process data to provide the end experiences we enjoy. Currently the vast majority of these servers live in massive data centers controlled by a handful of corporations. ThreeFold is changing this, by allowing anyone to connect computational and storage capacity to an open network that is available for all to use, known as the ThreeFold Grid. Our farmers do include some data centers operating on a smaller scale than major cloud providers, and also many individuals connecting nodes at their home or office all over the world.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
On the ThreeFold Grid, servers are known as 3Nodes. A 3Node can be pretty much any modern computer system, offering capacity by running the Zero OS operating system. This is a major distinguishing factor, both from the traditional cloud computing world and also from other projects working to create decentralized networks in this space.
|
||||
|
||||
## The OS for a Next Generation Cloud
|
||||
|
||||
By starting from the operating system level, ThreeFold is able to provide a network with much stronger security and greater efficiency than anything that came before. Zero OS includes a collection of components, known as "primitives", which provide developers with everything they need. These primitives can be used to migrate existing applications from the legacy cloud and also to create new solutions that leverage the Grid’s capacity in unique ways.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
We're all familiar with operating systems like Windows and MacOS that provide an interface to applications on our personal computers. The OS interacts with the underlying hardware to expose its capabilities in a way that's useful for both the software it hosts and also the humans who utilize it. For example, when you launch an app on your phone, it is the OS that's responsible for connecting it to data networks and providing access to peripherals like cameras or microphones. Things are a little different in the world of servers, where rather than through direct interactions, users benefit through the services provided to the applications we use.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
To extend the example, when you open a messaging app it will connect to a server somewhere to check for new messages and relay any messages you are sending to the recipient. Here we can see a central issue that has inspired the design of ThreeFold’s technology: when our messages pass through servers controlled by others, it creates an open door for surveillance of all kinds.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold farmers, on the other hand, have no administrative access to their nodes. Furthermore, each component offered by the ThreeFold Grid is built with the intention of allowing for secure and private storage, processing, and transmission of information. Of course, sharing is absolutely possible, but only when the creator of data or content chooses for it to happen.
|
||||
|
||||
## Three Essential Resources
|
||||
|
||||
In the world of cloud computing, we speak of three basic resources provided by servers: compute, storage, and network. The ThreeFold Grid provides various primitives in each of these categories, to fulfill all the same needs served by centralized cloud providers. While our offerings have the special properties discussed above, they are also highly compatible with the most popular tools and protocols currently used in the industry. This makes it relatively simple to migrate the back end applications, also known as "workloads", that provide a kind of connective tissue for all of the digital experiences we enjoy on a daily basis.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Workloads are pieces of software that provide services. If you upload a file to some cloud storage service, there could be a number of individual workloads orchestrated together in order to ensure the data you want to save is successfully transmitted to and stored in the back end system. We can understand the need for each kind of capacity by looking at the journey that your file might take in such a scenario. Starting on your device, a network connection, some processing, and finally storage capacity are all involved in providing the conditions that allow you to retrieve that file later.
|
||||
|
||||
## Network
|
||||
|
||||
Networking takes place over cellular connections, wifi, and wired internet lines to move data from one place to another. For our purposes here, those details aren't so important—we'll focus on what happens once communication is completed by whatever means.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
When you connect to the cloud storage service, there are network workloads that transmit your data to the appropriate services that process and store it. This might consist of some routing and also authentication that ensures that you and only you access the files that are associated with your account. On the Grid, we provide primitives for secure peer to peer communication and also for allowing public access to back end services.
|
||||
|
||||
## Compute
|
||||
|
||||
Compute is what happens with data once it reaches its destination. Computers are mostly just fancy adding machines that take numbers and turn them into other numbers according to a set of specifications, which we call software. In our example, the compute step might involve compressing the information so it takes up less space and also deriving some useful statistics like the file's original size.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Of course, there are many details we're glossing over here, and the compute resources are ultimately responsible for providing much of our end user experience and the interactivity of the apps we utilize. 3Nodes offer a compute environment that natively runs the vast majority of workloads in use today.
|
||||
|
||||
## Storage
|
||||
|
||||
Storage, of course, is the disk space where data resides. It can be a little strange to think about, actually, that all of the information you've stored online actually has at least one physical location where it exists as many small electrical charges. On the Grid, application developers can access the disks of nodes directly, in a way that's optimized for energy efficiency.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
We also have more advanced storage solutions that offer unparalleled security and low overhead redundancy, giving users the best possible guarantee that only they have access to their data and that it will actually be there when they go to retrieve it.
|
||||
|
||||
## Looking Forward
|
||||
|
||||
Taken together, network, storage, and compute are the raw elements that give life to the internet we know and love. On the ThreeFold Grid, these elements are expressed in a way that's both familiar for developers but also pushes the limits of what is possible in terms of technical evolution.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Thanks so much for joining me on this introductory overview of what the Grid provides. Please join me next time for a deeper dive on some of what we've covered and more specifics about how ThreeFold technology represents a quantum leap for cloud computing.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,87 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: an_org_building_a_decentralized_internet
|
||||
title: "ThreeFold: An Organisation Building a Decentralized Internet"
|
||||
image_caption: "ThreeFold: An Organisation Building a Decentralized Internet"
|
||||
description: Greetings fellow decentralization lovers, I am in search of people looking to contribute to what is now the largest decentralized network in the world, working towards the goal of providing a decentralized internet that breaks down barriers to information and compute resource access. Our network provides digital equality to all users while placing the control of their data back into their hands.
|
||||
date: 2022-11-09
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [threefold_community]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, technology, peer_to_peer, threefold_cloud]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: an_org_building_a_decentralized_internet.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## ThreeFold: An Organisation Building a Decentralized Internet
|
||||
|
||||
_*Disclaimer: This blog has been written by ThreeFold community member Drew Smith, and was originally a Reddit post. The team found so much value within it that we felt it was important to give it a permanent space within the ThreeFold Blogs collection, and Drew agreed to this. Besides a few grammatical corrections and minor contextual tweaks, the content has not been edited – and you can find the original post [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/DrewSmith214/comments/yhym2f/an_organization_building_a_decentralized_internet/).*_
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Greetings fellow decentralization lovers, I am in search of people looking to contribute to what is now the largest decentralized network in the world, working towards the goal of providing a decentralized internet that breaks down barriers to information and compute resource access. Our network provides digital equality to all users while placing the control of their data back into their hands.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
The project I’m discussing is [Threefold.io](https://threefold.io/), this is a project that currently has nearly 3000 Bare-Metal\*\* \*\*nodes in 64 countries allowing anyone in the world to deploy an industry standard VPS on the decentralized infrastructure with no involvement of the centralized cloud providers, This is a network meant to be used by everyone that can be expanded by anyone. You can check out a current map of the nodes online on the [ThreeFold Explorer](https://dashboard.grid.tf/explorer/statistics)
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
The ThreeFold Grid consists of three synergistic layers: The Nodes, The Network, and the BlockChain.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
- **The Nodes:** These are hardware that gives its grid its power, The requirements for running a 3Node are a bare metal x86_64 machine and a reliable internet connection. These nodes can be hosted in a variety of environments spanning at home deployments to rented-space DC's. This includes DC's themselves being able to bring capacity online so long as it’s a fully bare metal device.
|
||||
|
||||
- You can find **_plug and play solutions_** for bringing a 3Node online on the [3Node marketplace](https://marketplace.3node.global/index.php?dispatch= categories.view&category_id=167), this marketplace includes node offerings from both the organizations itself as well as multiple independent businesses that have become certified 3Node Resellers.
|
||||
|
||||
- If you're familiar with the concepts of building a server/pc you can also bring your hardware online as **_D.I.Y 3Node_** this allows you to contribute any additional hardware you may have in your deployment to the support of both the grids network and compute capacity. you can find documentation on D.I.Y nodes on the [Forums](https://forum.threefold.io/t/diy-nodes-guide/837) or in the [Wiki](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__diy_guide)
|
||||
|
||||
Each node is booted using a fully in house developed autonomous operating system that automates both node deployment and workloads being deployed on the node after its online, called [Zero-OS](https://github.com/threefoldtech/zos). This OS is a hypervisor environment that accepts commands from and is managed by the block-chain.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
- **The Network(s):** The grid is supported by multiple internal and external networks that allow for the nodes to function as a decentralized data center. This is made of two major components.
|
||||
|
||||
- **Z-Net**- is an internal private overlay network between VMs, Kubernetes Nodes, Containers and the grid. This network allows for minimal usage of Public ipv4 space while still allowing for global deployment solutions encompassing multiple 3Nodes.
|
||||
|
||||
- **Planetary Network-** This is a peer to peer end to encrypted network solution based on opensource technologies (yggdrasil) that allow grid users to create, develop and overlay networks designed to protect users ability to communicate and access information. You can find the github Repo [here](https://github.com/threefoldtech/planetary_network), with 3000 endpoints all controlled by a single DAO, the potential exists to create the most reliable peer to peer mesh in existence.
|
||||
|
||||
- **Public IPv4-** Threefold farmers have the ability to add Public Ipv4 to the grid in addition to their compute capacity, these IPs can be deployed as gateway addresses in support of the grid, or rented by end users for their workloads, at the time of this writing the threefold grid has 1114 Public Ipv4 addresses available for use. you can find documentation on adding I.P addresses to the grid [here](https://forum.threefold.io/t/diy-public-node-guide/3340)
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
- **The BlockChain:** the blockchain technologies built into the Threefold Grid represent what makes the grid truly unique and allows it to be utilized to support customer facing workloads or provide a decentralized compute resource pool. grid utilization is supported and created through two avenues
|
||||
|
||||
- **Individuals:** can deploy any workload they need on any node on the grid, if it can run on Linux it can run on the grid, this type of use is supported by the [Threefold Playground](https://play.grid.tf/#/), a decentralized deployment solution that provides industry standard Linux vps deployments as multiple use case specific deployment solutions for [Kubernetes](https://kubernetes.io/), [Caprover](https://caprover.com/), [Peertube](https://joinpeertube.org/), [Funkwhale](https://funkwhale.audio/), [Mattermost](https://mattermost.com/), [Discourse](https://www.discourse.org/), [Taiga](https://www.taiga.io/), [Owncloud](https://owncloud.com/), [Presearch](https://presearch.io/), [SubSquid](https://subsquid.io/), [CasperLabs](https://casperlabs.io/), and [Node Pilot](https://nodepilot.tech/)
|
||||
|
||||
- Custom VM images cab be uploaded to the [Threefold Hub](https://hub.grid.tf/) allowing full deployment customization with any Linux os image supporting cloud-init. Documentation on creating custom images can be found [On the Forums](https://forum.threefold.io/t/manipulating-cloud-images-for-the-grid/3380)
|
||||
|
||||
- Storage workloads can be deployed using [Terraform](https://github.com/threefoldtech/terraform-provider-grid) with offerings of HDD, SSD and [Quantum Safe File Storage](https://github.com/threefoldtech/terraform-provider-grid)
|
||||
|
||||
- **Solution Providers**: these are developers of user facing services that utilize the grid as their hosting platform. These organizations/individuals are able to develop customized solutions that provide needed services in their market and receive rewards for the utilization that their developments bring. A great example of this is [Zonaris](https://zonaris.con/), which is a third party organization that is quickly taking the lead in grid solution development. They have recently released an interface that allows end users to deploy [Streamr](https://streamr.network/discover/network/) nodes on the Threefold grid while paying in fiat currency. you can get started with them at [Get Zonaris](https://get.zonaris.com/).
|
||||
|
||||
- This allows developers to invest in only their code while having the infrastructure of a worldwide virtual data center at their disposal to scale their solutions with their business needs.
|
||||
|
||||
- Solution providers are able to automate their tools being deployed on the grid using [Terraform](https://github.com/threefoldtech/terraform-provider-grid).
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
What this has all truly come together to form is an organization where anyone can contribute to building a more private and secure internet that is designed to allow universal access to information and compute power regardless of the end user's nationality or beliefs. Threefold truly exists to capitalize on the ideal economies from every corner of the world, in order to provide a better digital future for all.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
**What Can You Do?**
|
||||
|
||||
Much of what you see today at Threefold.io is the work of 100s of decentralized contributors working together towards a common goal. The grid is designed so that anyone can contribute whether you're a developer, a property owner, an I.S.P, or just someone with a spare computer and a network connection. As it stands the grid is strong and well supported across the world. The biggest impact that can be made today is by developing solutions that leverage the grid and use its resources to bring affordable and accessible hosting to end users.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
There are many discussions happening on the [Threefold Forum](https://forum.threefold.io) about partnerships with other projects and how we can better support both the crypto landscape and the general internet user base. Even by just joining discussions on the Threefold Forum and providing your input and ideas you can help to make sure that the internet of tomorrow is built for and by the users of tomorrow. but there are lots of ways to contribute:
|
||||
|
||||
- You can purchase the TFT token following [this guide](https://manual.grid.tf/threefold_token/buy_sell_tft/buy_sell_tft.html).
|
||||
- You can learn about farming [here](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__farming_intro).
|
||||
- You can learn more about the Threefold Cloud and Deploying [here](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/cloud/threefold__cloud_home).
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
_*Written by Drew Smith*_
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,61 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: artheon_blog_one
|
||||
title: "Art & Culture in VR: Coming to the ThreeFold Grid"
|
||||
image_caption: ThreeFold and Artheon
|
||||
description: Taking a deeper look at the Artheon partnership and where we are headed together.
|
||||
date: 2021-08-11
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [partner, peer_to_peer, update]
|
||||
categories: [farming, cloud, foundation, aci, twin]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: artheon_blog_one.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Last year at a ThreeFold gathering, a few of us on the team had the pleasure to meet a man named Vasily, a creative mind with a big heart and proud founder of Artheon. Artheon, in its essence, was a virtual reality museum experience focused on bringing fine art and culture from around the world directly to people. The concept was immediately captivating, and the demo brought it to life for us. The graphics were already solid, and being able to walk around a museum and interact with the artwork was a unique experience to say the least. We talked about the implications and his greater vision around access and education, and it was very clear we needed to partner up. Not long after, Artheon and ThreeFold joined forces.
|
||||
|
||||
## So what is the partnership all about?
|
||||
|
||||
Together with ThreeFold, Artheon aims to create the world's largest open art database – made for everyone, and owned by everyone. We will provide access to art and cultural heritage to people around the world, without borders. Not just access, but a high-quality and high-resolution virtual reality experience where people can really immerse themselves in their surrounding environment. With Artheon, people can now even touch and hold paintings or artifacts, something that would clearly not be possible in real life. And while today, only a select few (relative to the total global population) have the opportunity to travel and to experience museums and cultural & sacred sites, Artheon will change that!
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
It's not only about experience, though, it's also about community and education and providing a more equal access to art and cultural objects. We'll bring together a global community of museums, artists, and art seekers who can not only enjoy, but also teach and learn about the art and cultural objects housed within the Artheon universe. For Artheon, it's imperative
|
||||
that people are able to access information about the artists and the art itself, and then make and share their own perceptions as well. No need or pressure to follow the direction of the current system's ideology. This is a different angle from how we traditionally learn at school, where narrow or accepted views and concepts are imposed upon us. A key aim of Artheon is to bring different perspectives through collective, participatory, and experiental teaching and learning.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Looking ahead, the vision is that people will be able to create their own virtual spaces and expose them on Artheon. They can create something from scratch or even re-imagine a historical site as it was long ago and share it with the community.
|
||||
|
||||
## How does ThreeFold benefit Artheon?
|
||||
|
||||
From the start, there was a clear connection between Artheon and ThreeFold from a vision, values, and ethos perspective. But there are also some more specific reasons why Artheon chose and benefits from ThreeFold, which mainly revolve around the decentralized nature of the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) provide significant benefits to our new digital reality. These technologies open new ways of sharing information in areas such as the arts in the case of Artheon, allowing for upgraded and immersive experiences for users.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Decentralized clouds have been associated with the promise of new digital applications and services that come with a hyper-connected life. Because the graphics of VR/AR experiences require heavy rendering, on-device processes are augmented by splitting workloads between the VR/AR device and a decentralized cloud. So, graphics rendering on a decentralized cloud like what the ThreeFold Grid provides would be significantly improved by achieving a much lower latency. Another advantage of the ThreeFold Grid is that it provides an extremely high level of security and privacy, empowering Artheon and its users with real data sovereignty.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
And finally, Artheon experienced an unfortunate event earlier this summer where their servers suffered from an intense heat wave and essentially burned up. There was no backup, and this would have been catastrophic in the scenario of them having millions of users. Good thing they aren't live yet, but this is a great example of how centralized models fail. With a decentralized infrastructure like ThreeFold, this type of situation would not have occured, as data would be hosted on many locations.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
So, by distributing the computing power closer to their users, a VR experience such as Artheon would not only improve their latency speed, security, and privacy, but also the resilience of their business model.
|
||||
|
||||
## What is the status of Artheon (and its partnership with ThreeFold)?
|
||||
|
||||
Over the past year, Artheon has been making incredible improvements to the graphics and experience, and adding as many new pieces of art as possible into the universe. As you can imagine, the possibilities really are endless, but here are some of the milestones planned for the rest of this year:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
- Planning to add partial DLC (downloadable content) support and photogrammetry-scanned locations for users to experience
|
||||
- New UI for desktop (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
|
||||
- Implementation of desired social features such as follower and friend system
|
||||
- People will be able to see who of their friends or people they follow are online – from that, they can connect to a server and join them to share experiences together
|
||||
- People will also be able to see how many people are online at the moment and where they are located on the globe (if permissions are allowed)
|
||||
- Allow the possibility for museums to host free or closed paid exhibitions
|
||||
- Artheon will be hosted on the ThreeFold Grid!
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
## What can you do now to get involved?
|
||||
|
||||
If you're reading this section, we're thrilled you are interested in what is happening with Artheon! We are, too! As Artheon is not yet live, the best option for you is to join [the Artheon Early Access chat on Telegram](https://t.me/artheon) where you can stay tuned there for updates and ask questions directly to Artheon's creators and contributors.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,61 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: big_datacenter_myth
|
||||
title: Datacenter Myths
|
||||
image_caption: internet servers
|
||||
description: Hyperscale realities are very different to what most people think. Myth 1 - Bigger data centers are more efficient.
|
||||
date: 2017-10-12
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [technology,threefold_grid_,why]
|
||||
categories: [farming,cloud,foundation,aci]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: big_datacenter_myth.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Andreas Hartl, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
## Hyperscale realities are very different from what most people think
|
||||
|
||||
### Myth 1: Bigger data centers are more efficient
|
||||
|
||||
There are advantages in building larger-scale data centers, like economies of scale and sheer bulk buying power, but these are not as significant as what people think. The average cost per rack in a hyper-scale data center is $20-35K USD including all energy requirements and safety systems. The cost of hardware per rack is around the $200-300K USD mark.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
What is often forgotten is that anything that is of enormous scale and highly concentrated comes with complexity and specific problems to deal with. For example. resource requirements such as investment, operational costs, knowledge, and people increase significantly with size.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
In reality, keeping things simple, small, and distributed is much more cost-effective than large complex environments.
|
||||
|
||||
### Myth 2: Big data centers can be sustainable
|
||||
|
||||
The carbon footprint of a big data center is enormous. To improve the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of most data center farmers have adopted wind, hydro, and/or solar power technologies, which indeed helps drop their PUE by an estimated 20%. But is this leading to more sustainability?
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
This 20% looks great on paper and in the farmers' corporate social responsibility reports. However, it just represents an improvement in the cooling technology and sourcing of energy. It doesn't actually impact the energy consumed by the equipment that runs in their data centers (servers, storage chassis, physical disks, etc.) which is the equipment responsible for the carbon footprint. PUE only refers to overhead power consumption, i.e. cooling the facility, opening, and closing doors, maintaining power security systems, etc.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Real improvement lies in deploying technologies that actually consume less power to deliver the actual Internet capacity to run workloads, real CPU chassis, physical disks, and storage cabinets. Improving on how hardware is being more effectively used can have an impact of up to a thousand percent and lead to ten times more power-efficiency.
|
||||
|
||||
### Myth 3: Redundant systems have better uptime
|
||||
|
||||
A lot of us believe that systems need redundancy mechanisms to improve their operational uptime and reliability. While it may make sense to IT experts, let's translate this for the non-IT world?
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
To make a car more reliable we add redundancy (as we do in IT). So for the risk of having a puncture, we add one extra tire for all the tires we use continuously. This adds 4 extra tires to the car. Then a decision needs to be made: Do we put those tires in a structure where they are always running along with the primary tires or do we choose not to have them "online" all the time, wearing and tearing in the same way as the primary tires?
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Building such a system would take a large number of engineers to come up with a solution, and would change cars as we know them. Wouldn't it make more sense to think outside the box and solve the root of the problem by making tires un-deflatable?
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The IT industry has gone overboard with the concept of redundancy, having forgotten to look at the root cause issues. This has spawned a whole new industry of itself, which has a financial interest in creating complicated and expensive redundant systems.
|
||||
|
||||
### Myth 4: Big companies optimize better
|
||||
|
||||
Big companies with a certain track record will know better how to optimize as they have more people and resources.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
At first glance, this sounds logical, but in reality, ninety percent of the innovation within the IT space comes from startups. The giant IT companies have a heritage they hardly can overcome. They are locked in old infrastructure designs, and building outside of that infrastructure would be costly, timely, and probably put the breaks on their businesses.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Real innovation gives way to fix the core symptoms rather than taking the problem pain-killer approach.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,59 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: bitcoin_threefold
|
||||
title: What Bitcoin did to money, ThreeFold is doing to the Internet
|
||||
image_caption: Bitcoin ThreeFold
|
||||
description: As the Internet is struggling with issues due to its centralized model, ThreeFold spent the last six years developing a new open-source peer-to-peer Internet infrastructure from the ground up.
|
||||
date: 2022-03-11
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sacha_obeegadoo]
|
||||
tags: [peer_to_peer,threefold_grid,blockchain,technology]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: bitcoin_threefold.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The world’s most famous cryptocurrency Bitcoin, established in 2008 by a person or group of people under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto, is changing the world. With 106 million people owning Bitcoin after only twelve years, the growth momentum is undeniable. The popularity of Bitcoin is transforming monetary systems at large, and establishing trust through irrefutable records.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Unlike traditional financial technologies, Bitcoin provides total control over one’s funds without the intervention of a central authority, such as a bank or government. Bitcoin is decentralized and spread across many computers worldwide. It’s not a company, it’s a protocol. No single person or entity can control, manipulate or influence the network’s operations. There has never been a hack at the network level since Bitcoin launched in 2009.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Bitcoin sparked a revolution towards decentralized and peer-to-peer systems. The advantage of such systems is that they operate without central authority, can be audited by anyone, and push for collaboration as their designs are public, inviting everyone to take part.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
New systems built from scratch, like DeFi (decentralized finance), don't have the problem of legacy firms, but they face challenges in scaling towards mass adoption. Most of the so-called ‘Web3’ solutions provide the illusion of decentralization but are actually still quite centralized. Others still have to prove their scalability, security and accessibility to become real alternatives to the current tech giants. While that may change, it's not a given considering the clear limitations they have to overcome.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The Internet represents the second largest and fastest growing economy in the world. With plenty of technologies emerging such as Blockchain, Web3, IoT and the Metaverse to name just a few, the infrastructure that holds our digital world together is becoming more important than ever before. However, the Internet is struggling with many issues related to its incredibly centralized model, including a lack of resiliency and scalability, as well as the loss of its neutrality. And these issues keep intensifying.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Amazon Web Services alone hosts more than a third of the Internet today. Adding in a few other tech giants, we essentially end up with only four or five companies controlling the majority of the Internet. While the US government has been debating potential regulations and even breakups of big tech corporations, other governments like China or Russia are already regulating certain aspects of the web. However, most regulations have failed to achieve the desired outcomes and are unable to keep up with the pace of innovations.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
There’s a saying that goes, “If it is free, you are the product.” Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are known for being completely free of charge. Their business models and profits are based on collecting, analyzing and selling their users’ data. [Studies](https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health) now show that high social media use correlates with self-reported declines in mental and physical health. The same platforms are being manipulated by private companies that spread political disinformation and polarity. According to internal Facebook [reports](https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/26/21270659/facebook-division-news-feed-algorithms), 64% of the people that joined extremist groups did so because algorithms steered them there. In an increasingly interconnected world where people are surrounded by smart devices that collect their data 24/7, data ownership and control has never been more important than anything else.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Since the launch of Bitcoin, many cryptocurrencies have rallied the movement of decentralization, but only a handful hold technology that can bring true impact. What if there was one project out there that could apply the peer-to-peer and open-source fundamentals to the Internet? ThreeFold spent the last six years developing a new Internet infrastructure from the ground up consisting of a new decentralized operating system, a quantum safe storage system, a planetary mesh network and a distributed edge cloud solution.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold builds on 20+ years of technological innovations in the cloud automation, Internet storage and cybersecurity markets brought by its co-founders such as Kristof de Spiegeleer – a serial entrepreneur whose technologies have been acquired by Oracle, Verizon, Data Symantec and others. Together, the ThreeFold co-founders decided to start from scratch as they realized it was the only way to achieve a peer-to-peer and open-source digital backbone that secure, private and self-sovereign.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
According to de Spiegeleer, “ThreeFold holds more technology than all the Web3 space combined.” ThreeFold’s decentralized operating system can run on any computer, including servers, desktops and laptops, allowing anyone to connect hardware from their home or office to the peer-to-peer Internet."
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
But what differentiates ThreeFold the most from the crowd is that it’s a project anchored in it’s values and vision. The project always remained far from fake hype, market making or FOMO games like the large majority of crypto projects. With a low market cap today, and its ability to transform the Internet at large, the time to buy [ThreeFold Tokens (TFT)](https://threefold.io/tft) is now. “We’re on the verge of signing our first countries and also have use cases across Real Estate, Education, Supply Chain, Metaverse and Blockchain coming up this year,” said de Spiegeleer, “So, we believe we are looking at tens of millions of users on ThreeFold in the upcoming years."
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Stake your claim in the decentralized Internet by [hosting the Internet](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__farming_intro) or [getting TFT](https://manual.grid.tf/threefold_token/buy_sell_tft/buy_sell_tft.html) today.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,120 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: threefold_foundation_34
|
||||
title: Solving the Blockchain Dilemma
|
||||
image_caption: blockchain
|
||||
description: Blockchain technology has the power to change the world of IT. There are a huge number of new initiatives using blockchain technology around the world, with countless use cases.
|
||||
date: 2018-03-07
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [kristof_de_spiegeleer]
|
||||
tags: [technology,threefold_grid,blockchain]
|
||||
categories: [tech, grid]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: blockchain_dilemma.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Introduction
|
||||
|
||||
Blockchain technology has the power to change the world of IT. There are a huge number of new initiatives using blockchain technology around the world, with countless use cases.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
In general, there are two types of blockchains: proof of work blockchains and proof of stake blockchains. They are consensus algorithms on how transactions are verified and added to the ledger (forever, as blockchains provide an immutable record of events). More on these two types of blockchains below.
|
||||
|
||||
## Blockchain Basics
|
||||
|
||||
A blockchain is, as the word says, a chain of blocks of information. These “blocks” contain information on transactions. For instance transactions like the transfer of value of a digital currency (token) from wallet A to wallet B. The “chain” aspect comes when part of the information is stored in a block as a link to the previous block (a unique number). This is a very simple representation of what a blockchain is.
|
||||
|
||||
## Private, Permissioned or Public Blockchains
|
||||
|
||||
The complexity around a blockchain comes from how the blockchain software is run. The software can run in two different ways: a small (or large) number of nodes controlled by one single entity (private blockchain) a person or a company, or a large (or small) number of nodes controlled by multiple entities (public) that do not know each other and where anyone interested to run a blockchain node can join.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
By running blockchain software under the supervision of one entity (private, centralized) you can quite easily make sure the information stored in the blockchain (transactions) are not tempered with by only operating a small number of nodes and deploying them in very safe physical locations (private data-centers, vaults, basements of offices, etc). A private blockchain does not allow unknown entities to join and run the blockchain software.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
A permissioned blockchain is operated by known entities such as stakeholders of a given industry. It is a mix of both private and public blockchains. In this type of blockchain network, a participant may not need permission to join the network but needs permission to transact with another network participant.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
A public blockchain allows anyone to join the blockchain operation and create a new blockchain node. The blockchain is run by multiple entities (decentralized, public) that have no relationship nor knowledge about each other
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
For these three types of blockchains, there are different mechanisms to protect and guarantee the validity of transactions and make them tamper-proof.
|
||||
|
||||
## Private Data and Anonymous or Pseudo-Anonymous Data?
|
||||
|
||||
For private blockchains, it is straightforward to see that all data that is stored on private blockchains is private and creates 100% anonymity for its users. The only entity or person that has access to information stored on the blockchain is the blockchain operator. This is comparable to how a bank operates. The bank knows everything about all of its customers and the customers only know about themselves - the non-bank customers do not know a thing.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
On a public blockchain, people can join and operate a blockchain node on which all information of that blockchain is stored. While private blockchains get their security from putting their blockchain nodes in secure buildings operated by trusted people a public blockchain achieves its security from having a large number of nodes that have the same data replicated over and over. A consensus algorithm is required in order to accept new data (new blocks) to the chain.
|
||||
|
||||
## Consensus Protocols for Public Blockchains
|
||||
|
||||
The main consensus protocols used today are Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake.
|
||||
|
||||
### Proof of Work (High Cost in Compute and Energy)
|
||||
|
||||
The proof of work consensus protocol is best explained as a race. The consensus is achieved by having all participating nodes solve a puzzle. The puzzle is a one-way translation of an amount of information consisting of the following items:
|
||||
- All the data that present the transactions in the block - all the data is known by all participating nodes
|
||||
- The number of the previous block. Remember a blockchain links blocks of information together.
|
||||
- A (variable) number. This number is the part that can be changed.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The “work” is done by changing the variable number and see what the translation of all data brings. The translation of all this data is a new number, and the requirement is that that number needs to be smaller than what is known as the “difficulty level”. The difficulty level number has a fixed amount of numbers but when the first digits of the number are zero the overall number is lower. So a higher difficulty is built by having a number that has more zeros at the start in the difficulty number.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Once the block is completed, all nodes will get the complete block of transactional data, everyone knows the previous block number and will start to change the variable number to get output from the puzzle algorithms comparing it to the required difficulty level.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The node that will find the number first will announce that it has found a solution matching the required difficulty level and the variable number of shared with all nodes in the network to verify that his solution is correct. If a large portion of the nodes has verified the solution to be valid the solution is accepted and the block is added to the chain because consensus is reached.
|
||||
|
||||
### Proof of (Block) Stake (Low Cost in Compute and Energy)
|
||||
|
||||
With proof of stake consensus algorithms, the consensus algorithm does not solve puzzles in a race to be the first. The first step is to identify and allow a certain number of nodes to be part of the blockchain. This is called a permissioned blockchain because you need to have permission to partake. This permission is given by distributing stakes.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Proof of Stake consensus mechanism is solving a puzzle, but the puzzle contains only static elements - not variables - based on different characteristics:
|
||||
- The block number
|
||||
- The content (part) of blocks a long time ago (>2000 blocks)
|
||||
- The transaction number (between the first and the last transaction) in the block of the stake transfer transaction all participating nodes needs to
|
||||
- The current timestamp
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
All these numbers are fixed but the time stamp and every node in the block stake blockchain will solve this puzzle every second until the output of this puzzle matches the required difficulty level.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
To make sure the one node that has solved the puzzle to match the difficulty level cannot introduce information in the block which allows him to tamper with the next blocks this node cannot use his used stake for a period amount of time for creating new blocks.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The fact that the puzzle-solving includes historic block data and once a node is assigned to create the block and put it on a chain will not be able to use that block state for a period of time makes it very costly to try to tamper with the content of the block (and the next blocks).
|
||||
|
||||
## The Blockchain Dilemma Problem
|
||||
|
||||
Public and private blockchains have their specific advantages and disadvantages and are very good for specific use cases - but not all. If we list the specifics of both we end up with a table like this:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
| * | Public Blockchains | Private Blockchains |
|
||||
|---|---|---|
|
||||
| Security | Provided by having a large number of nodes running it | Provided by having them in secure controlled places |
|
||||
| People | Build, managed and controlled by unknown people | Build, managed, and controlled by known people |
|
||||
| Speed | Slow by design - all data needs to be copied to all of them | Fast(er) and more efficient by design - a smaller number of copies of the blockchain data |
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
So what if we want to have a secure, performant, and easy to manage blockchain solution? This is not what can be delivered by either type of blockchains. We have to create a new type of blockchain that combines the best of both worlds and delivers.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The key element in finding a solution for this problem is to take the human element out of it. The fact that when you deploy blockchains solutions in locations without human intervention means that you need to create a different deployment mechanism that takes out people touching code, compiling code, deploying code, and in the end operating the machine in which the code runs.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
A way to get around the trusted people problem is to select a platform on which software can be downloaded, compiled, installed, and operated without human intervention. Such a platform is a unique platform that has not been developed and launched. Such a platform would have to have the following characteristics. To make this system work and solve the blockchain dilemma we need to have three components working together in an orchestrated way. The three elements are:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
- **Zero-OS**: A (simple) operating system that does not allow local and remote logins - a closed operating system that receives instructions to launch or kill applications. This operating system needs to be stateless to keep as simple as possible:
|
||||
- **3Bot**: A virtual system administrator that is able to perform system administration tasks to make the system operate, self-heal and execute instructions from authenticated and authorized sources.
|
||||
- **Zero-Chain**: A ledger or database to store information with regards to authentication, operational and financial transactions.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
This system architecture allows for authenticated and trusted virtual system administrators to download, compile and deploy software on a grid of secure Zero-OS nodes with an immutable ledger that records all transactions, operational and financial. This presents a platform on which a public (permissioned) blockchain can be run securely without requiring trusted people to operate the nodes.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
In such architecture, we can build and deploy a high-performance secure blockchain which are the combined benefits of a public and private blockchain.
|
||||
Binary file not shown.
|
Before Width: | Height: | Size: 158 KiB |
@@ -1,62 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: blockheating_intro
|
||||
title: This ThreeFold Farm Keeps Veggies Warm
|
||||
image_caption: Meet Blockheating
|
||||
description: Somewhere in the Netherlands, a ThreeFold Farm is supporting the growth of vegetable crops such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
|
||||
date: 2021-07-23
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [why, peer_to_peer, digital_twin, technology]
|
||||
categories: [farming, cloud, foundation, aci, twin]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: blockheating_intro.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Roel Van Sabben, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Somewhere in the Netherlands, a ThreeFold Farm is supporting the growth of vegetable crops such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. By directing the excess heat generated from the hardware operations to the greenhouse next door, they are able to achieve an incredible model that benefits both hardware and vegetables.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Jeroen Burks, CEO of Blockheating, tells us everything we need to know about their sustainable farming operations. As far as he can remember, Jeroen has always been a protagonist of the “no waste” approach. He started by recycling material previously used by the tech industry, mainly in the cloud market.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
"By default, most data center operations replace their power supplies every 3 years, no matter the state they are in. They are being replaced to counter any possible downtime."
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
By refurbishing and repurposing “old” power units from data centers, he gives them a second life as electric tractor chargers, lithium ION pack chargers, and more.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
"You just need to trick the unit into thinking it is still powering servers, add some cables here and there, and it is ready for duty."
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
His quest towards sustainability started when he was challenged on a pilot project. His friend had bought a new building and was looking for the most sustainable approach to heating it. Jeroen came up with the idea of putting two server racks in the basement and using the heat from that operation, to heat the offices and spaces above. While this project was a success, Jeroen realised that it could be way more efficient, if done with other structures.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
He quickly engaged with a second pilot project where he used two server racks to heat a small greenhouse. This model turned out to be a great combination, which benefited both hardware, as well as farming operations. And so sprouted ‘Blockheating’ -- a data center that provides heat for tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Why specifically these vegetables? Well, the Netherlands has a fair amount of greenhouses cultivating them, and these ‘veggies’ need that heat during summer nights.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Right now Blockheating has around 400 compute nodes with direct cooling that stores all the heat in a buffer throughout the day, which is then released into the greenhouses during the night hours.
|
||||
"By doing it the way we do, we grow the internet grid, help grow vegetables and curb fossil fuel usage – in carbon negative compute power!"
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Right now, Blockheating has a portion of their data center dedicated to ThreeFold Farming for a few reasons:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
- The alignment of values is huge
|
||||
- ThreeFold Farming is easy to manage
|
||||
- ThreeFold Farming counters wasteful behavior of internet resources, so it's a triple win
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Blockheating envisions to scale up-to three data centers of this kind, in an interconnected way, with a fiber ring between them. By doing so, they will be able to increase their offering and have a larger impact on countering the wasteful patterns of the cloud industry.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
ThreeFold is proud to have Blockheating as a ‘State-of-the-Art’ Farmer and Partner, and hopes to see many more people and companies inspired by Blockheating around the world, to expand the ‘People’s Internet’ in a regenerative way.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Find out more about Blockheating here: [https://blockheating.com/](https://blockheating.com/)
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Find out more about our partners here: [https://threefold.io/partners](https://threefold.io/partners)
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,100 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: bridges_connecting_threefold_ecosystem
|
||||
title: "Bridges Connecting the ThreeFold Ecosystem to External Networks"
|
||||
image_caption: Bridges Connecting the ThreeFold Ecosystem to External Networks
|
||||
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).
|
||||
date: 2022-01-10
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, threefold_cloud, technology, blockchain, update]
|
||||
categories: [foundation, cloud, technology]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: bridges_connecting_threefold_ecosystem.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Wondering how to switch between blockchains? Cross-chain bridges allow you to easily transfer TFT from one blockchain to another.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
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).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
There are already active bridges that connect Stellar to Binance Smart Chain and [TF Chain](https://threefold.io/blog/tf_chain/), improving the accessibility and availability of TFT, while also connecting the ThreeFold ecosystem to external blockchain networks.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Learn more about TF Chain in our blog post [here](https://threefold.io/blog/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.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
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.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
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**:
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
* Stellar <> Binance Smart Chain
|
||||
* Stellar <> TF Chain
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
But what is the difference between the 3 chains?
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
**[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.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
**[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.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
**[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.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
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). 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.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
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.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
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) 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, so give our blog post on TF Chain a read [here](https://threefold.io/blog/tf_chain/).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*Try out the Stellar-BSC bridge [here](https://bridge.bsc.threefold.io/) and visit [our forum](https://forum.threefold.io/) to share your experiences.*
|
||||
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|
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|
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|
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@@ -1,154 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: threefold_foundation_33
|
||||
title: Bringing Trust is a Human Task
|
||||
image_caption: humans
|
||||
description: Everyone thinks that Satoshi Nakamoto invented blockchain technology when he published his whitepaper in January 2009
|
||||
date: 2019-08-17
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [weynand_kuijpers]
|
||||
tags: [blockchain,technology]
|
||||
categories: [twin]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: bringing_trust.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## A little history on blockchain technology
|
||||
|
||||
Everyone thinks that Satoshi Nakamoto invented blockchain technology when he published his whitepaper in January 2009 to make a digital currency the first use case. But it was not!.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
In 1991, Dr. W. Scott Stornetta published a white paper in which he introduced a 'blockchain' as a decentralized database where digital transactions are secured. The research focused on creating a digital hierarchy system that time-stamped and chronologically secured deals in a chain of blocks. The first considered use case for blockchain technology was to sign and store land deeds digitally. The technology's main characteristics were decentralization and immutability across the process of storing transaction data.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Satoshi was the person (or part of a group of people) that used these blockchain principles to create the first digital currency - Bitcoin. The rest is history, from one to many digital currencies based on different creation principles (also referred to as cryptocurrencies, digital coins, etc.) that have been launched and existed for over a decade and have begun to come more into the mainstream purview.
|
||||
|
||||
## Decentralization and immutability
|
||||
|
||||
The two characteristics that have spawned interest in Blockchain technology are decentralization and immutability. In the current world, centralization is everywhere, in most industries, governments, education systems, the world wide web (Internet), and more. All roads these days seem to lead to centralized setups.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Examples of centralized setups today:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
- **Monetary**: Fiat currencies are governed and controlled by central banks. According to Wikipedia: "A central bank, reserve bank, or monetary authority is an institution that manages a state's currency, money supply, and interest rates. Central banks also oversee the commercial banking system of their respective countries. In contrast to a commercial bank, a central bank has a monopoly on increasing the monetary base in the state and prints the national currency, which serves as the state's legal tender. Central banks also act as a "lender of last resort" to the banking sector during a financial crisis. Most central banks also have supervisory and regulatory powers to ensure the solvency of member institutions, prevent bank runs, and prevent reckless or fraudulent behavior by member banks." So central banks control fiat currencies, and other institutions control central banks.
|
||||
- **World Wide Web (WWW)**: The World Wide Web is an information space where documents and other web resources are identified by Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), interlinked by hypertext links, and accessible via the Internet. English scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989. Although distributed by design, this technology shares and exposes globally developed information and centralized functions crucial to make this World Wide Web work: large (commercial) monopolies have developed centralized search facilities, e.g., yellow pages of the world wide web. These search facilities now control what you find when you are looking for a specific search term.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
There seems to be a natural "desire" to organize and create different things with central control. Probably the result of our (humankind) social models based on hierarchies and competition. These social models have influenced a lot of what we have built in the industrial and information revolution - creating centralization as the defacto standard of building anything.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Now that we have invented a technology that potentially can build different things without a lot of centralization, we need to be careful to use it for the right things.
|
||||
|
||||
## Blockchain myths
|
||||
|
||||
To investigate what potential right use cases exist for blockchain technologies, let spend some time on some of the blockchain myths created in recent years. Similar to other new technologies, blockchains market themselves as a miracle technology that overcomes many (if not any) of the challenges and difficulties that exist in modern-day digital technology. Let's name and investigate a few.
|
||||
|
||||
### Blockchains are "Super Scalable"
|
||||
|
||||
Are they? Pure blockchain deployments are not super scalable compared to conventional (server-based) transaction methods. Current financial blockchain transaction times are very slow compared to any other (currency) transaction technologies out there, being it card transactions like Mastercard, VISA, or money transfers from one bank account to another.
|
||||
|
||||
### Blockchain technology brings "Impeccable security."
|
||||
|
||||
Very questionable! While blockchains use cryptographic standards, the methods to ensure privacy is entirely outside of any blockchain standards and implementations. It's every implementer's responsibility to ensure security, therefore mostly handled as it is in the old (conventional?) world.
|
||||
|
||||
### When using Blockchains, "Trustworthiness is guaranteed."
|
||||
|
||||
By what? Blockchain ensures the integrity of transactions and information storage, but otherwise, nothing is inherently trustworthy about any fact stored on the Blockchain. You need to corroborate trustworthiness by ensuring that the parties who store information in the Blockchain are incorruptible and that these facts are correct —just as you would in the rest of the world without using blockchain technology.
|
||||
|
||||
### Blockchains can manage "Anything."
|
||||
|
||||
Blockchain is a protocol expressed in code, and this does not define in terms of any standard. There are no standards bodies to provide sanctioned implementation rules or guidance.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Many contracts or types of data are better dealt with not on a blockchain: as it is a database that has only write and read functionality, but no update nor deletion is possible, it's even dangerous to post sensitive and personal data on a blockchain, and if not used well, there might raise conflicts with regulations such as GDPR. However, a blockchain can provide consensus where required.
|
||||
|
||||
### Smart contracts on the Blockchain can do "Everything."
|
||||
|
||||
Potentially but maybe not in the way how people see it today. While this is technically true, Blockchain is limited to well-understood and straightforward use cases, without ambiguities. Smart contracts are essentially rocket science. By design, once published (launched), you cannot revise or bug fix them.
|
||||
|
||||
### Blockchain deployments "If not public - go private!"
|
||||
|
||||
Not the same thing! Private blockchains are not the answer to privacy or restricted access to information. Purely private/enterprise blockchains might fail to realize any of the benefits of Blockchain.
|
||||
|
||||
### A new feature, "justifies deploying a new Blockchain."
|
||||
|
||||
Community-driven blockchain products are being forked left and right by private players who enhance them in various ways. But only the open-source blockchains with the largest communities and install-plus-adoption bases will persist. The rest are mainly lab experiments, and 99.9 percent of these probably fail.
|
||||
|
||||
## Blockchain myths undone
|
||||
|
||||
So Blockchain is a hyped new technology, but they are not the answer to everything. Just like with any other technology or tool, you need to consider if the use case considered carefully is appropriate. In the end, it is only neutral characteristics that might be a reason for applying a blockchain or not:
|
||||
- is there a need for decentralization?
|
||||
- is there a need for immutability?
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
When considering Blockchain technology for a specific purpose, proper due diligence should happen. This to determine the fit and implementing it if it enhances value for the organization. Humans play a vital role in the decision process and are required to find solutions for the flaws that blockchains bring along.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Scalability, security, trustworthiness, functionality are to be added by humans to blockchain deployments.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
This delicate mix of characteristics to be implemented explains why many Blockchain projects don't succeed, despite the rightful claims around the disruptive nature of the technology.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Two frequent mistakes within the Industry:
|
||||
- The technology is used as the ultimate technology to solve all the problems described above, and this often leads to failure in the end as Blockchain can't fulfill these promises.
|
||||
- The technology is used under the false pretext that decentralization is wanted, whereas the real intention is to be in control. Blockchain thinking also requires an entirely different way of thinking than the classical models embedded in the heart of our economies: concentration of power & control and competition need to make room for decentralization and collaboration.
|
||||
|
||||
### Blockchains are here to stay!
|
||||
|
||||
With all the hype around blockchain technology and also all the failed initiatives, blockchain technology does allow for digital worlds to exist without centralization. The information revolution has brought forward a lot of progress and innovation to the people; however, the outcome has also been only a few large organizations controlling all of it.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Examples are:
|
||||
- Online search: Google
|
||||
- Online social: Facebook, Twitter
|
||||
- Online banking: any large international bank
|
||||
- Online insurance: few insurance alliances
|
||||
- Customer Relationship Management: SalesForce
|
||||
- Enterprise Resource Management: Oracle, SAP
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
All these organizations are leading in their specific digital innovation sector, and some of them even provide services for free. Nothing is for free in this world and reality -in return for these services, you accept the terms and conditions which allow the companies to use your personal information and user statistics for their benefits and make money from this behavior derived data.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Most industry leaders have become so powerful that there is almost no way around them anymore. You are practically obliged to comply with their terms and conditions to do something useful with the Internet today.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The world is awakening and seeking alternatives in which such monopolistic structures do not control data and information. Blockchain technologies allow new solutions to be built without central governing bodies, creating person-to-person sharing and trading opportunities.
|
||||
|
||||
### The combination of people and blockchains is really powerful
|
||||
|
||||
People remain the best to create decentralized business models that combine Blockchain's strengths with complementary measures to compensate for the weaknesses of the technology. Blockchains are not replacing people. Blockchain technology is just a tool that enhances people's ability to organize themselves around decentralized initiatives that require no central body to govern and control. Therefore, Blockchain is a powerful tool indeed but remains just a tool.
|
||||
|
||||
### A platform for people to start blockchains
|
||||
|
||||
What if there would be a platform where the strong points of blockchains (decentralization) could enable people to organize themselves around a random initiative and launch it based on blockchain technology? Blockchain As a Service (BAAS).
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
A platform like that could be powerful to enable people around the world to use and benefit from blockchain technology to organize themselves around digital initiatives, currencies, finance, trade, company, anything. Let's consider a small example:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
e.g., Sixty people want to start an organization in which they all have an equal stake. They can organize this by going to the notary and establishing a company with equity and dividing the equity amongst them. They can run quarterly /annual meetings to govern and control the company. They would also need an administration to record decisions and communicate across the organization.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
What if a platform could launch several blockchain nodes (60, one for each of them) and record all decisions, having all information trackable and traceable for anyone? Blockchain As A Service (BAAS) will enable people to organize themselves independently and create new movements, companies, groups, tribes. This would be a powerful platform allowing many people (and hopefully all people) to organize themselves in new ways, free of the need to have notaries, lawyers, and contracts.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
However, to build such a platform, compliance is needed with some pretty specific requirements. Requirements that enable such a platform not to be governed and controlled by a single organization.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The requirements for such a platform would sum up as follows:
|
||||
- A single organization cannot own the platform, it needs to be owned by many
|
||||
- Such a platform cannot have administrator access. Administrators access takes away the neutrality and privacy that such a platform requires.
|
||||
- The platform needs to be very efficient. To be available to all people globally, it needs to be affordable for anyone.
|
||||
- The platform needs to be everywhere. Part of the efficiency is that it should require expensive international access lines - it needs to be able to live everywhere - in well connected (and affordable) areas as well as in less well-connected places.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Such a platform is a very different platform than most of what we know today. It needs to be a platform build by many people, for anyone. It needs not be governed by a single organization; it needs to be governed by many.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
People with the right intentions need to collectively build a platform based on hardware owned by many and software that is open and can be inspected and improved by anyone. It is a platform created by people for people using blockchain technology to achieve a genuinely decentralized nature of the platform running Blockchain as a service.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
People should always remain as the element that brings trust in IT. Blockchains help to register that trust forever.
|
||||
|
||||
Binary file not shown.
|
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@@ -1,75 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: build_on_threefolds_open_infrastructure_part_one
|
||||
title: "Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part One: Intro"
|
||||
image_caption: "Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part One: Intro"
|
||||
description: Dive into the magic of the ThreeFold Grid and what it enables for people around the world – from developers to end users, and everyone in between – with this three-part series! We’ll explore ThreeFold’s infrastructure, solutions and experiences available today. The first part will give a comprehensive overview of the Grid, its evolution and capabilities.
|
||||
date: 2022-09-15
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: build_on_threefolds_open_infrastructure_part_one.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
What started out as an idea for a better Internet about a decade ago amongst a few early Internet and Cloud pioneers has now become a reality. Today, ThreeFold is a global movement building a reliable, open and inclusive Internet.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We’ve reached a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Internet. And ThreeFold is ready to unlock a new Internet era – one filled with [abundance and opportunity](https://www.threefold.io/blog/planet-first-people-first/) for all, one which is better for [our planet](https://www.threefold.io/blog/planting-the-seeds/). Our open-source technology, future-facing ecosystem and collaborative community have the potential to drive this new era forward.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
For us, the Internet was always meant to be [peer-to-peer](https://www.threefold.io/blog/p2p-web3/), where anyone could own hardware, and connect and exchange directly with full security and in full privacy – without any entity in the middle. This is how the Internet began. But as demand grew, big tech began to monopolize its infrastructure and all the major platforms.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Since its inception, ThreeFold has been committed not only to delivering on the original promise of the Internet, but also to realizing our ultimate vision of a better future for all. For the past six years, we’ve been building up an incredible full-stack, open-source, decentralized Internet, all [from the ground-up](https://forum.threefold.io/t/how-threefold-is-building-a-new-internet-from-the-ground-up/2057?u=hannahcordes). We’ve come a long way and the result is, well, exceptional. There is *nothing* else out there like ThreeFold.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
From creating our own blockchain-driven and highly secure [operating system](https://forum.threefold.io/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-zero-os/1734?u=hannahcordes) (which allows computers to become decentralized servers), to building an ultra-scalable [Quantum Safe Storage System](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/qsss/threefold__qsss_home?id=quantum-safe-storage-system), a complete far [edge cloud](https://www.threefold.io/blog/internet-at-the-edge/) computing platform and a [planetary peer-to-peer network](https://forum.threefold.io/t/how-our-planetary-network-works/1210?u=hannahcordes) all accessible via a unique Smart Contract for IT on the [ThreeFold Blockchain](https://www.threefold.io/blog/tf-chain/), we’re proud to have the most [complete edge infrastructure](https://www.threefold.io/blog/internet-at-the-edge/) to power the next-generation Internet era.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
And we’re taking concrete steps to further expand this infrastructure that offers a truly decentralized layer 0 for any blockchain or Internet application. Moreover, with the help of our [community of Grid testers](https://t.me/threefoldtesting), we’re continuously advancing the underlying technology and working towards making it usable for as many people and use cases as possible.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Our vision and technology have matured into the [Internet of Internets](https://www.threefold.io/blog/internet-of-internets/) – a network of thousands of community-built and -owned Internets through which we strive to interconnect all of humanity. A new world is coming, and [our technology](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__technology) has the potential to revolutionize digitization on a global scale, across sectors. And yet we remain a hidden gem.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
So, what solutions does the ThreeFold Grid offer today already? And why exactly should you start to build on top of ThreeFold? Let’s explore some of the many possibilities available today.
|
||||
|
||||
## The ThreeFold Grid – A cutting-edge, highly scalable peer-to-peer infrastructure
|
||||
|
||||
*“ThreeFold is growing the ThreeFold Grid by enabling a community of thousands of farmers from around the world to participate and own a piece of the Internet.” – [Adnan Fatayerji](https://threefold.io/news/post/threefold_cybernews/)*
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The Grid is a peer-to-peer cloud computing network that's highly compatible with current industry standards. In late December 2021, ThreeFold launched the third generation of the ThreeFold Grid on mainnet with a fully functional tech stack – a huge and crucial step towards a fully production-ready and decentralized infrastructure. The third generation not only brought a massive leap forward in the decentralization of the Grid but also made for a much simpler user experience for farmers and Grid users. People from all over the world are connecting thousands of 3Nodes to create the world’s largest decentralized Internet infrastructure, and new capacity is being connected every day. Find the latest Grid stats and utilization numbers in [this regularly updated thread](https://forum.threefold.io/t/grid-stats-new-nodes-overview/3291?u=hannahcordes).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
[Over the past months](https://www.threefold.io/blog/threefold-2022-reflect-h1-outlook-h2/), the team evolved the Grid through version 3.6.1 and upgraded it to mainnet in July after receiving 100% community approval. This [release](https://forum.threefold.io/t/tfgrid-product-updates-july-2022-tfgrid-v3-6-1-highlights-and-more/3206/2?u=hannahcordes) introduces more stability to the TF Grid and includes various upgrades and new features like the ThreeFold Connect App, the new unified dashboard for a simpler user experience, and more. Big progress was also made in terms of the DAO functionality that went live on TF Chain, with the first TF Chain (L1) DAO proposal was voted on and approved in August.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
And with each new Grid release, we’re getting one step closer to solidifying the foundation of the Internet of Internets. Currently, the team is working towards completing [Grid version 3.7.0](https://forum.threefold.io/t/threefold-product-updates-august-2022/3272?u=hannahcordes) which includes some significant updates, improvements and new features like FreeFlow Twin, a new Node Pilot, new deployment features and [a lot more](https://forum.threefold.io/t/threefold-product-updates-august-2022/3272?u=hannahcordes). The team continues to do incredible work to further develop and advance the Grid as well as to support utilization and adoption by offering tools and applications that are user-friendly, secure, efficient and scalable. A massive thank you to our incredible tech team and the community of Grid testers!
|
||||
|
||||
### Next up: our cloud solution
|
||||
|
||||
So, the ThreeFold Grid has been evolved, advanced and expanded quite a bit, hasn’t it? About time to take a closer look at our cloud solution and everything enabled by the technology and tooling built on top. As a heads up, part two of our series on ThreeFold’s game-changing Internet infrastructure is for the more tech-savvy crowd. If you don’t consider yourself “a tech person” you might prefer to jump to part three on weblets and end-user experiences right away.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Helpful Resources:
|
||||
* Dive into the [manual](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/) to get started
|
||||
* Find out more about our [technology](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/technology)
|
||||
* Learn more about [testing the ThreeFold Grid](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual__grid3_testing?id=testing-the-threefold_grid3)
|
||||
* Join this growing [movement](https://t.me/threefold) & our [testing community](https://t.me/threefoldtesting)
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,127 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: build_on_threefolds_open_infrastructure_part_three
|
||||
title: "Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part Three: Weblets & End-Users"
|
||||
image_caption: "Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part Three: Weblets & End-Users"
|
||||
description: In the final part of our three-part series, we’ll dive into a world of possibilities for developers, end-users and everyone in-between. Find out what’s possible on the ThreeFold Playground and discover your digital sovereignty with our end-user experiences.
|
||||
date: 2022-09-21
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: build_on_threefolds_open_infrastructure_part_three.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
*This post is the third one in a series about building on ThreeFold's open infrastructure. While [part one](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure/), gives you a comprehensive overview of the Grid, its evolution and capabilities, the [second part](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure-part-two/) is focused on the low-level building blocks and particularly interesting for the more tech-savvy crowd.*
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Welcome to the third and final part of our series on ThreeFold’s game-changing Internet infrastructure and the solutions available today. This time, we’ll show you what’s possible on the ThreeFold Playground today and how you can become one of the first testers of digitally sovereign end-user experiences.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
This is an incredible opportunity to become early adopters of our unique solutions, to get a taste of what it means to become digitally sovereign, and to help shape the future of the Internet. Together we build a decentralized digital world!
|
||||
|
||||
## Explore a playground full of simple yet powerful deployment experiences
|
||||
|
||||
The [ThreeFold Playground](https://play.grid.tf/) makes it quite easy to build on top of the ThreeFold Grid by deploying weblets. A [weblet](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual__weblets_home?id=weblets) is a compiled JavaScript component which can be embedded in any site. With ThreeFold, it basically establishes a private environment running inside your browser, and allows you to share it – while you maintain full control of all activities happening there by using your private key, and with full decentralization.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
On the TF Playground, a variety of applications are made available and deployable within just a few clicks, all on top of a fully decentralized peer-to-peer Internet infrastructure. From Virtual Machines to Kubernetes to Presearch Nodes, CapRover, ownCloud, and more – the playground allows you to build in a truly decentralized environment. Essentially, the Playground is an ever-expanding ecosystem of easily-deployable weblets that are built for a decentralized future. It’s the fastest way to build, test, and deploy and enables pretty much anyone to build and experiment with deployment on the Grid. So, this is huge!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
[Visit](https://play.grid.tf/) the TF Playground to explore the possibilities and read this [post](https://forum.threefold.io/t/threefold-product-focus-series-tf-playground-v3-7-0/3315?u=hannahcordes) to find out what the new version 3.7.0 of the Playground – now live on testnet – has to offer. Dive right in and [get started](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/getstarted/manual__tfgrid3_getstarted) on the TF Grid today!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Here are a few examples of the weblets available on the Playground:
|
||||
|
||||
#### Presearch
|
||||
|
||||
Presearch is a longstanding partner of ThreeFold and one of the most popular solutions offered on the Grid. As of the Grid v3.6 release, any 3Node can now host a Presearch node – so if you’re a ThreeFold farmer, it’s now become quite easy for you to host Presearch on your own node. Simply follow [this deployment guide](https://forum.threefold.io/t/presearch-nodes/3250?u=hannahcordes) to get decentralized search on top of a truly decentralized infrastructure!
|
||||
|
||||
#### CapRover
|
||||
|
||||
Leverage the entire [CapRover app catalogue](https://forum.threefold.io/t/caprover-your-app-environment/2133/3) even faster and easier and deploy CapRover apps on the ThreeFold Grid. You’ll benefit from full decentralization, energy efficiency and affordability. [CapRover](https://forum.threefold.io/t/create-your-own-app-environment-fast-and-easy-with-caprover-on-the-people-s-internet/2644?u=hannahcordes) is a powerful platform for app deployment and thanks to our [CapRover weblet](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual__weblets_caprover?id=caprover), you’re able to deploy anything you want on top of the ThreeFold Grid!
|
||||
|
||||
#### NEW: Subsquid (testnet)
|
||||
|
||||
The [latest addition](https://forum.threefold.io/t/tfgrid-v3-7-0-is-now-live/3375?u=hannahcordes) to the ThreeFold Playground is [Subsquid](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual__weblets_subsquid), Web3’s premier API framework which is supercharging decentralized apps across more than 30 chains. Basically, you can think of Subsquid as an ETL (extract, transform, load) tool, with a GraphQL server included. With Grid v3.7.0 live on testnet, you can now pre-process and decode raw chain data and store it for easier access by the query nodes by deploying your own Subsquid instance on the Grid’s testnet within just a few clicks [here](https://play.test.grid.tf/#/subsquid).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
So with the ThreeFold Playground, ThreeFold is building a vast ecosystem of advanced deployment experiences and opening up a world of possibilities – allowing anyone to build, test and deploy easily and within a few clicks.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
And the best thing about the [playground](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/getstarted/manual__tfgrid3_getstarted)? It’s already been available for a while and continuously being improved and extended!
|
||||
|
||||
## How to achieve digital sovereignty with a set of end-user experiences
|
||||
|
||||
*“Through simple, secure, and scalable technology, ThreeFold empowers millions to invent and explore new experiences." – [Kristof de Spiegeleer](https://www.threefold.io/newsroom/paradise-hills/)*
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We’ve entered the [third phase of our journey](https://www.threefold.io/blog/four-phases-of-threefold/) towards our ultimate vision of a better future – the phase of Web 4. In addition to fully comprehensive decentralized edge cloud solutions, the ThreeFold ecosystem is also developing a range of applications and experiences across IoT, metaverse, blockchain, DeFi, banking, education and beyond.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Throughout this phase – which has only just begun – a multitude of valuable and meaningful experiences are being built by the ThreeFold ecosystem and partners to empower people with equal chances to learn, create, and thrive in a decentralized digital economy – what we like to call an abundance-based future for humanity.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The first roll-out of the third phase will empower people to become fully self-sovereign thanks to ThreeFold’s Digital Twin technology and a variety of decentralized alternatives to popular applications and tools.
|
||||
|
||||
#### FreeFlow Twin
|
||||
|
||||
The Digital Twin technology provides each user with a unique digital identity that can serve as the key to an open, self-sovereign and complete digital future. This solution was designed with a very simple objective in mind: everyone should be the center of their entire digital life. It represents your digital self and hosts your entire digital life in a secure and private way – empowering you to own your data and offering you decentralized applications that enable you to maintain your sovereignty. For end users, owning their own deployments opens the possibility for a full range of experiences that have the same quality as crypto – self custody.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
With Grid V3.7.0, ThreeFold’s all-in-one decentralized productivity tool that includes instant messaging, video call, social, and data storage features – formerly known as Uhuru – is being rebranded to [FreeFlow Twin](https://forum.threefold.io/t/lets-test-out-freeflow-twin-beta-formerly-uhuru/3299?u=hannahcordes). It brings sovereign and secure alternatives to many of the centralized solutions we use every day like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Chrome, Zoom and many more.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
[FreeFlow Twin](https://forum.threefold.io/t/threefold-product-updates-august-2022/3272?u=hannahcordes) will be part of an ecosystem of decentralized alternatives called FreeFlow Life. Find more information on the experiences, how to start testing now and where to share your feedback [here](https://forum.threefold.io/t/lets-test-out-freeflow-twin-beta-formerly-uhuru/3299?u=hannahcordes)!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
This paradigm shift is a pretty big deal, isn’t it?
|
||||
|
||||
#### DeFi Solutions
|
||||
|
||||
We've also decided to develop our [own DeFi solutions](https://www.threefold.io/blog/future-tft-ecosystem/) to support the growth and expansion of the Internet of Internets and an abundance-based future where we are truly sovereign: community-based liquidity pools and the P2P DeFi Wallet – both expected early next year. Learn more about the upcoming solutions [here](https://www.threefold.io/blog/future-tft-ecosystem/)!
|
||||
|
||||
## The Grid is open – an invitation to build, deploy and test
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold’s open Internet infrastructure is fully peer-to-peer, decentralized and super reliable. It already offers a multitude of solutions for developers, end-users and everyone in-between. And the Grid and the solutions offered are ready for the community to build, deploy and test, as we continue to collectively build, advance and expand.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
And while we’ve collectively already built a lot and achieved crucial milestones towards realizing our ultimate goals, we’re also just the beginning of the third phase of our exciting journey with many ambitions and goals still ahead.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
While we’re still in a spot where we can be considered a hidden gem and being way undervalued, remember this: ThreeFold is inevitable. We are visionaries, building the plane in the air. We are confident in growing the project in a real and authentic way. We have a strong plan and vision. Our technology is needed. The underlying foundation is functional and ready. Now, it’s up to the believers to build, test and deploy the solutions we need for a better world. And together, we build. Together, we can achieve the extraordinary and provide better alternatives for people, enterprises and governments.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We not only invite you to come see what’s possible. We invite you to get involved. What are you waiting for?
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Start exploring and using the many solutions on the ThreeFold Grid today – whether by deploying a weblet, testing the FreeFlow Twin or simply joining our [testing group](https://t.me/threefoldtesting)!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
* [Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part One: Intro](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure/)
|
||||
* [Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part Two: For Experts](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure-part-two/)
|
||||
|
||||
*Not sure where to start? Dive into the [manual](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/) and learn more about [testing the ThreeFold Grid](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual__grid3_testing?id=testing-the-threefold_grid3).*
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,93 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: build_on_threefolds_open_infrastructure_part_two
|
||||
title: "Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part Two: For Experts"
|
||||
image_caption: "Build on ThreeFold’s Open Infrastructure – Part Two: For Experts"
|
||||
description: This post is part of an ongoing series on building on ThreeFold’s open infrastructure. It’s for the more tech-savvy crowd, as we’ll dive into our cloud solution and everything enabled by the technology and tooling built on top.
|
||||
date: 2022-09-21
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: build_on_threefolds_open_infrastructure_part_two.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold’s reliable, open-source, peer-to-peer Internet infrastructure together with a growing community of enthusiastic, driven early-adopter developers and end-users are the key to accelerating the growth and development of the Grid and to unlocking all of its potential. While the foundation has been laid, it will be up to all of us as a movement to improve and build upon it.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
After looking back at the ThreeFold Grid’s evolution and what makes it a game-changing Internet infrastructure in [part one](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure/), it’s time to explore our cloud solution and the technology available today in part two! You can think of these as some of the essential low-level building blocks that when combined created a limitless sandbox for developers.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
If you’re wondering what virtual machines are, haven’t heard about Kubernetes before and don’t know your way around coding languages, this part might be less interesting for you. Feel free to skip and jump right into [part three](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure-part-three/) on weblets and end-user experiences.
|
||||
|
||||
## Elements of our comprehensive & decentralized cloud solution
|
||||
|
||||
The ThreeFold Grid provides [various primitives](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__tfgrid_primitives) for compute, storage, and network – fulfilling all the needs centralized cloud providers cater to as well, while offering advantages in terms of decentralization, energy efficiency, security and more. [Zero-OS](https://forum.threefold.io/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-zero-os/1734) includes a collection of components, called primitives. These primitives are the low-level constructs which can be deployed on the ThreeFold Grid. As mentioned above, they act as building blocks for skilled developers that enable them to build and create in complete digital freedom.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Additionally, the high compatibility of ThreeFold’s primitives with industry-standard tools and protocols makes it easy and seamless for developers to migrate workloads to the Grid. All of the primitives not only benefit from the unique efficiency and security features of [Zero-OS](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__zos), but also come with unique features and capabilities themselves. Here are some of the primitives to give you an idea of what you’ll get:
|
||||
|
||||
#### ZMachine
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold’s [ZMachine](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/zmachine?id=zmachine) is a lightweight virtual machine (VM) solution that’s unique to the ThreeFold Grid. ZMachine enables both traditional VM deployments and also introduces a next generation container specification built on our [ZFlist](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__zos_fs?id=why-this-zflist-concept) technology. ZFlist containers enabled by ZMachines are more secure and more flexible than the current industry standard Docker-based containers. With Kubernetes running on top of ThreeFold’s ZMachine [technology](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/threefold__grid_use?id=tfgrid-kubernetes-cloud), we have a highly compatible and unique solution.
|
||||
|
||||
#### ZFlist
|
||||
|
||||
The [ZFlist](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__zos_fs?id=why-this-zflist-concept) is a next generation container format – supported directly at the operating system level on Zero-OS – which extends the industry-standard Docker container concept in an efficient and secure way. It provides a unique advantage over traditional containers via the use of mini VMs. By employing mini VMs, the FList concept provides better isolation than traditional container systems while retaining the advantages that containers offer over full VMs.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Kubernetes
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold has long supported the most used open-source container orchestration tool in the world, [Kubernetes](https://kubernetes.io/), which integrates the industry standard [Docker](https://www.docker.com/) format, a container creation and management tool. It’s used to manage many of the largest and most complex cloud deployments. Kubernetes can be used to create a production-ready environment. The ThreeFold Grid provides a lightweight Kubernetes VM that can be used to create clusters according to specific needs. By providing both VMs and Kubernetes, we’re able to offer the most comprehensive solution in the decentralized/blockchain space to deploy, scale, and manage cloud compute workloads. Kubernetes users can, for the most part, simply bring their existing configuration files and recreate their deployments on a Grid based cluster seamlessly. With the third generation of the Grid, we provided a very simple way to provision [Kubernetes clusters with Terraform](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual3_iac/grid3_terraform/manual__terraform_k8s?id=more-info).
|
||||
|
||||
#### Terraform
|
||||
|
||||
[Terraform](https://forum.threefold.io/t/threefold-grid-3-0-supports-terraform/1184?u=hannahcordes) is a widely-used open-source Infrastructure as Code (IaC) software tool enabling a consistent workflow in order to manage complex deployments across different cloud providers. It also integrates directly with our Grid’s [existing Kubernetes functionality](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/cloud/threefold__usp_compatible?id=kubernetes) to offer a complete solution for reserving hardware and deploying software.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
In a nutshell, Terraform offers a complete solution for reserving hardware and deploying software. It allows for specifying deployments on the [ThreeFold Grid](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/threefold__tfgrid_home) in a simple, declarative, and human-readable language describing the desired end state. Terraform can be used to deploy the full set of [Zero-OS](https://forum.threefold.io/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-zero-os/1734) primitives, supporting any existing or future Linux workload, with endless possibilities. It is like a lower-level Kubernetes for the hardware part of cloud deployments.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Dedicated Nodes
|
||||
|
||||
We’re also supporting [dedicated nodes](https://forum.threefold.io/t/exciting-news-dedicated-nodes-on-the-people-s-internet/2645?u=hannahcordes). By utilizing dedicated nodes on the ThreeFold Grid, you’ll benefit from a truly decentralized and highly reliable Internet infrastructure that uses less energy and comes at a much more affordable price than any comparable alternative. With dedicated nodes, users are able to exclusively reserve the entire capacity of a 3Node to deploy solutions for themselves or for other customers, while also paying for all capacity of the respective 3Node. Dedicated nodes on our Grid will be highly cost effective, as they’ll be available with a 70% discount on [pricing](https://forum.threefold.io/t/pricing-for-tfgrid/2518/7). All the ThreeFold Grid features will be available on [dedicated nodes](https://forum.threefold.io/t/exciting-news-dedicated-nodes-on-the-people-s-internet/2645?u=hannahcordes) as well – from deploying VMs and containers to CapRover and more. Dedicated and non-dedicated 3Nodes can be combined.
|
||||
|
||||
#### V Language
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold is built with simplicity in mind which is why we’re using [V](https://www.threefold.io/partners/vlang/) – a statically typed programming language similar to Go, and inspired by Rust, Swift, and Oberon. It’s the official [smart contract](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/technology/threefold__smartcontract_it) language on the Grid, as its simplicity and readability allows anyone to go through and understand any code base, even non-developers.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Despite being simple, V gives a lot of power to the developer and can be used in pretty much every field, including systems programming, webdev, gamedev, GUI, mobile, science, embedded, tooling, etc. It aims to become an alternative to JavaScript as the de facto coding language on the market in the upcoming years. With V, the developer doesn’t need to change anything in their code. “It just works”, like in Python, Go, or Java, except there’s no heavy GC tracing everything or expensive RC for each object. V can translate your entire C project and offer you the safety, simplicity, and 10-25x faster compilation speeds.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
With +30,5K Stars on [GitHub](https://github.com/vlang/v), V brings a strong open-source developer community to the ThreeFold ecosystem to develop the infrastructures and applications of tomorrow – making it the ideal smart contract language for the ThreeFold ecosystem.
|
||||
|
||||
## An open invitation
|
||||
|
||||
So, now that you’ve learned more about the building blocks of the ThreeFold Grid and how you can build with them, we’d like to invite you to try and test them yourselves!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
While we’re very proud of our progress and the strong ecosystem around us, now’s the time to build upon the foundation. The team continues to do incredible work to further develop and advance the Grid with each and every release. They continue to improve the components, develop new features and build new solutions.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
With your support, the team can work even faster. If you share our belief in open source and decentralization, we invite you to help us test and improve not only the Grid and its primitives but also the solutions built on top. Together, we keep building and advancing to realize our Internet of Internets vision and to empower people with true digital sovereignty.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
* Dive into the [manual](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/) to get started
|
||||
* Learn more about [testing the ThreeFold Grid](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual__grid3_testing?id=testing-the-threefold_grid3)
|
||||
* Join this growing [movement](https://t.me/threefold) & our [testing community](https://t.me/threefoldtesting)
|
||||
|
||||
### Join us for [part three](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure-part-three/)!
|
||||
|
||||
Get ready for [part three](https://www.threefold.io/blog/build-on-threefolds-open-infrastructure-part-three/) of our series where we’re diving into a world of possibilities for developers, end-users and everyone in-between. The final part will not only show you what’s possible on the ThreeFold Playground today but also introduce you to our end-user experiences that empower you with digital sovereignty which are available for beta testing now!
|
||||
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|
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|
||||
---
|
||||
id: building_a_new_internet_from_the_ground_up_pt2
|
||||
title: "Building a New Internet From the Ground Up – Part 2: Storage"
|
||||
image_caption: The ThreeFold Grid Peer-to-Peer Technology
|
||||
description: Part two of an approachable series on the inner workings of the ThreeFold Grid. This time, storage
|
||||
date: 2021-07-28
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [scott_yeager]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [foundation,farming,cloud]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: building_a_new_internet_2.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Welcome back for the second part of this introductory series on ThreeFold Grid technology. [Last time](https://threefold.io/blog/an_intro_to_the_threefold_grid/) we took a high level view of all that the Grid offers. This time, we'll be zooming in on storage, covering the low level components and how they can provide a familiar experience like the cloud "drives" and "boxes" we use today.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The ThreeFold Grid offers several different storage primitives that can be combined in various ways to meet the needs of developers and end users of Grid capacity. Ultimately, all storage services are a way of presenting the underlying hardware to software workloads in various ways, according to the desired features. ThreeFold has created a few unique storage offerings, providing distinct benefits over legacy cloud infrastructure. From the start, every component has been designed for optimal efficiency and they work together to offer an unprecedented level of security.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Our most basic storage primitive is a "volume", which simply offers some disk space to an application in a generic way. We'll focus more on the innovative solutions that are built on the Zero Database, or Zdb. These are compatible with existing use cases but also represent a quantum leap forward for privacy and security. They are called Zdbfs, Zstor, and QSFS. Let's take a look at each component and how they work together to provide a complete set of tools for developers building on the Grid. We'll also see why this matters to end users of services that are hosted on the Grid.
|
||||
|
||||
## Zdb
|
||||
|
||||
Zdb is a low level offering that implements with a subset of features from the popular Redis protocol. It is a key-value store, which means that information is indexed like a dictionary. Each "word" in the database is associated with a "definition" or piece of data. Zdb is super fast and efficient, along with operating in an "append only" manner. This means that all new data is added to empty space following the end of existing data, never overwritten. It's like writing in pen on paper without leaving any white space.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Append only has many advantages, including extending the life of certain hardware and offering archiving features out of the box. The disadvantage, of course, is that old data is retained even when no longer needed. However, this can be addressed by periodically "compacting" the data, to remove what's no longer needed and restructure what remains with the same level of efficiency. We use Zdb as a base layer for more complex storage implementations that benefit from these features.
|
||||
|
||||
## Zdbfs
|
||||
|
||||
While Zdb has all of those neat properties, it requires that applications utilize a specific database interface. To expand its capabilities, we have the Zdb Filesystem. With Zdbfs, the back end Zdb is exposed through the most common interface used for storing and retrieving data: a filesystem. This is the same format we're all familiar with from the file explorers on our computers. When running Zdbfs, a new "folder" appears on the system, allowing reading and writing to the connected Zdb without any concern for the underlying database. With Zdbfs, nearly all existing tools for working with data can be plugged in to and benefit from the advantages of Zdb.
|
||||
|
||||
## Zstor
|
||||
|
||||
So far, we've been discussing solutions that utilize storage space on a single node only. While this offers flexibility for developers with a variety of needs, it is also limited in the sense that the failure of a single node would result in the loss of all data. With that in mind, we offer the Zstor solution for spreading data across multiple nodes in a way that provides both resilience against failures and unprecedented security.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Zstor takes a single file as input, to be stored among a number of nodes as specified in its configuration. The system is flexible and able to cater to different needs for performance, redundancy, and geographical distribution. Understanding what happens behind the scenes requires a little math, but I'll provide as simple an explanation as I can. Zstor has a very unique property: it does not actually upload any of the user's data to the back end nodes, but it is able to reconstruct the data later based on the descriptive information that is stored.
|
||||
|
||||
### The magic of erasure encoding
|
||||
|
||||
Sounds like magic? Well, let's explore briefly how this is possible. Zstor relies on a technology known as erasure encoding, which was originally designed to protect data against errors that sometimes occur in the normal operation of computer hardware. Rather than simply making copies of the data as backups, a clever scheme is used to efficiently offer the same benefit. With basic redundancy, four extra copies would be needed to accommodate four failures without a loss of data. Erasure encoding can accomplish the same failure tolerance using less than half the space needed for the original data.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
While erasure encoding can be implemented by storing the data itself along with some extra data known as "parity", it can also be implemented without storing the original data at all. As a simplified example, let's say that we want to store the number 13. First, we take each digit individually, 1 and 3. Next, we calculate 1 + 3 = 4 and 3 - 1 = 2. By storing 4 and 2, along with the instructions to reverse these calculations, we have everything needed to get back to 13. If we add one more equation, say 1 - 3 = -2, we can restore the original data using any two of the numbers we've computed.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Each of our values would be stored on separate nodes, while the instructions to recombine them would be stored in yet another location. If an attacker were to compromise one of these nodes, they would only have a number that's meaningless without the other elements. If a single node fails, the original data can be restored using the remaining nodes, and we can add a new node to bring us back to our desired state. By tuning these values, additional security or redundancy can be achieved. We might decide that we want 9 of 10 values to be present for reconstruction, representing a high level of security. Alternatively, a 2 of 10 arrangement would provide high redundancy, tolerating the failure of 8 nodes.
|
||||
|
||||
## Quantum Safe Filesystem
|
||||
|
||||
With all of these components working together, we have ThreeFold's flagship storage solution, the Quantum Safe Filesystem or QSFS. It uses Zstor to backup data written to a Zdbfs. This provides the convenient and highly compatible filesystem interface along with the exceptional security and redundancy benefits of Zstor. We call it quantum safe, because even an attacker with a quantum computer would not be able to decode users' data, if they managed to hack into one of the back end nodes—already an extraordinary feat given the exceptional security of Zero OS.
|
||||
|
||||
## Bringing it home
|
||||
|
||||
So, we've toured a good bit of technology which might be feeling a bit abstract at this point. Bringing this home, our front end experience with these technologies can feel no different than any of the "drives" and "boxes" we use to store our files in the cloud. In fact, ThreeFold has already developed a prototype file browser based on QSFS which has many cool features like editing documents and viewing media directly in the web interface. It's one piece of a full suite of solutions we're excited to showcase and invite the community to test soon.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
I hope you found this piece informative and approachable. Thanks for joining me to learn and explore the wonderful world of ThreeFold technology. We'll cover more aspects of what makes it all tick in future parts of this series. Do you have questions or feel like chatting about what's possible with ThreeFold's technology? We'd love to hear from you on [our forum](https://forum.threefold.io) or in [our Telegram group](https://t.me/threefold).
|
||||
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|
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|
||||
---
|
||||
id: building_a_new_internet_from_the_ground_up_3
|
||||
title: "Building a New Internet From the Ground Up – Part 3: Compute"
|
||||
image_caption: The ThreeFold Grid Peer-to-Peer Technology
|
||||
description: Part three of an approachable series on the inner workings of the ThreeFold Grid. This time, we're exploring compute.
|
||||
date: 2021-10-04
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [scott_yeager]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [foundation,farming,cloud]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: building_a_new_internet_3.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*Welcome back for another installment of our accessible series on ThreeFold Grid technology. We are working through the three major categories that make up cloud infrastructure: storage, compute, and network. This time, we'll be focusing on compute.*
|
||||
|
||||
## What is compute?
|
||||
|
||||
While [storage](https://threefold.io/blog/building_a_new_internet_from_the_ground_up_pt2/) and network are fairly intuitive concepts – where data lives and how it gets around – compute is about the more mysterious realm of data processing and ultimately computer programming. Don't worry though, you don't need any technical abilities to gain a deeper understanding of what's happening behind the scenes when we use apps or interact with web sites.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
As mentioned in the [first part](https://threefold.io/blog/an_intro_to_the_threefold_grid/) of this series, compute is basically what happens with data once it reaches its destination. Compute gives data relevance, by processing it according to the instructions provided by developers in their source code. When talking about what the [ThreeFold Grid](https://threefold.io/grid) offers in terms of compute, it's mostly about how the code that developers produce gets executed in order to provide the services we enjoy.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
With ThreeFold, this actually happens for the most part using the same tools and systems provided by traditional cloud services, meaning that it's highly compatible with existing cloud applications. What really makes the Grid different is that it's been designed to provide a level of efficiency and security that simply isn't possible without starting "from the ground up". Before we get into specifics of compute offerings built into ThreeFold's [Zero-OS](https://threefold.io/how-it-works/zero-os), let's briefly explore what computing is.
|
||||
|
||||
## Playing with zeroes and ones
|
||||
|
||||
Everything a computer's central processing unit does is based on a limited set of instructions that includes basic mathematical functions, logical operations, and ways to control the flow of a program. At their core, computers are really just automated adding machines that execute specified operations on whatever input they receive. It may be hard to believe that simple math creates all of the vibrant digital experience we enjoy, but at a certain low level, that's the truth.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Take a messaging app as an example. Within a computer, all of the text, emojis, and images we see are represented by numbers. When we search for some text within a chat, matches are determined by checking if the numbers corresponding to the words we typed are equal to some numbers corresponding to words that appear in the chat history. This information is then converted into the list of results we see on screen.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
In this context, compute is mostly responsible for organizing all of our messages based on the individual or group we were talking with, the time that the message happened, and whether or not we've opened it yet. Typically, a messaging app stores data both on our local devices and on a back end in the cloud. Compute is also how the service decides to copy messages you sent on one device to other devices where you have the same app installed.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Here is an important distinction about how the ThreeFold Grid operates. In a traditional cloud environment, it is impossible to know for sure what is happening on the backend, even if you are the one running the service. The administrative access retained by the cloud provider can be used for surveillance and tampering that can be very difficult or impossible to detect.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Zero OS offers a unique assurance that no one can abuse the Grid in this way, because it operates autonomously with no facilities provided for human intervention. In order to utilize compute capacity on the Grid, individuals and organizations deploy their choice of several "primitives," or basic components, that provide an environment for code to be executed and create the magic we experience as online applications.
|
||||
|
||||
## ThreeFold Compute Primitives
|
||||
|
||||
Since we're getting a bit into the technical weeds here, we'll just take a brief look at each primitive and what makes it special.
|
||||
|
||||
### Zmachine
|
||||
|
||||
Zmachine is a lightweight virtual machine (VM) implementation that's been developed in a uniquely efficient way by ThreeFold. VMs are essentially computers within computers, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical system. A common example is running the Windows operating system on a Mac that's already running MacOS.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
In the cloud world, virtual machines are a classic way to manage complex deployments with flexibility and resilience – by packaging different components into different VMs that can be run side by side and moved between different physical servers with ease. While VMs have been replaced in many cases with the new container paradigm, which we'll cover next, they are still widely used and provide a simpler solution than containers that's sufficient for many use cases.
|
||||
|
||||
### Flist
|
||||
|
||||
The [Flist](https://threefold.io/how-it-works/zflist) is a next generation container format which extends the industry standard Docker container concept in an efficient and secure way. It is supported directly at the operating system level on Zero OS, and in its latest version on ThreeFold Grid 3.0, provides a unique advantage over traditional containers via the use of mini virtual machines.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Containers provide greater efficiency and flexibility than VMs, by sharing parts of the host operating system between containers rather than duplicating the full operating system for each component. This, however, means that containers typically come with less of an assurance that different workloads and their data remain isolated from each other. By employing mini VMs, the Flist concept provides better isolation than traditional container systems while retaining the advantages that containers offer over full VMs.
|
||||
|
||||
### Kubernetes
|
||||
|
||||
Containers usually represent small parts of a full solution, which are created, interconnected, and destroyed on an ongoing basis. Kubernetes is the industry standard container orchestration system, and it's used to manage many of the largest and most complex cloud deployments. Kubernetes solutions are defined through configuration files that specify the types of containers, how updates are handled, and the network architecture both between containers and with the outside world.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Multiple physical servers or VMs are typically used for a Kubernetes "cluster" which provides redundancy and scalability. The ThreeFold Grid provides a lightweight Kubernetes VM that can be used to create clusters according to specific needs. Kubernetes users can, for the most part, simply bring their existing configuration files and recreate their deployments on a Grid based cluster seamlessly.
|
||||
|
||||
## Wrapping up
|
||||
|
||||
Taken together, the compute primitives offer a comprehensive alternative to existing cloud compute providers. Users of Docker, Kubernetes, and virtual machines can bring their deployments to the Grid with a minimal amount of migration effort. This is distinct from other decentralized cloud projects, which either offer a single solution like Kubernetes or a completely new environment that developers must adapt their code to run within.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Better yet, each compute offering on the ThreeFold Grid benefits from the unique efficiency and security features of Zero OS, as well as the unique aspects of the primitives themselves. Thanks again for joining me on this journey into the wonderful world of ThreeFold technology. In the next episode, we'll cover the last element of the cloud infrastructure triad: network.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,95 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: building_a_new_internet_from_the_ground_up_4
|
||||
title: "Building a New Internet From the Ground Up – Part 4: Network"
|
||||
image_caption: The ThreeFold Grid Peer-to-Peer Technology
|
||||
description: We're (finally) back with part 4, looking at the networking aspects of the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
date: 2022-02-03
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [scott_yeager]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [foundation,farming,cloud]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: building_a_new_internet_pt_4.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
After introducing the ThreeFold Grid in [part one](https://threefold.io/blog/an_intro_to_the_threefold_grid/) and diving deep into [storage](https://threefold.io/blog/building_a_new_internet_from_the_ground_up_pt2/) and [compute](https://threefold.io/blog/building_a_new_internet_from_the_ground_up_3/), we’re back with part 4 to look at the networking aspects of the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Computer networking is a rather complex phenomenon with a thankfully intuitive outcome: you send messages from one place to another. We all understand that our digital devices become a lot less interesting when they are not connected to the Internet. However, networking is not just Internet, and when it comes to building a new Internet, it's important to understand what that means.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The existing Internet can be defined as a global set of networks and protocols that enable us to do things like load web pages and use apps that rely on external data. It depends on lots of underlying infrastructure, including fiber optic cables running along the ocean floor, our home routers and their connection to an Internet service provider (ISP), lots of cell service towers, and an increasing number of satellites. All of that makes the Internet possible, and it's still required for a new Internet to function.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
[ThreeFold](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/) uses and builds new protocols to create a network that is interoperable with the existing Internet. These include private overlay networks, the [Planetary Network](https://forum.threefold.io/t/how-our-planetary-network-works/1210) based on Yggdrasil, and various interfaces to the public Internet. Let's see how they work.
|
||||
|
||||
## Private overlay networks
|
||||
|
||||
Every deployment on the [ThreeFold Grid](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/threefold__tfgrid_primitives?id=network-uses-nu) belongs to a network, which is one of the Grid primitives. These networks allow data to be transmitted between workloads in a private and secure manner. They are called overlay networks because they pass traffic over some underlying network. That could be within a single node or between nodes on infrastructure provided by a farmer. The Grid uses software called WireGuard for this purpose, a simple, fast, and secure option among its alternatives.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
By means of encryption, the traffic on a private overlay network is unreadable to any other device on that network. Likewise, the workloads within the private network have no visibility of the underlying network. Individuals who deploy workloads can access their networks over a secure tunnel, assuming that one of the nodes in the network is reachable from the public Internet. This is suitable for workload administration and some private applications. For public services and peer-to-peer communication, the ThreeFold Grid provides other solutions.
|
||||
|
||||
## Planetary Network
|
||||
|
||||
The [Planetary Network](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/technology/threefold__planetary_network?id=planetary-network) is an implementation of the [Yggdrasil Network](https://yggdrasil-network.github.io/about.html), which is a next generation approach to network routing. It is a peer-to-peer solution where all traffic is encrypted and takes the shortest path to its destination. These features make it highly compatible with the ethos and goals of the ThreeFold Grid: privacy, security, and efficiency. The design also allows nodes, workloads, and users to communicate freely without relying on centralized intermediaries.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Many [ThreeFold Farmers](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__farming_intro?id=threefold-farming) connect their nodes to a home router which blocks all inbound traffic by default. This is a sensible feature that doesn't interfere with most Internet usage (enthusiasts who want to host their own website or a gaming server might bypass this, for example). However, nodes on the Grid need to be reachable, especially in order to receive workload definitions from deployers.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The Planetary Network solves this by accepting inbound traffic through an outbound connection to a publicly accessible peer. You can think of this like making a call to an operator and then waiting for another call to be routed to you on that line. Even if your phone is set to block all incoming calls, someone can still reach you if they can reach the operator.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
This also provides a way for workloads to communicate with one another and be reachable by users. Anyone can enable the Planetary Network on their own device to access sites and services in a very [secure and private](https://forum.threefold.io/t/critical-security-updates-for-apple-and-google-underline-need-for-secure-it-ecosystem/1271) way. While the ThreeFold Grid is designed to be fully interoperable with the existing Internet, the Planetary Network provides an alternative which can sit side by side in a seamless way.
|
||||
|
||||
### Reliable Message Bus
|
||||
|
||||
Using the Planetary Network, nodes and Grid users can send messages over the [Reliable Message Bus](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/manual__rmd). Notably, it is used for the delivery of workload definitions as mentioned earlier. [Zero-OS](https://forum.threefold.io/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-zero-os/1734) supports some other RMB messages as well, for doing things like checking available capacity on a node in real time. RMB is a general purpose protocol that can be used by developers in their applications. It queries the [ThreeFold Blockchain](https://threefold.io/blog/tf_chain/) as a kind of address book for the Planetary Network, enabling nodes and users to find each other in a decentralized way.
|
||||
|
||||
## Public IPs and Web Gateways
|
||||
|
||||
Finally, let's see how the Grid can offer services over the public Internet using public IP addresses and [web gateways](https://threefold.io/tech/web-gateway/). Everytime we type a domain name into our browser, like threefold.io, it is resolved to an IP address. The browser then forms a connection with that address to retrieve the site we're looking for. Reviving a theme from earlier, that IP must be publicly reachable.
|
||||
|
||||
### Public IPs
|
||||
|
||||
We're in the midst of a shift from the older IPv4 standard to the newer IPv6 standard. While IPv6 has plenty of addresses for every device on the planet and many more, it hasn't been universally adopted yet, and IPv4 addresses are in short supply. You likely have one assigned to your router at home, and these days, even getting a second one from your ISP can be a difficult and expensive proposition.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The ThreeFold Grid allows farmers who own blocks of IPv4 addresses to rent them out to deployers. These addresses get attached to individual workloads which are then reachable over the public Internet. A deployer could then assign their own domain name to that IP and host a website there. This is a very flexible way to make Grid deployments publicly available, but it comes at a relatively high cost.
|
||||
|
||||
### Web Gateways
|
||||
|
||||
[Web gateways](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/technology/threefold__webgw) are another way to make workloads on the ThreeFold Grid available over the public Internet. In this case, the farmer may provide a domain name that points to one of their nodes which is publicly reachable. Deployers are then able to reserve a subdomain, like explorer.threefold.io is a subdomain of threefold.io, that routes traffic to their workload. It is also possible for a deployer to point their own domain to the gateway node which then routes traffic to the appropriate workloads.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We glossed over a bit in the earlier description of domain name to IP address resolution. In fact, multiple domains can point to a single IP address and this is common practice among existing web hosts. Adding similar functionality to the Grid helps to ease the demand for IPv4 addresses and is a lower cost solution for deployers than renting a dedicated IP. The web gateway also serves to enhance security and reliability of Grid-hosted services.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The gateway provides a connection from the public Internet to the secure private overlay networks that all workloads use. However, this is not a standard network connection but instead a network socket, which provides security through separation. This is something like passing along the contents of mail pieces without their envelopes. Web gateways also enable redundancy, as multiple gateways can point to the same workload, and multiple workloads can serve the same set of gateways.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
When we say the ThreeFold Grid scales limitlessly, this is one of the ways that's true. Many nodes, many gateways, many applications, and many users can all fit into this model. Deployers can start with a single [virtual machine](https://library.threefold.me/info/manual/#/manual__weblets_vm?id=virtual-machine) and a single public IP like in the example I'll use to wrap up this piece below, then ramp up to a globally distributed and highly redundant system as their requirements grow.
|
||||
|
||||
## Send, receive, complete
|
||||
|
||||
Now we've seen how the ThreeFold Grid handles networking. From private and secure communication between workloads, to next generation [peer-to-peer](https://threefold.io/tech/peer-to-peer/) communication and full compatibility with the existing Internet, these offerings are comprehensive. Not only that, but they can be pretty darn fun to play with too.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
In my own recent experience, I deployed a virtual machine on the Grid with a public IP and hosted a simple website with a map of nodes on the Grid that I'd been working on. I was able to quickly share it with some colleagues and members of the community. It went from a project I was tinkering with on my own computer to a live site on the Internet in a matter of minutes, thanks especially to the [networking features](https://forum.threefold.io/t/tf-deep-dive-session-5-threefold-grid-architecture/1756) of the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
For the final piece of this series, we'll see how everything comes together to turn computer code into a meaningful digital experience. Stay tuned!
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,83 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: connecting_the_dots
|
||||
title: "Connecting the Dots: ThreeFold plans to scale globally"
|
||||
image_caption: "Connecting the Dots: ThreeFold plans to scale globally"
|
||||
description: ThreeFold started as an idea about ten years ago and is now manifesting itself into the most comprehensive peer-to-peer Internet and cloud infrastructure in the world. The potential of our technology to revolutionize digitization globally is endless and limited only to our collective imagination.
|
||||
date: 2022-03-29
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sacha_obeegadoo]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, peer_to_peer, community, why]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: connecting_the_dots.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold started as an idea about ten years ago and is now manifesting itself into the most comprehensive peer-to-peer Internet and cloud infrastructure in the world. The potential of our technology to revolutionize digitization globally is endless and limited only to our collective imagination. In this blog, we share our ‘glocal’ strategy on how we will build our ecosystem, and the exciting opportunities opening up around the world for those interested to join us!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Let’s start with some background. Today’s Internet is global*. However, it is incredibly centralized and vulnerable. ThreeFold aims to decentralize its infrastructure, empower people to be sovereign, and accelerate the world’s transition towards open-source systems to build a more inclusive and fair future for all.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
A peer-to-peer Internet has an undeniable potential in driving a distributed global economy. This is for a number of reasons – including, but not limited to the fact that instead of relying on centralized cloud providers and tech giants to expand the infrastructure that holds humanity’s data and applications, the peer-to-peer Internet allows any global citizen to participate in the Internet economy by connecting a computer from their house or office to build the decentralized future they want to live in. Also, while half of the world takes Internet access for granted, it remains unavailable to the other half.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*So then is the Internet really “global?”
|
||||
|
||||
## Empowering sovereignty and economic freedom
|
||||
|
||||
Billions of people around the world still remain without access to the Internet or financial services today. Yet many of them have access to electricity and network, and some even already own a mobile phone that could help them access the Internet and financial services. But without fair and reliable connectivity, they remain in the dark. ThreeFold holds an answer here.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The Internet is a human right but it is unequally distributed around the world. ThreeFold enables the realization of an open-source, peer-to-peer Internet that can scale to anywhere electricity and network exists. Everyone deserves access to the Internet, education and financial services to equally learn, partake and succeed, regardless of where they were born, their gender or their socioeconomic status.
|
||||
|
||||
## So how can ThreeFold go truly global?
|
||||
|
||||
Going global is complicated and even more these days with the evolving regulatory and socio-economical landscapes. Thus, it’s important for us to be on the ground. So we will work with our community and ecosystem on one hand, and with governments and regulators on the other hand, for all of us to meet in the middle. We will always aim to be the most transparent, trusted, inclusive and decentralized Internet solution wherever we go.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
A first step in our strategy is to support the growth of local communities across regions to build local presence on the ground. The only way for a truly decentralized Internet to emerge is to involve people in the building process of it, both on a hardware and software level. We are in the midst of kicking off an extensive global expansion strategy, with grants and hiring plans to grow the ThreeFold Grid across markets and ultimately build strong local communities that can serve potential customers locally.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Together with these communities, we will develop and grow the ThreeFold Grid, establish our presence with local developers, grow our ecosystem, and collaborate closely with our network.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Throughout the last year we have made incredible connections across industries including Blockchain, Web 3.0, IoT, Real Estate and Supply Chains.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Every region is unique and we cannot take the same approach wherever we go. This is where the idea of ‘glo-cality’ comes in – a global concept applied locally with regional context.
|
||||
|
||||
## Global Concept: Launch of educational campaigns around the importance of a peer-to-peer Internet
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold’s mission is to realize the promise of an open-source, peer-to-peer Internet owned by humanity, and we take this commitment heartedly. The first objective of our global strategy is to allow anyone who wants to expand the peer-to-peer Internet to their neighborhood to be able to find compatible computers and how to get started.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
For a multi-region approach to scaling the ThreeFold Grid to arise, a decentralized 3Node marketplace will be launched in April 2022. This will allow communities to access a simple, decentralized and certified platform to buy and sell compatible computer hardware locally. As the ThreeFold Grid expands, we will look to go local, as shared below:
|
||||
|
||||
## Applied locally: Grow localized ecosystems of developers and enterprises to productize the infrastructure
|
||||
|
||||
Most countries are looking for new Internet infrastructure alternatives to protect their sovereignty. ThreeFold’s peer-to-peer Internet supports any current and emerging technological trend in a way that is fully compliant with any local digital laws and regulations. For developers and enterprises, this includes a peer-to-peer Infrastructure as a service which offers a distributed, quantum-safe storage and a decentralized edge computing platform to host any current or future technology. For institutions, we will offer a suite of advanced infrastructure set-ups for a sovereign and unbreakable Internet infrastructure.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Decentralized financial and legal systems are being created along with industry experts from around the world to deliver on cross-border financial freedom, education and Internet access. Along with a strong ecosystem, we are planning to offer a full suite of advanced technological, financial and educational solutions to countries, especially in the global south to bring access to education, Internet and financial inclusion to more than a billion people by 2030.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
At ThreeFold, we’re committed to building and expanding the open Internet that is owned by humanity. We are always looking at expanding our ecosystem with the world’s best thinkers and talent ready to be at service of a mission that unites us all. If you think this could be you, we’re waiting for you!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Have you read our [manifesto](https://threefold.io/blog/realizing_the_promise/) yet? Join the peer-to-peer [movement](https://t.me/threefold) today!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*Apply for an open position [here](https://threefold.io/careers) and bring your proposals to the community-led [forum](https://forum.threefold.io/t/about-the-join-the-fold-category/2570).*
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,87 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: consensus_2022_recap
|
||||
title: "Consensus 2022 Recap – ThreeFold Community Celebrates the Internet of Internets"
|
||||
image_caption: "Consensus 2022 Recap – ThreeFold Community Celebrates the Internet of Internets"
|
||||
description: In June, the ThreeFold Team went to Austin to share our vision for a decentralized Internet as sponsor of Consensus 2022. Throughout an incredible week, we spread the word about ThreeFold, formed meaningful connections and planted the seeds for the first sovereign Regional Internet.
|
||||
date: 2022-06-28
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, threefold, peer-to-peer, community]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: consensus_2022_recap.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
The ThreeFold Team was in Austin, Texas, in June to share our vision for a decentralized Internet as an exhibitor and sponsor of [Consensus](https://threefold.io/blog/threefold_at_consensus_2022/) by Coindesk. The four-day conference attracted over [20,000 people](https://cointelegraph.com/news/consensus-2022-web3-unpacking-regulations-and-optimism-for-crypto-s-future) who explored conversations on topics like decentralization, blockchain, crypto, Web 3 and more. The ThreeFold team shared our “planet first, people first” vision and story with hundreds of attendees who visited our conference booth to learn about ThreeFold – leading to new community members, farmers, token holders, and partners.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Co-founder [Adnan Fatayerji](https://threefold.io/people/adnan_fatayerji/) conducted several media interviews and found that our story resonated well – after all, [Consensus](https://threefold.io/blog/threefold_at_consensus_2022/) is the Festival for the Decentralized World. Nevertheless, many of the other projects at Consensus are still using centralized infrastructure for hosting. We shared the potential for ThreeFold as the foundation to make a truly decentralized world a reality. Already, independent people and organizations from 80 countries and counting are connecting decentralized Internet capacity, bringing to life this new infrastructure.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*“As the Layer 0 for Web2/3/4 or 5, we came to Consensus with open arms and in the spirit of collaboration and that’s exactly what happened. We made friends and connected with the projects out there that are truly moving the needle of ‘Trust’/Web3 forward. We look forward to nurturing these incredible partnerships on ThreeFold’s foundational layer and to scale ‘Digital Trust’ in all its forms towards mainstream adoption.” – Adnan Fatayerji*
|
||||
|
||||
## Bringing the Sovereign Internet to Austin
|
||||
|
||||
Together with some of [our Austin friends](https://www.yourhomecommunity.com/), we gathered with 45 like-minded people at Casa de Luz, a spiritual and wellness retreat, to launch the first sovereign Regional Internet in Austin, Texas. All of us shared our own stories and reasons for attending. Then we explored the opportunities, benefits and next steps for Austin to establish its own truly self-sovereign regional Internet.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We found shared values among a group of open, inspiring, passionate and like-minded individuals who formed this founding group. Austin has long been a hub for innovative thinkers and high-tech companies. Austin has a strong connection to and respect for nature. Austin is aligned well with our planet-first, people-first philosophy.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We believe that, together, we’re strong enough to build new regenerative systems powerful enough to enable anyone to have a sovereign, safer and more fulfilling life. And we're honoured to be working with the people of Austin in the global rollout of the Internet of Internets. We’re now looking to launch the first 3Nodes there to lay the foundation of Austin’s sovereign Regional Internet.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We’ve spent a truly incredible week in Austin, spreading the word about ThreeFold, forming meaningful connections and finding a new home. Thank you, Austin!
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*“It’s been inspiring to meet everyone at Casa de Luz! Feeling so grateful for the opportunity to build Austin’s sovereign Internet together!” – Sacha Obeegadoo*
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*“It was such an honor. I’ll never forget that day. We’re going to do something really beautiful!” – Sam Taggart*
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*“Connecting with the beautiful community of the good people of Austin was absolutely amazing. We really felt at home and Austin is a true freedom vortex in the US where people truly value their free spirits and the importance of staying resilient and independant. We could not have dreamt of a better place to start the Internet of Internets in the US and create the first local internet. Keep it weird Austin!” – Florian Fournier*
|
||||
|
||||
## Next steps
|
||||
|
||||
The founding gathering in Austin was just the beginning. Building meaningful relationships with local communities to start the next few Regional Internets will be a big focus for the ThreeFold ecosystem in 2022. Therefore, we’ll be travelling to various places across the globe to [connect the dots](https://threefold.io/blog/connecting_the_dots/) in the upcoming months.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
After entering a partnership with [Paradise Hills](https://threefold.io/blog/paradise_hills/) to build the first Community Cloud, planting the seeds for the first Regional Internet in Austin represents another crucial step in our journey to create the [Internet of Internets](https://threefold.io/blog/internet_of_internets/) – a glocal model that is infinitely scalable. So, the next few months will be vital for our [expansion phase](https://threefold.io/blog/four_phases_of_threefold/) and for building a better future for all of us.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Together, we’re building a better Internet by and for the people, the foundation for a better world. An Internet to regenerate our planet and to empower the collective – the many and not the few.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
So, we’re proud to join together to build the future we want to live in – whether by [building](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__diy_guide) or [buying](https://marketplace.3node.global/) a 3Node, by buying the ThreeFold Token ([TFT](https://threefold.io/tft)), or by helping us bring the sovereign Internet to your community or region.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*New to ThreeFold? [Join](https://t.me/threefold) the movement now and learn how to [be](https://threefold.io/blog/what_is_farming/) the Internet.*
|
||||
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|
||||
---
|
||||
id: cyberwar
|
||||
title: Can a 'Democratized' Internet exist in times of a Cyber War?
|
||||
image_caption: The Cyber War
|
||||
description: With cyber sovereignty turning into a non-territorial challenge to sovereignty itself irrespective of the virtual realm of the internet, is there a way out for humanity?
|
||||
date: 2022-03-03
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sacha_obeegadoo]
|
||||
tags: [peer_to_peer,data,why,technology]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: cyberwar.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
On February 24 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military invasion and attack on Ukraine. In the days since the invasion began, the war has been fought not only on the ground and in the air, but also in the digital realm.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Cyber warfare is nothing new, especially in Russia and Eastern Europe. “In the relatively short and rapidly evolving history of cyber conflict, perhaps nothing has been established with greater certainty and more widely accepted than the idea that Russia has significant cyber capabilities and isn’t afraid to use them,” [writes Josephine Wolff](https://time.com/6153902/russia-major-cyber-attacks-invasion-ukraine/), associate professor of cybersecurity policy at Tufts University. “Especially on Ukraine.”
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Leading up to the invasion, Ukraine experienced a series of cyberattacks on its critical infrastructures, including banks and government agencies. On February 23 2022, just a day before the launch of Russia’s military attack, websites of the Ukrainian parliament and multiple government agencies were put out of work. Similar cyber attacks had also been seen in early February and [were attributed to GRU](https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/02/23/will-war-in-ukraine-lead-to-a-wider-cyber-conflict?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=babbage&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners), Russia’s military-intelligence agency. And Ukrainian cities continue to suffer from [internet blackouts](https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2022/02/26/ukrainian-cities-are-suffering-internet-blackouts?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=babbage&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners). On Sunday, Ukraine’s vice president even called for tech specialists and hackers to join the “cyber front.” While the predictions of a Russian “cyber onslaught” have not necessarily come true yet, both sides have engaged in cyber attacks on visible and invisible levels.
|
||||
|
||||
## A Rise in State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks Globally
|
||||
|
||||
Digital or cyber warfare does not just apply to Russia and Ukraine. Broadly, cybersecurity experts have been raising concerns in recent years amid a sharp rise in ransomware and other types of digital attacks globally.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Adam Meyers, Senior Vice President of Intelligence at the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike [said](https://www.marketplace.org/2022/02/24/cybersecurity-to-take-center-stage-as-conflict-continues-in-ukraine/): “Just in the last year, I think we’ve seen over 2,700 big-game hunting attacks [cyberattacks that target high-value data]. So they’re far and away that most prevalent actor. Nation-state actors are continuously operating as well, but they tend to operate a little bit more under the radar. They don’t conduct as many widespread and widely known attacks. They try to, obviously, steal information without it being identified that they’ve stolen it.”
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Nevertheless, these are just the most current examples – Russia is hardly the only country engaging in cyber warfare at a larger scale. In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult for governments, corporations and organizations to protect themselves against cyber attacks, especially against [state-sponsored attacks](https://www.economist.com/business/2022/02/19/companies-have-a-lot-to-fear-from-russias-digital-warmongering?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=babbage&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners). And in the digital space, the best and most dangerous hacks are those that go unnoticed until it’s too late.
|
||||
|
||||
## Some Governments are Sectioning Off the Internet Through Digital Borders
|
||||
|
||||
A set of countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have certain [aspirations for the internet](https://www.codastory.com/authoritarian-tech/global-rise-internet-sovereignty/). Domestically, these countries want control and think governments should get to decide what information flows across their borders. Globally, they want governments, not companies and NGOs, to be in charge of the internet. While some may say that government-owned internet infrastructures would be the only way to protect a country’s sovereignty, it goes without saying that what once was a neutral space for humanity to connect and exchange information is turning into a political schema.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Taken together, these goals are an attempt to align cyberspace with national borders, so they are sometimes dubbed the [“cyber sovereignty” doctrine](https://www.codastory.com/authoritarian-tech/global-rise-internet-sovereignty/). The term comes from China, whose internet censorship system, called the Great Firewall, is the vanguard of the global cyber-sovereignty push. China’s cyberspace agency released a much-ridiculed musical ode to cybersecurity under Lu Wei’s leadership, which included the line: “A cyberpower: Where the Internet is, so is the glorious dream.”
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The vision of effective cyber-sovereignty is expanding to new horizons. A November [report](https://www.codastory.com/authoritarian-tech/global-rise-internet-sovereignty/) from Freedom House examined 65 countries and found since the previous year that internet freedom declined in 26 of them. Chinese-style “digital authoritarianism,” meanwhile, is growing in influence as China exports both its surveillance known-how and technology.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The problem here is that digital sovereignty is a major concept that not only addresses the issues of communication and connection but also the impact on societies and culture at large. With cyber sovereignty turning into a non-territorial challenge to sovereignty itself irrespective of the virtual realm of the internet, is there a way out for humanity?
|
||||
|
||||
## A Free and Sovereign Cyber Space is Needed
|
||||
|
||||
It is evident that the current internet is facing some big challenges that have major implications for humanity. Data privacy and self-sovereignty is almost impossible today, raising serious questions towards those that control the Internet. But it also seems that these companies fell into the trap of their own business models and algorithms.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
When taking a step back, the world seems just a few years away from the Matrix, as depicted by the Wachowskis.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The Internet is playing an incredibly important role for the most powerful intelligence companies. As depicted by Meyers, we wouldn’t even notice that our information is being stolen all the time to benefit the greed of powerful geo-political actors. The internet is not a public good anymore, and unless humanity reacts fast, it may be that the world will lose all forms of freedom or sovereignty.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
[“A declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace”](https://www.eff.org/cyberspace-independence) by John Perry Barlow once attempted to shed light on the applicability of government and institutions on the rapidly growing internet, already in 1996 trying to protect its neutrality. According to research, the world is experiencing innovation at an increasingly rapid pace. With the rise of blockchains and web3 technology, could the dream of John Perry Barlow turn into reality?
|
||||
|
||||
## So, What is the Solution?
|
||||
|
||||
In a world aching for more decentralization and less dependence on governments and corporations, new decentralized and peer-to-peer models are already proving to be more resilient and secure. New Internet infrastructure companies such as ThreeFold have successfully built peer-to-peer internet infrastructures that are more resilient than the current centralized model. On such systems, people and enterprises can store their data and run their applications on a distributed network of computers in such a way that their data cannot be corrupted. ThreeFold even created a so-called “quantum safe” storage that guarantees that even the most powerful computers in the world wouldn’t be able to reconstruct user data.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The escalation of this cyber conflict can lead to unforeseen consequences and casualties. That is why it is especially important that our industry works together to protect customers, partners, employees and citizens. ThreeFold is on a mission to realize the promise of a fully-comprehensive, open-source and peer-to-peer internet infrastructure. ThreeFold is a platform for the creators of tomorrow to build that blueprint of responsibility and ensure that the outcome of future systems is neutrality.
|
||||
|
||||
<Br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Join ThreeFold in building the new internet.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,51 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: data_leaks
|
||||
title: It's Time We Stand Up For Our Data
|
||||
image_caption: stand up for our data
|
||||
description: As consumers, we should be able to trust that our data is truly safe and secure. And today, we cannot. It's time we stand up for what is ours.
|
||||
date: 2021-06-17
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [data, why, peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [farming, cloud, foundation, aci, twin]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: data_leaks.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Do a quick search for "data leak" on your search engine of choice, and you'll likely see headlines like this:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
- Personal Details of Over 3.3M Volkswagen Customers Exposed in Data Leak
|
||||
- Billions of emails and passwords appear in largest data leak ever
|
||||
- Here's How the IRS Could Have Prevented the Tax Data Leak
|
||||
- Time to Change Your Password: Tips on Protecting Yourself from Online Scams
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Week after week, month after month, year after year, companies are being hacked, private consumer data is being compromised and released, and we somehow begin to think that this is the reality of our world, something we just have to deal with.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Internet security, cyber attacks, and data leaks are a global threat – and increasingly so as the world moves more digital, and smart people with malicious intent try to take advantage. But this is not normal, nor should it be. As consumers, we should be able to trust that our data is truly safe and secure. And today, we cannot. It's time we stand up for what is ours.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
That's where ThreeFold comes in.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Many of today's issues around cyber security and data privacy come from the lack of innovation in the IT industry over the last decades and the reliance on centralized hyper-scale data centers. ThreeFold has disrupted this model in a few ways:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
First, we started from the ground up. Some ThreeFold co-founders have been working in the cloud & storage space for over two decades, having built components of the cloud and Internet still used today. They knew that the only way to have a truly secure and data sovereign Internet was to rebuild the architecture and the technology components from scratch. So they did. A few years down the line, we've created a new operating system, a smart contract for IT, and a peer-to-peer network that can be scaled to anywhere by anyone.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Second, we removed people from the equation. IT has become so overly-complex that people are required in order to maintain it. Because of this, "backdoors" are needed to allow these gateholders to enter the systems and make necessary fixes. But this can lead to human error, and also allows people with malicious intent to make their way in as well. With Autonomous IT powering the ThreeFold Grid, the technology runs and heals itself, and drastically reduces the opportunity for humans to interfere.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
And lastly, your data is owned by you. Rather than relying on centralized data centers, the ThreeFold Grid is an Internet grid made up by independent ThreeFold "Farmers" from around the world who plug in capacity from their home or office. While they own the hardware, they do not own the data inside. User data is stored across multiple devices, and proprietary data storage algorithms ensure that the data cannot be retrieved by anyone besides the user – not the farmer, and not even us.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
As Einstein said, "We can't solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them."
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We have a lot more information in [our wikis](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/) about the technology, but what we want to emphasize here with you is that we don't have to accept data leaks and hacking. There is an answer to the cybersecurity issues the world is facing. And that answer is ThreeFold.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,86 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: decentralised_internet_india
|
||||
title: "How would Decentralisation of the Internet help India?"
|
||||
image_caption: Decentralised Internet India
|
||||
description: While Indian internet usage ranks second in the world today behind China, with 43% of its total population online, this also means that there is still a lot of untapped potential.
|
||||
date: 2023-01-03
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [ashish_bansal]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer,threefold_cloud]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: decentralised_internet_india.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## How would Decentralisation of the Internet help India?
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Ashish Bansal, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
*Ashish Bansal has been a member of the ThreeFold support team since October 2021. He was born in India. Ashish believes that we all deserve a better internet which is free, decentralized and equal for all.*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
The Internet has become one of the most important aspects of human life. Our everyday lives are impacted by social media and other online platforms on a very minute level. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others have become the most convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family. WhiteHart, Udemy and others have made quality education accessible to all. Swiggy, Zomato and others have made our favourite cuisine accessible at home. Amazon, Flipkart and others have grown the shopping experience for Indians with a variety of choices. Netflix, Hotstar, Youtube and others have made entertainment on demand easy for us.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Over the past decade, we have all gotten addicted to the comforts that the internet has brought to us, and it wouldn't be wrong for us to say that we cannot imagine our lives without the internet.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
While Indian internet usage ranks second in the world today behind China, with 43% of its total population online, this also means that there is still a lot of untapped potential in India.
|
||||
|
||||
## Issues with current Internet
|
||||
|
||||
Although the internet has helped us in making our lives comfortable, there are several issues with the current Internet services we use. Some of them are mentioned below:
|
||||
|
||||
### Cyber security
|
||||
|
||||
The cyber security infrastructure in India today is not well equipped to tackle increasing cyber-crimes. You may not have the resolution to your complaints filed with Cyber Cell Portals on time. Hence there is an increasing number of fraudsters and hackers in India.
|
||||
|
||||
### Data ownership
|
||||
|
||||
Personal details shared by you on the internet are used by big companies to influence your decision-making process strategically.
|
||||
|
||||
### Higher cost to customers
|
||||
|
||||
Since internet infrastructure is owned and controlled by a few big companies, there is an irregular price increase which makes the internet unaffordable to many parts of rural India.
|
||||
|
||||
## Decentralised Internet is the solution
|
||||
|
||||
Decentralisation of the internet refers to the arrangement of the internet or its components such that no single entity or organization has control or authority over the network. It holds the potential to revolutionize the way every nation accesses and utilizes the world wide web. India, one of the biggest players in the digital world, can greatly benefit from Internet decentralization. It would open up many new opportunities for both the country and its citizens.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
To start, decentralization of the internet would give India more control over its digital landscape. Instead of relying on a single, centralized entity to power its network, India could decentralize its internet and make the administration of the network much more efficient. With this additional control and efficiency, India could develop a more secure and reliable infrastructure, while also controlling the delivery of services. This could lead to faster, more reliable connection speeds, along with increased safety and security.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Additionally, decentralization of the internet would allow India to establish itself as a technological leader. By decentralizing the internet, India could shift its focus from the existing internet infrastructure to developing innovative technology and applications. This could include the development of decentralized artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and much more. Potential applications of these technologies could drastically improve the education, healthcare, and transportation sectors of India.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Finally, decentralization of the internet could help with digital media access and distribution. This could open up new opportunities for providing access to digital media in rural areas, allowing for more effective access to education and entertainment. Furthermore, it could also provide access to more reliable payment services, as well as better consumer protection policies.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
In conclusion, decentralization of the internet holds the potential to greatly benefit India and its citizens. It would give India control over its internet infrastructure, opening the door for development of innovative technologies and applications. Additionally, it could provide more effective access to digital media, along with more reliable payment services and consumer protection policies. In order for India to take full advantage of the potential of decentralization of the internet, it must take decisive steps towards implementing the necessary reforms and investments to ensure its success.
|
||||
|
||||
## How ThreeFold can contribute
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold technology runs on the concept of a grid formed by farmers who are independent people, unlike big corporations, that connect their nodes anywhere network and electricity is present to create a global distributed internet infrastructure. This resolves the problem of monopoly and price of big internet companies.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
The technology also ensures that you get data security which was how the internet was originally intended to be.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
To know more of ThreeFold technology and start farming:
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
- Dive into [the ThreeFold Library](https://library.threefold.me)
|
||||
- Get a node from [the Official ThreeFold webshop]( https://marketplace.3node.global/index.php)
|
||||
- Build your [own node](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__diy_guide)
|
||||
- Or join us on [our two-way chat](https://t.me/threefold)
|
||||
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|
Before Width: | Height: | Size: 130 KiB |
@@ -1,63 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: decentralize_blockchain
|
||||
title: How ThreeFold Can Truly Decentralize Blockchain
|
||||
image_caption: Decentralizing Blockchain
|
||||
description: Is a blockchain truly decentralized if it is being hosted on a centralized solution? We say, no.
|
||||
date: 2021-10-11
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [farming,threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer,threefold_cloud]
|
||||
categories: [farming,grid,aci,cloud,foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: decentralize_blockchain.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
The topic of decentralization is commonly tied to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Blockchain doesn't store any of its information in a central location, rather it is copied and spread across a network of computers. And the most popular name in the blockchain space, Bitcoin, was intended as an alternative payment system free of central control.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
But many blockchains are facing the same challenge: How can they escape the monopolies of centralized cloud providers for their own workloads, as well as for the dApps built on top of them? The key question is, is a blockchain truly decentralized if it is being hosted on a centralized solution? We say: no.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
An example to illustrate this challenge is the fact that up to 60% of Ethereum (the world's second most-popular blockchain) nodes run on centralized cloud providers and [25% of them run on Amazon Web Services (AWS)](https://aws.amazon.com/blockchain/).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
While the topic is being addressed, it isn't being solved at scale. The good news is that ThreeFold can play a large part in solving it.
|
||||
|
||||
## Why should blockchains make this move?
|
||||
|
||||
The blockchain movement, as mentioned, is very heavily tied to the movement around decentralization. Cryptocurrencies represent the move away from centralized banks as the authorities and gatekeepers around money – just as ThreeFold and similar projects represent the move away from centralized clouds as the authorities and gatekeepers around data. The thing is, if blockchains are to rely on centralized cloud for hosting, they aren't truly embodying decentralization.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Understandably, many blockchains have chosen centralized cloud providers in the past because there wasn't much of an alternative. But now, the Decentralized Cloud (DeCloud) movement has changed all of that.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Here is how some specific audiences can benefit:
|
||||
|
||||
### For Node Operators
|
||||
|
||||
Any full node or validator node can run on ThreeFold’s [Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Cloud](https://cloud.threefold.io/), making that particular Blockchain even more community-owned, and more decentralized from an IT/cloud level. Any node operator can choose to run their nodes from any farmer location on the ThreeFold Grid, totally [peer-to-peer](https://threefold.io/blog/what_is_peer_to_peer/) between the chosen farmer and the node operator. The deployed workloads are computed in a P2P manner, no middle party involved.
|
||||
|
||||
### For dApp Developers
|
||||
|
||||
Web3/Blockchain developers can use ThreeFold’s P2P Cloud - offering both compute and storage - to build and power their applications in a truly decentralized cloud infrastructure, both blockchain-native and cloud-native. A strong advantage here is that developers have the ability to leverage Kubernetes, Docker, S3, and other cloud-native tools (all compatible / integrated with the ThreeFold) to power and optimize their data processing capabilities, as well as the overall functionality of their dApps. But the sweet spot is that it is deployed on a decentralized IT infrastructure, close to where users would be located.
|
||||
|
||||
## But why choose ThreeFold over other DeCloud projects?
|
||||
|
||||
There may be bigger names in the space, but ThreeFold's technology and offerings are much more comprehensive than the rest. ThreeFold provides decentralized storage, compute, and network all under one roof (whereas most other projects offer only one of the three) and as mentioned, we have created an environment for developers which is highly-compatible to the developer tools and solutions they use today. Further, ThreeFold is building new infrastructure [from the ground up](https://threefold.io/blog/an_intro_to_the_threefold_grid/) (rather than relying on extra space in data centers) and the technology is truly peer-to-peer.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We already have [a number of partners in the space](https://threefold.io/partners/blockchain) who recognize these advantages.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Any blockchain protocol or dApp, whether operating DeFi, NFTs, DEXs, etc, will at some point need to leverage the power of the decentralized cloud and escape from centralized cloud providers. We’re seeing some of that adoption from a decentralized storage side with IPFS, which has been adopted by many dApps, and others – but as a developer, you will have to think twice, not just about where your/your users’ data is being stored, but also about how (and where) your app is computed and powered.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
**Participate now in our quest to fully decentralize the Internet by [becoming a node](https://threefold.io/farm) on our grid or [buying TFT](https://threefold.io/tft).**
|
||||
Binary file not shown.
|
Before Width: | Height: | Size: 415 KiB |
@@ -1,52 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: decentralzing_the_internet
|
||||
title: Decentralizing the Internet
|
||||
image_caption: technology internet
|
||||
description: In this article, we discuss the general concept of a ‘decentralized grid’ and how anyone can plug-in capacity to the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
date: 2019-08-21
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [farming,threefold_grid,technology,peer_to_peer]
|
||||
categories: [farming, grid, tech, aci, cloud, foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: decentralizing_the_internet.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Roel Van Sabben, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
## Decentralization
|
||||
|
||||
In 1989, the Internet changed the world as we know it with the introduction of the World Wide Web. With time the Internet empowered people to share information in a decentralized way. Shortly after, big companies like Facebook, Google, and Apple emerged, providing many solutions that revolutionized the way we live. The “sharing economy” has grown exponentially over the last 5-10 years. This is thanks to a more simplified information flow and well-developed technology, which:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
- Enables a much easier integration of independent players into the sharing economy.
|
||||
- Eliminates the need for extensive management and structure of marketplace operators.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
We are entering a flat-structure economy. An economy where fewer managerial levels are needed for the system to function. New technologies such as blockchain and the Internet of Things facilitate this ongoing trend. Participants can now interact on a peer-to-peer basis, forming marketplaces and organizations according to pre-agreed, programmed contracts.
|
||||
|
||||
## The current Internet is centralized
|
||||
|
||||
Despite the growth in popularity for decentralized systems, organizations, and currencies, the Internet remains centralized. The centralization within the Internet industry brought many barriers to entry. Indeed, to compete in the highly competitive market of Internet capacity dominated by big IT companies, massive investment, and IT development are needed.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
But what is really scary is that the current industry exploits the market tremendously. Data is officially the most valuable asset on earth for a few years, and about 20 companies rule over more than 80% of the cloud industry. In other words - these companies together have more than 80% of the world's information. In recent years, we noticed the dangers that can arise with the wrong intentions within the data industry with the 'Cambridge Analytica Scandal', also highlighted in the movie ['The Great Hack'.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX8GxLP1FHo)
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
ThreeFold has been developing technology that allows the decentralization of the Internet infrastructure - removing the need for data centers, and allowing anyone to take part in the Internet capacity market. Adding capacity to the ThreeFold Grid (TF Grid) makes you a ThreeFold Farmer (TF Farmer). The more decentralized the Internet gets, the more secure and effective it will become. The already is the largest grid of compute and storage in the world.
|
||||
|
||||
## How To Participate
|
||||
|
||||
The process of becoming a ThreeFold Farmer is very straightforward. Anyone can join the ThreeFold Grid by downloading the ThreeFold Zero-OS onto their nodes and connecting them to the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
By doing this you will become an operator of a "micro data center" and with that earn ThreeFold Tokens. With or without experience in the field, anyone can become a ThreeFold Farmer. By becoming a ThreeFold Farmer, you empower a new neutral Internet that belongs to humanity - not corporations.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
You can build your server (3node) and configure it, but also options for people with less technical knowledge are available. Please see [pre-register.threefold.io](https://pre-register.threefold.io) to see how easy it is for anyone to become a ThreeFold Farmer.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
_Blog written in 2019, updated January 2021._
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Binary file not shown.
|
Before Width: | Height: | Size: 576 KiB |
@@ -1,101 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: digital_twin
|
||||
title: "What is a Digital Twin?"
|
||||
image_caption: "What is a Digital Twin?"
|
||||
description: In the current Internet system, each of us exists many times, each application provider owns our data while offering functionality they own. We become the user. We become the product. Instead, what if we were at the center of our digital lives?
|
||||
date: 2022-10-18
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, technology, peer_to_peer, threefold_cloud]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: digital_twin.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Victoria Obeegadoo, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
## What is a Digital Twin?
|
||||
|
||||
In the current Internet system, each of us exists many times, each application provider owns _our_ data while offering functionality _they_ own. We become the user. We become the product. Instead, what if we were at the center of our digital lives?
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
The Web4 Digital Twin architecture does just that: it puts us at the center of our digital experience. Indeed, Digital Twin is a user-centric technological platform to build efficient, sovereign and secure digital experiences. Digital Twin technology empowers people and businesses to exchange information and value without any intermediaries, while making applications more scalable, efficient and secure than on any other web paradigm such as Web2, Web3 or Web5. Digital Twins require a decentralized Internet infrastructure and run perfectly on top of the ThreeFold Grid.
|
||||
|
||||
## Your Digital Twin is a mirror of yourself!
|
||||
|
||||
Your Digital Twin runs on a location of your choice, which becomes your personal Internet Gateway. Each Twin is owned by only one owner, who in the end is more like the human mirror to the Twin. The Twin has lots of capabilities and is available for its “human mirror” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Experiences are being built which use the capabilities of the Twin. A Twin owns your data and your identity, all stored in such a way it can never be corrupted or lost. Thus, you own your data, your identity and your digital skills for all your life.
|
||||
|
||||
## Your Digital Twin has Capabilities
|
||||
|
||||
Twins are powerful and have many capabilities which are used when they enter an experience. Here are the capabilities of the Digital Twin:
|
||||
|
||||
* Communicate
|
||||
* Chat, video conference, send messages to anyone.
|
||||
* Create
|
||||
* Create content, any content (metaverse, video, websites, ...)
|
||||
* Share and Promote
|
||||
* Share your creations to the rest of the world
|
||||
* Promote your products and services
|
||||
* Share your knowledge and help others to grow
|
||||
* Discover and Learn
|
||||
* Find information, alternative indexing engine (neutral)
|
||||
* Know what is truthful and what is not (proof of authenticity)
|
||||
* Learn and become smarter
|
||||
* Economy
|
||||
* Manage my digital wealth (digital currencies)
|
||||
* Exchange anything for anything else (money for tokens, services, products)
|
||||
* Buy/Sell goods and services
|
||||
* Collaborate
|
||||
* How can I collaborate on documents, images, videos, code, ...
|
||||
* How can I manage a project, plan events, define deadlines
|
||||
* Organize
|
||||
* Manage your agenda and time
|
||||
* Organize your digital content so you can find it back, and it's nicely organized
|
||||
* Manage your circles (groups of people)
|
||||
* Protect
|
||||
* Make sure that only the right people have access to your digital assets
|
||||
* What happens if you die, make sure your loved ones can inherit your digital assets
|
||||
* Make sure your digital life is secure (give access to your assets to your circles)
|
||||
* Give proof of authenticity to assets and information from others
|
||||
* Develop and Expand
|
||||
* Code and extend the Twin (improve Twin capabilities for yourself and others)
|
||||
* Create your own experiences
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
The Twin has basic capabilities listed above which are strongly version controlled, but contributions from the global community are more than welcomed. The idea is to create a system which is simply good enough for any possible experience.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
This is a very different paradigm compared to current web or mobile applications where capabilities are owned by the provider of the application. Besides, rather than survival of the fittest, we believe in a system of collaboration, where we invite everyone to make the system better so it fits us all. We don't need three chat systems, we need one which is usable by thousands of experiences.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Developers can create experiences re-using the open source capabilities the Twin offers, also eliminating the need to reinvent features.
|
||||
|
||||
## Note on Connection & Security
|
||||
|
||||
As a “user”, you can use any browser to access experiences built on top of your Digital Twin. For example, a storage experience that stores data on your Twin or a browser experience that allows you to surf the web from your Twin's node. When you connect to your Twin, our **[ThreeFold Connect](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/web4/threefold__threefold_connect)** makes sure that the connection is secure. The Twin runs on a node on the ThreeFold Grid, which you are securely connected to. This takes care of a very safe approach and unlimited scalability. We will dive deeper into the Twin’s security and scalability aspects in a future blog!
|
||||
|
||||
## Digital Twin in a nutshell
|
||||
|
||||
Hopefully, by now you will have a better understanding of the Digital Twin concept. Here is a short recap of everything mentioned so far about it:
|
||||
|
||||
* You have full control over your own digital life.
|
||||
* Experiences can be created using standard web & native technologies.
|
||||
* The Digital Twin delivers the web interface to your (secure) browser.
|
||||
* No need for information to travel to central data centers, all communication is fast and private between Digital Twins: No more client-server.
|
||||
* All logic of your digital life is 100% private to you running in your Twin.
|
||||
* This is super efficient and sustainable, +10x power savings.
|
||||
* No blockchain required for your digital life = more privacy, performance, green
|
||||
* Exception: blockchain is needed for digital currencies and as a phone book for Digital Twin’s identity.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
If you would like to see what the current iteration of the Digital Twin looks like, [try it out](https://demo.freeflow.life/) yourself with [FreeFlow Twin](https://freeflow.life/) in its current beta version! Connect with ThreeFold on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/threefold_io), [Telegram](https://t.me/threefold), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/threefold-foundatiooon/), and [Reddit](https://reddit.com/r/threefold) to join our community and stay updated about evolutions of the ThreeFold project and Digital Twin.
|
||||
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|
||||
---
|
||||
id: dunia_yetu
|
||||
title: "A Movement for a Sovereign Internet Comes Alive in Tanzania"
|
||||
image_caption: Dunia Yetu
|
||||
description: Dunia Yetu (Our World) is a collaborative and co-owned movement to redefine the digital landscape in Tanzania and East Africa, empower coders spur economic development, and build a self-reliant sovereign digital ecosystem for a better digital future.
|
||||
date: 2024-01-26
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [peer_to_peer,event,partnership]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: dunia_yetu.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
Last Friday, we were pleased to formally and publicly announce Dunia Yetu, together with Dr. Nkundwe M. Mwasaga, the Director General of Tanzania’s ICT Commission, and Arthur Brock, co-founder of Holochain. The announcement was made in front of an audience of representatives from the Tanzanian Government and the tech community of Dar Es Salaam.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Ideated in [November 2023](https://forum.threefold.io/t/introducing-dunia-yetu/4147) between ThreeFold and a group of developers and tech innovators from Dar Es Salaam, Dunia Yetu (Our World) is a collaborative and co-owned movement to redefine the digital landscape in Tanzania and East Africa, empower coders, spur economic development, and build a self-reliant sovereign digital ecosystem for a better digital future.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Dunia Yetu will introduce coding academies to empower startups and entrepreneurs in Dar Es Salaam and beyond to build the apps of the future – faster, more secure, more reliable, and build on top of local infrastructure deployed in Tanzania.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
"We believe young people in this country have all the talent to build together their digital future and we want to empower them as much as we can," said Kristof.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Further, alongside the ICT Commission, we will create a network of distributed innovation hubs providing space for events, coding academy workshops and collaborative projects. These innovation hubs will host cutting-edge technology that can support a wide array of social interactions by building new apps for the community.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
“We are building these centers, starting with six regions in Tanzania, to ensure that we can create an environment where talented young people even in the country’s rural areas can provide their innovation,” said Dr. Mwasaga of the ICT Commission.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Said Arthur Brock, co-founder of [Holochain](https://holochain.org), "We have been building our framework for decentralized applications for years to support new social applications across the globe, and we are delighted to share as much of our knowledge as we can to coders and developers of Tanzania who want to build a new digital future."
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Some of the first Tanzanian community projects involved in Dunia Yetu include [Chatafisha](https://chatafisha.com/), led by Victor Muhagachi and David Machuche, which aims to regenerate marginalized communities through innovative technologies, and [Sarufi](https://sarufi.io/), led by Kalebu Gwalugano, which builds developer-centric conversational AI for African languages. Other initial support has come from Dar Es Salaam tech community leaders Melch Leonard, Justine Peterson, and Veronica Michael.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
In fostering Dunia Yetu, we together aim to catalyze a wave of transformative innovation throughout East Africa, starting with Tanzania. This collaborative venture not only aligns with the visionary leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, but also signifies a powerful commitment from the ICT Commission, ThreeFold, Holochain, and the vibrant tech community of Dar Es Salaam and Tanzania at large.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
As we embark on this journey, we invite stakeholders, partners, and enthusiasts to join hands with us in shaping a digital ecosystem that propels Tanzania and East Africa towards a brighter, tech-driven future. Together, let us chart new horizons and amplify the impact of Dunia Yetu across the realms of technology, entrepreneurship, and community development.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
*If you are interested in staying informed about Dunia Yetu or would like to participate, we welcome you to [our community group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAedmvshxCD850WjJ3mUn8). Next steps to follow.*
|
||||
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|
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|
||||
---
|
||||
id: threefold_foundation_32
|
||||
title: Edge Cloud, not Grid Cloud
|
||||
image_caption: cloud
|
||||
description: The term Edge Cloud or, to be more precise, Edge Computing is one of the most exciting technology terms of these days.
|
||||
date: 2018-08-22
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [kristof_de_spiegeleer]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_cloud, technology]
|
||||
categories: [tftech, cloud]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: edge_cloud.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
## Edge Cloud, not Grid Cloud?
|
||||
|
||||
The term Edge Cloud or, to be more precise, Edge Computing is one of the most exciting technology terms of these days.
|
||||
|
||||
<iframe width="750" height="421" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7uA9aoIfMZo" frameborder="0" allow="aautoplay; encrypted-media;" allowfullscreen></iframe>
|
||||
|
||||
## Edge Computing Definition
|
||||
|
||||
According to Wikipedia, "**Edge computing** is a distributed computing paradigm in which computation is largely or entirely performed on distributed device nodes known as smart devices or edge devices as opposed to primarily taking place in a centralized cloud environment.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
In summary, this means that the cloud is divided into smaller pieces and distributed to the edge of the network.
|
||||
|
||||
## Drivers for Edge Computing
|
||||
|
||||
Some latency-sensitive applications require fast response times to work correctly. A good example is self-driving cars. A lot of decisions in autonomous vehicles have to be made instantaneously; the decision to react to the unexpected while driving at high speed cannot afford to be slowed down by data traveling long distances to be processed. To improve the system's reliability, additional hops, and any further points of failure must be eliminated. Moving to compute as far out as possible to the Edge is the logical choice.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
More generically, real-world situations are increasingly relying on an IT component to be involved in some form of decision making where time is of the essence. The current IT setup is that we have highly concentrated IT setups in data centers connected by fast networks to the rest of the world. This setup is rapidly becoming obsolete as we need to have the fastest possible response for everyday activities, which cannot sustain the time delay caused by (extended) network connections. Having actual data processing and storage facilities close to these real-world situations is the next IT capacity evolution.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
These thousands of situations are mostly in the IoT area. Still, other killer applications like streaming would greatly benefit from being served from the Edge rather than a distant central location.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
## Edge Computing Market Facts
|
||||
|
||||
Due to the billions of IoT devices driven by various use cases like autonomous driving, a massive demand for Edge Computing is evolving rapidly. According to the Digital Journal, the Edge Computing market is growing extremely fast. With a CAGR of over 35.0% and the market is expected to reach USD 33.75 billion by the end of 2023.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Source: [http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3394129](http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3394129)
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Edge Computing and Grid Computing are often used in the same context and sometimes are confused. For this article, we'd like to define the terms going forward as follows:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Grid Computing means a computer network of 100% distributed computer resources like processing power, memory, and data storage of similar or different types to which authorized people can run their computation workloads. That means that Grid Compute nodes are mostly in data centers and maybe dispersed over more extensive regions but are typically still far from the Edge. Compared to Edge Computing, Grid Computing environments are owned by more than one individual or company, and thus, controlled by many.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Edge computing has risen from a need to have data processing and storage as close as possible to real-world situations. The situation could be as simple as recording biometric data by a smartwatch to support the required information for a self-driving car to function as intended. The necessity comes from having local computing and storage capacity - it can be used by multiple use cases (situations) but does not have to.
|
||||
|
||||
## The Benefits of Edge Computing
|
||||
|
||||
Edge computing comes with specific benefits that are mandatory for the next evolution in the IT industry. We have optimized the central model to such a degree that the network connects the central capacity to use cases in the field, the next bottleneck. Edge computing is solving several challenges faced by real-world situations with the following benefits:
|
||||
|
||||
### Speed
|
||||
|
||||
**Speed** is probably the most crucial benefit of edge computing, as there are plenty of use cases that require near-real-time computing.
|
||||
|
||||
### Scalability
|
||||
|
||||
The scalability of edge computing also makes it incredibly [versatile](https://www.vxchnge.com/blog/edge-computing-use-cases). By partnering with local data centers further out on the Edge, companies can easily target desirable markets without investing in expensive infrastructure expansion. Edge data centers allow them to service end-users efficiently with little physical distance or latency. They also do not constrain companies with a substantial footprint, allowing them to shift to other markets rapidly should economic conditions change.
|
||||
|
||||
### Availability and Security
|
||||
|
||||
Traditional cloud computing architecture is, by definition, centralized, which makes it especially vulnerable to [distributed denial of service (DDoS)](https://www.vxchnge.com/blog/how-to-protect-data-centers-from-a-new-generation-of-ddos-attacks) attacks and power outages. Edge computing distributes processing, storage, and applications across a wide range of devices, nodes and data centers, which makes it difficult for any single disruption to take down the network which is why logically and geographically dispersed systems are often used for DDoS mitigation like in Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
By pushing everything to the cloud, you're leaving your business open to ISP failures and cloud server downtime. Many mission-critical operations like railroads and chemical plants won't even use the cloud today. Their server farms are the only way to guarantee uptime.
|
||||
|
||||
### Process optimisation
|
||||
|
||||
Another big benefit is process optimization. If self-driving cars were to use the cloud instead of the Edge, they'd be pushing all the data they gather up to the cloud. But if the Edge makes local decisions, the cloud may not need all that data immediately – or even at all.
|
||||
|
||||
## Requirements for Edge Computing
|
||||
|
||||
When compute and storage capabilities exist on the Edge, we need to overcome several challenges around capacity distribution. Most traditional IT technologies do not allow this as they live in large data centers where there is a lot of "care" for these technologies.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The most significant generic hurdle to overcome is that there is going to be a lot less "care" for the technology to rely on at the Edge. These "devices" have to be self-sufficient to no small degree. If we want to sum up some of the specifics of edge technology, this will come out:
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
* A typical edge device or node must run an OS that comes in at a low cost or, ideally, for free like some open source offerings. This enhances the proliferation of capacity at the Edge.
|
||||
* Container technology must be embedded in the OS at the lowest possible level to create the maximum benefit of efficiency from the edge hardware: classic Virtual Machine environments are just too inefficient and resource consuming for edge use cases. There will be Virtual Machine based edge solutions, but these are going to be out there for a certain period, catering for current IT workloads to move to the Edge. The Edge's correct move can only happen when traditional IT applications split up into pieces and require a lot less capacity to run. Hence, it will convert over time to containerized technology.
|
||||
* Edge Computing hardware will consist of datacenter grade hardware and all sorts of other types of hardware. The Edge might include some smaller sized data center facilities but also include different types of "homes" for compute and storage equipment. Think of transportation as a specific use case - capacity on maritime vessels, capacity on trains, and vehicles' capacity. Hardware will have to accommodate different use cases, price levels, form factors, and power consumption.
|
||||
* Edge hardware needs a lightweight OS that is very close to the hardware components to get the maximum out of compute and storage capacity. Less is more - for real Edge capacity, local people won't be able to interact with edge capacity - one further step - there will be no need to have remote people access these devices for maintenance purposes. The ultimate edge computing solution will have a significant amount of self-sustainability - where there are no more highly technically skilled people required to keep the capacity available, up and running.
|
||||
* In most cases, Edge means being remote, and having no access to humans or humans are only too expensive for the specific use case.
|
||||
* Power outages or no network availability will cause system failures. The ideal OS to deal with this revolves around no people; the zero-touch approach should be stateless and needs to have self-healing capabilities run by automation software robots.<br />
|
||||
|
||||
## Existing Edge Computing Solutions
|
||||
|
||||
Today there are a few Edge Computing platforms out there that cover some requirements as outlined above.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
* Microsoft, for instance, launched products like Azure IoT Edge and Azure Data Box Edge to extend their Datacenter based Azure cloud offering to the Edge.
|
||||
* Another attempt to bring centralized cloud technology to the Edge is the Openstack Edge Computing initiative, which is in the concept phase only so far.
|
||||
* A new OS for the Edge is CoreOs, also known as Container Linux, which runs on nearly any platform, whether physical, virtual, or private/public cloud.
|
||||
* More recently, there are a few blockchain-driven technologies out there pushing for edge capacity to exist. Examples are:
|
||||
* [SIA](https://sia.tech/)
|
||||
* [Sonm](https://sonm.com/)
|
||||
* [Filecoin](https://filecoin.io/)
|
||||
* Content delivery networks with a lot of "capacity" sitting close to end-users are expanding their capabilities beyond content delivery
|
||||
* [Limelight](https://www.limelight.com/products/iot-and-edge-cloud/)
|
||||
* [Akamai](https://www.akamai.com/)<br />
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
## The Holy Grail
|
||||
|
||||
The holy grail would be a self-healing Edge Grid. Edge, because of all the benefits Edge Computing brings to the user: Speed, Scalability, Reliability, Security, Versatility, and Process Optimization. Grid, because it fulfills the distributed workload requirements, a classic centralized cloud would generally be used without a centralized nature and all its disadvantages.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Probably the most critical part of the ideal solution is self-healing. The biggest challenge of an Edge Computing environment is the dependency on local care: humans to maintain hardware and upgrade or fix software components. Self Healing needs to do the job here, which means zero people can be involved.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Only a self-healing mechanism with zero-people involved, completely decentralized, brings down the cost and provides more security to the environment, and makes it highly scalable.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Some of you may think that new blockchain-based technologies may be the holy grail. But they are not.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
In most cases, their implementations are too slow, and that's why it does not make sense to use them for production purposes. Another downside is the complexity of the application caused by stitching together 3rd party technologies. In many cases, these blockchain-based technologies are at a very early stage with beta implementations or even roadmap only type of technology.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The holy grail is something that hasn't been created before; it needs to be a versatile system that is self-manageable. A large global conglomerate should not own the capacity - it should be owned by many. Therefore, it should have a commercial model where people individually can decide to partake in building this global edge solution and where there is a defined return on investment for those partakers.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
A few groups of people, like us, are creating decentralized solutions for this, owned by the many, and creating services for all.
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,39 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: energy_efficiency_explained
|
||||
title: "ThreeFold's Energy Efficiency Explained"
|
||||
image_caption: Efficiency Explained
|
||||
description: Read how ThreeFold technology results in up-to 90% energy savings depending on workloads.
|
||||
date: 2023-10-11
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, peer_to_peer, technology, why]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: energy_efficiency_explained.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
At ThreeFold, we [believe](/mission) that everything we do should benefit people and our planet. The emergence of a decentralized Internet grid not only reshapes the digital landscape but helps to pioneer a more sustainable future. At the core of this evolution lies a series of innovative strategies poised to revolutionize the way we perceive and utilize digital infrastructure.
|
||||
|
||||
### **Zero OS**
|
||||
|
||||
Traditionally, operating systems have been laden with an array of features, consuming substantial hardware resources. However, with Zero OS, our paradigm shifts towards a lightweight, autonomous design. By getting rid of unnecessary complexities, this design not only optimizes hardware space but also fosters an environment conducive to enhanced IT workloads.
|
||||
|
||||
### **Quantum-Safe Storage**
|
||||
|
||||
One of the most staggering inefficiencies within the industry has been the substantial overhead of storage systems. Our quantum-safe storage system marks a monumental departure from the norm, slashing the overhead from a staggering 400% to a mere fraction, 20%. This unprecedented leap in efficiency heralds a new era of streamlined storage practices, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.
|
||||
|
||||
### **Efficient Node Management**
|
||||
|
||||
Energy conservation takes center stage with our node management tool, Farmerbot. Embracing the principle of 'on-demand' functionality, nodes remain dormant when idle, conserving energy resources. Through the implementation of Farmerbot, these nodes seamlessly power on and off as required, minimizing unnecessary consumption without compromising accessibility.
|
||||
|
||||
### **Automated Autonomy**
|
||||
|
||||
We're saying goodbye to human intermediaries and centralized control centers. Our system operates autonomously, governed by smart contracts that orchestrate every facet of its functionality. This automated ecosystem not only eradicates the need for constant human intervention but also ensures streamlined operations, optimizing efficiency at every turn.
|
||||
|
||||
### **Peer-to-Peer Advancement**
|
||||
|
||||
The conventional route from sender to recipient often travels extensive distances, bouncing through data centers and intermediaries. Our peer-to-peer network revolutionizes this process by forging direct connections, seeking the shortest path between sender and recipient. By circumventing unnecessary detours, this approach minimizes energy expenditure and data latency, elevating both speed and efficiency.
|
||||
|
||||
### **Final Thoughts**
|
||||
|
||||
The dawn of ThreeFold's decentralized Internet grid beckons a transformative era in digital infrastructure. Through the combination of a lightweight operating system, quantum-safe storage, energy-conscious node management, automated autonomy, and a peer-to-peer network, the paradigm of efficiency in the digital realm has been redefined. The aggregated result is up-to 90% energy savings depending on workloads. This evolution not only champions sustainability but also propels us towards a future where connectivity thrives in harmony with resource conservation.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,39 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: escape_great_hack
|
||||
title: An escape from the Great Hack
|
||||
image_caption: technology hackers
|
||||
description: I can’t help but think how unfair it is that in today’s digital society, people are being treated like products, because there is no such thing as a ‘free’ platform without YOU being the product.
|
||||
date: 2019-11-21
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sabrina_sadik]
|
||||
tags: [technology,why]
|
||||
categories: [farming,cloud,twin,foundation,aci]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: escape_great_hack.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## The neutrality of the current Internet is in danger.
|
||||
|
||||
Have you seen ‘The Great Hack’ on Netflix? It’s a documentary about the Cambridge Analytica hacking scandal, where personal data of millions of peoples’ Facebook profiles were harvested without their consent and used for political advertising purposes.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
While watching it, I couldn’t help but think how unfair it is that in today’s digital society, people are being treated like products, because there is no such thing as a ‘free’ platform without YOU being the product. What did reassure me, is that people are sick of having their data used this way. But what they might not know, is that the internet problem is bigger than ‘just’ data protection.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
The Internet is growing at an exponential rate. To service this demand, a few large companies (Google, Amazon, Alibaba, Facebook, etc.) have built and continue to build supersized, power-hungry and centralized data centers. These data centers make up the majority of all Internet capacity available today. However, the Internet is expanding much faster than datacenters and the planet can cope with.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
In addition to that, the Internet is extremely centralized, with most of these data centers being located in the US. Think of it like electricity. If consumers in, for example, Turkey had to use electricity generated in the US, it would be too expensive and inefficient, because it is too far away. The transmission lines would be too strained and losses and repairs would make it unsustainable. Capacity is like electricity. When centralized, it becomes too expensive and wasteful for remote users.
|
||||
|
||||
## So what is the solution to these problems?
|
||||
|
||||
The Internet needs to be more distributed, cost-effective, neutral, and sustainable. ThreeFold has developed such a new technology, the ThreeFold Grid (Grid) and a token which enables all this to happen.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Combining the values of the ThreeFold Foundation (freedom, equality and fairness) with the technology developed by TFTech (Zero-OS, Zero-Chain, 3Bot) and a digital currency called the ThreeFold Token (a decentralized digital currency and means of payment to exchange autonomous and decentralized Internet services) we believe that we have all the tools in order to actually make a difference in tomorrow's digital world. Question is, are you ready to join us?
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Please visit [our forum](https://forum.threefold.io) if you have any questions or would like to continue the conversation!
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,45 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: ethical_design_manifesto
|
||||
title: Creating solutions that respect humanity and the planet
|
||||
image_caption: humanity
|
||||
description: Respect Human Rights, Respect Human Effort, Respect Human Experience
|
||||
date: 2017-06-06
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [kristof_de_spiegeleer]
|
||||
tags: [why]
|
||||
categories: [farming,twin,cloud,foundation,aci]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: ethical_design_manifesto.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Organizations should always respect human rights, human effort and human experience. To enable a sustainable and prosperous civilization and world, we need a strong value system.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
*Ideas and texts were inspired from https://ind.ie/ethical-design/. We added our own twist to it.*
|
||||
|
||||
## Respect Human Rights
|
||||
|
||||
- **Sustainability**: It is important for a very simple reason: we cannot maintain our quality of life as human beings, the diversity of life on our planet, or Earth's ecosystems unless we embrace and protect its balance.
|
||||
- **Equality**: Everyone should have a right to learn, dream, partake and succeed. Equal access also means affordability, not ownership by big greedy companies.
|
||||
- **Decentralization**: To better distribute power, value and opportunities, we need more decentralization. Technologies and solutions should be available everywhere to improve equality and sustainability.
|
||||
- **Openness & Interoperability**: Allows technologies to work together in an open way, without limitation, and therefore expands the possibilities for innovation and sharing.
|
||||
- **Accessibility**: Whatever the location or situation, people should benefit from easy and fast access to information and solutions.
|
||||
- **Security & Privacy**: Protect people from being put in situations of danger or exploitation. People should be empowered to be independent and they should be the sole owners of their experiences.
|
||||
|
||||
## Respect Human Effort
|
||||
|
||||
- **Reliability**: Make sure technologies are reliable and last longer.
|
||||
- **Simplicity**: We need to keep things simple: no unnecessary complexity - less is more.
|
||||
- **Transparency**: Let people and companies work together in a 100% transparent way.
|
||||
- **Collaboration**: It's all about the greater picture. We are stronger together and have to help each other in reaching our common visions.
|
||||
|
||||
## Respect Human Experience
|
||||
|
||||
- **Ergonomy**: Products and solutions should empower productivity, safety and comfort, while reducing human error.
|
||||
- **Inclusiveness**: Design should always be global and inclusive. We are all equal.
|
||||
- **Design**: Products should be visually appealing and should achieve it's purpose.
|
||||
- **Transparency**: Organisational records and strategies should be accessible to everyone.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
*Photo by Renee Fisher on Unsplash.*
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,108 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: farming_a_greener_alternative_to_crypto_mining
|
||||
title: "Farming – A Greener Alternative to Crypto Mining"
|
||||
image_caption: Farming – A Greener Alternative to Crypto Mining.
|
||||
description: ThreeFold Farming is about so much more than crypto mining. It's a decentralized, energy-efficient and meaningful alternative.
|
||||
date: 2022-04-21
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, farming, threefold_token, why]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: farming_a_greener_alternative_to_crypto_mining.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
In [October 2008](https://cointelegraph.com/bitcoin-for-beginners/the-history-of-bitcoin-when-did-bitcoin-start), when the financial crisis was in full swing, an anonymous individual or group under the pseudonym ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’ published a [white paper](https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf) on Bitcoin, a “peer-to-peer electronic cash system” that ended up disrupting the financial system and sparked the creation of an entirely new industry: crypto mining.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Considering that many people view Bitcoin as a commodity, similar to gold, it only makes sense that the process of generating new Bitcoins would become referred to as ‘mining’. In a way, mining is an incentive mechanism to reach consensus in the verification of transactions in a decentralized network. While crypto mining originated from Bitcoin, the system has spread quite widely across the blockchain space.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
More than a decade later, Bitcoin keeps intriguing individuals and organizations all around the world, and has become [one of the most popular](https://cointelegraph.com/news/is-bitcoin-a-waste-of-energy-pros-and-cons-about-bitcoin-mining) financial assets. Nevertheless, criticism and doubts around Bitcoin and crypto mining remain. The most popular cryptocurrency is also frequently brought to the spotlight around its potential affiliations to money laundering, financing of terrorism and cybercrime, as well as the energy the mining process of its cryptocurrency consumes.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
According to the [Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index](https://cbeci.org/) of the University of Cambridge, the annual consumption of Bitcoin is currently estimated to amount to nearly 140 TWh. The United Arab Emirates (113 TWh) or the Netherlands (109 TWh) had a lower annual energy consumption than Bitcoin [in 2020](http://blog.zorinaq.com/bitcoin-electricity-consumption/). Moreover, news outlets like [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/27/bitcoin-mining-consumes-electricity-ireland) or [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56012952) reported on Bitcoin exceeding the energy consumption of further countries, including Ireland and Argentina. Within the last year, headlines like “[Bitcoin Uses More Electricity Than Many Countries](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/03/climate/bitcoin-carbon-footprint-electricity.html)” in the New York Times or “[Bitcoin’s growing energy problem: ‘It’s a dirty currency’](https://www.ft.com/content/1aecb2db-8f61-427c-a413-3b929291c8ac)” in the Financial Times were in no short supply.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Among the most popular quotes on the topic is Bill Gates’ statement in the New York Times in [March 2021](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/09/business/dealbook/bill-gates-bitcoin.html): "Bitcoin uses more electricity per transaction than any other method known to mankind, and so it's not a great climate thing." Not that this statement or the awareness of the issue would have prevented Microsoft from launching [ION](https://identity.foundation/ion/), a decentralized digital identity system, to run on the Bitcoin network.
|
||||
|
||||
## But why is Bitcoin mining so energy intensive anyways?
|
||||
|
||||
At the heart of Bitcoin’s energy-intensive model is the [Proof-of-Work (PoW)](https://www.coindesk.com/learn/2020/12/16/what-is-proof-of-work/) protocol. [Bitcoin mining](https://www.investopedia.com/tech/how-does-bitcoin-mining-work/), the process of creating new Bitcoins using PoW, requires solving complex cryptographic equations to receive the rewards associated with the creation of the next block in the blockchain. PoW is carried out by computers, known as ‘miners’.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
In the early days, a simple computer was enough to mine Bitcoin. However, the difficulty of the mining algorithm increased as the network grew larger and more people started competing to earn the next block’s rewards. On average, it takes [about 10 minutes](https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf) to solve such an equation and to mine a new block. Today, Bitcoin mining has become a costly and elaborate endeavour – accessible only to large investors that can support powerful supercomputers – at the cost of [local communities](https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/04/18/1049331/bitcoin-cryptocurrency-cryptomining-new-york/).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
It’s only sensible that miners are beefing up their machines to increase their chances. In fact, the sector became so competitive that [Intel created](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sustainable-crypto-mining-becoming-reality-nameet-potnis/) dedicated chips and specialized manufacturers for mining servers like [Bitmain](https://www.bitmain.com/) were established. With up to 3,250 Watts indicated by manufacturers, the power consumption of such devices averages 28,470 kWh per year if operated continuously. In comparison, the annual consumption of a freezer is estimated between 200 and 500 kWh per year.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Additionally, operating a single mining machine is hardly the way to succeed. The biggest Bitcoin miners have fleets of hundreds of machines in so-called ‘mining farms’, carefully maintained and constantly ventilated, to prevent them from overheating. Some of the largest, like [Northern Data](https://www.rockdalemdd.org/news/whinstone-us-breaks-ground-build-world%E2%80%99s-largest-bitcoin-mining-facility-rockdale-texas) in Texas, have an energy consumption of 1 GWh per year, the equivalent of the energy produced by about [3.1 million](https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/how-much-power-1-gigawatt) photovoltaic (solar) panels.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
In critical times where humanity is facing serious global challenges in relation to climate change and the collapse of biodiversity, we must rethink the basics of how to decentralize our world.
|
||||
|
||||
## Are there more energy-conscious solutions?
|
||||
|
||||
[Proof-of-Stake (PoS)](https://www.coindesk.com/learn/2020/12/30/what-is-proof-of-stake/) mechanisms have proven to be [less energy intensive](https://www.investopedia.com/tech/how-does-bitcoin-mining-work/#toc-downsides-of-mining) than PoW. With PoS, miners lock up (‘stake’) a blockchain’s cryptocurrency on escrow accounts to be granted mining rights. In exchange for this participation, miners receive an interest proportional to their stake as reward.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
PoS-based blockchains are faster and much more energy efficient than PoW-based blockchains. However, the implementation of a PoS protocol poses its own challenges. For example, it is known for incentivizing hoarding, rather than utilization, and driving centralization. The mining industry is attempting to shift perceptions and move away from its climate-polluting, power-hungry image by powering large mining activities with renewable energies or by offsetting their emissions with carbon credits.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
While this might sound great at first, it does not resolve the underlying issue of incredibly high energy consumption. Should we really allocate relatively scarce renewable energy resources to such energy-intensive endeavours? Or should we rather look for more efficient alternatives – considering we have all the technology to create more energy-efficient models from scratch – and then support what energy consumption remains with renewable energy?
|
||||
|
||||
## ThreeFold Farming offers a greener paradigm
|
||||
|
||||
[ThreeFold Farming](https://threefold.io/blog/what_is_farming/) is a decentralized, energy-efficient and meaningful alternative to mining. [ThreeFold Tokens](https://forum.threefold.io/t/the-potential-of-the-threefold-token-tft/1796) (TFT) are minted whenever new Internet capacity in terms of compute, storage or network is added to the ThreeFold Grid by connecting computers, known as 3Nodes.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
By contributing decentralized Internet capacity to the ThreeFold Grid, independent people and organizations called ‘farmers’ earn TFT in return – based on a [Proof-of-Capacity](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__proof_of_capacity?id=why-proof-of-capacity) (PoC) algorithm. PoC is autonomously carried out by ThreeFold’s [extremely efficient](https://threefold.io/blog/for_our_planet/) operating system. First, Zero-OS scans the computer’s resources. Then the operating system registers the computing power and Internet storage on the [ThreeFold Blockchain](https://threefold.io/blog/tf_chain/), making the resources available to the entire network – thereby creating a [decentralized model](https://coincheckup.com/blog/threefold-is-the-decentralized-web-the-future-of-the-internet/) for Internet capacity provisioning. The [energy consumption](https://threefold.docsend.com/view/wsru3f9tmeaq62wq) of a 3Node can vary, depending on the amount of Compute Units (CUs) and Storage Units (SUs) it holds. “The average consumption for a Titan 3Node is around 26.71 KwH per hour”, says ThreeFold’s [Alexandre Hannelas](https://threefold.io/people/alexandre_hannelas/).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Farming supports the realization of an open-source peer-to-peer Internet free from centralized servers and authorities. Similarly to Bitcoin, the management of transactions and the issuing of TFT is carried out collectively by the network to create a decentralized Internet economy. In a way, what [Bitcoin did to money](https://threefold.io/blog/bitcoin_threefold/), ThreeFold does to the Internet – while using much [less energy](https://threefold.io/blog/for_our_planet/).
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
*"By using blockchain for what it's good at and other pioneering technologies, such as peer-to-peer networking, to complement it, we built the most efficient Internet infrastructure in the world, and by far." – Kristof de Spiegeleer.*
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Developing sustainable solutions for our planet is essential to ThreeFold’s ethos which puts our planet and people first. A famous quote, we love and frequently refer to at ThreeFold, is Albert Einstein’s “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we create them.”
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Our planet needs regenerative solutions at a large scale, and ThreeFold aims to deliver on our promise providing better solutions for our planet and people through our technology. Based on the ThreeFold Grid’s average energy consumption, we’re planting trees with our partner [Take Action Global](https://forum.threefold.io/t/driving-regeneration-with-tag/2120?u=hannahcordes) to offset the Grid’s carbon emissions three times in the form of [Voluntary Carbon Credits](https://forum.threefold.io/t/threefold-on-track-to-be-planet-positive/2097?u=hannahcordes) (VCC). Our VCC system was implemented in the PoC algorithm, so every 3Node mints additional TFT to offset its own carbon emissions based on the power utilization of the individual 3Node per month. The [process](https://forum.threefold.io/t/threefold-on-track-to-be-planet-positive/2097) is fully automated and executed by the ThreeFold Blockchain.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
ThreeFold’s global community of farmers is on a mission to regenerate our planet through the planet-positive ThreeFold Farming which supports tree planting and other [impact initiatives](https://forum.threefold.io/t/supporting-initiatives-to-regenerate-the-planet/2110?u=hannahcordes) by default. We’re on track to provide a planet-positive Internet and support our partners in their initiatives in fields like climate education, climate action and economic inclusion worldwide.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Farming is about so much more than crypto mining. It’s about building a [better Internet](https://medium.com/authority-magazine/the-future-is-now-kristoff-de-spiegeleer-of-threefold-on-how-their-technological-innovation-will-7acc0e51c365) and shaping the world we want to live in. Together with a community of like-minded people, we’re taking action for a better world.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
If not us, who? If not now, when?
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
* Join the global ThreeFold [movement](https://t.me/threefold).
|
||||
* [Start farming](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tfgrid/farming/threefold__farming_intro) today and become a part of the new Internet while regenerating the planet.
|
||||
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|
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@@ -1,39 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: farming_pools
|
||||
title: "Unveiling Farming Pools"
|
||||
image_caption: Farming Pools
|
||||
description: Farming Pools mark a significant step towards ensuring reliability, fairness, and robust governance within our ecosystem.
|
||||
date: 2023-12-05
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid, farming]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: farming_pools.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
With version 4.0 upcoming, and a move towards commercialization, we are embracing several new strategies to ensure more reliability and trust. Farming Pools are an innovative mechanism designed to foster better governance and equitable participation within our network.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Farming Pools represent a shift in our ecosystem. Every version 4.0 Farmer will need to join a Farming Pool, marking a collective commitment to uphold stringent service level agreements. These agreements will encompass crucial aspects like uptime, response time, and available bandwidth. Furthermore, adherence to a service agreement and specific terms and conditions is paramount, ensuring a standardized quality of service across the network.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Empowering our Farmers, the introduction of Farming Pools grants them the authority to set pricing for their offered services. Whether it's storage, network capabilities, or computing capacity, Farmers hold the reins in determining the value they provide.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
In addition, Farmers will now have the option to stake tokens on their farms. This strategic staking mechanism introduces an additional layer of accountability — a 'slashing' mechanism. In the event of failing to meet the agreed-upon service level commitments, a proportion of their stake may be forfeited. This not only incentivizes reliability but also fortifies the overall quality and dependability of our network.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Central to the Farming Pools is a regulated approach. It provides a centralized platform facilitating staking, token holding, as well as regulated buying and selling of tokens. This centralized stance ensures oversight and governance while maintaining the decentralized ethos that defines our network.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
Farming Pools, therefore, mark a significant step towards ensuring reliability, fairness, and robust governance within our ecosystem. By uniting Farmers under stringent agreements, empowering them to set prices, and introducing accountability through token staking, we fortify the foundation of a network built upon trust, integrity, and collective responsibility.
|
||||
|
||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
*Learn more about [our next phase](/next).*
|
||||
Binary file not shown.
|
Before Width: | Height: | Size: 19 KiB |
@@ -1,61 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: for_our_planet
|
||||
title: A Better Solution for Our Planet
|
||||
image_caption: sustainability
|
||||
description: We believe IT can be sustainable. Actually, it should be! That's why energy efficiency has always been a key focus of ours..
|
||||
date: 2020-12-02
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [weynand_kuijpers]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_farming,why]
|
||||
categories: [farming,twin,foundation,cloud,aci]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: better_solution.png
|
||||
---
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Today, the global Internet and IT infrastructure requires enormous amounts of energy, responsible for about 10% of annual global energy consumption. This makes the IT industry amongst the most pollutive industries in the world (along with the often-discussed airline industry, for comparison).
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
We believe IT can be sustainable. Actually, it should be! That's why energy efficiency has always been a key focus of ours. With climate change and sustainability as some of the most pressing issues of our times, new green solutions need to be our priority. It has been key to ThreeFold since the very beginning of its story to enable a technological infrastructure that can reduce the Internet’s carbon footprint drastically.
|
||||
|
||||
## Simplicity is the key to unlock a better future
|
||||
|
||||
Over time, integration suites, middleware solutions, and enterprise service busses have been invented and implemented to cover integration challenges within the current internet. This has further complicated IT architectures, resulting in a loss of actual end user workload performance.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
ThreeFold reworked the whole approach to IT architectures and eliminated the layers of complexity. The result is a cloud stack that presents minimal overhead and that requires less hardware – reducing heat generation and eventually cooling requirements. By reducing the need for power, the net result is an energy-efficient Internet grid.
|
||||
|
||||
## Improving resilience and efficiency through Self-Healing IT
|
||||
|
||||
Keeping systems up and running is a major requirement in modern day IT. Leading vendors earn most of their margin by selling maintenance contracts, performance guarantees, and professional services. Their business models bring no incentive to make things simple and efficient for consumers.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Creating a self-healing environment requires only minimal manual intervention to replace broken hardware components. Broken hardware components are inevitable, and the Zero-OS distributed node architecture deals with such failures by turning off broken components and provisioning unused capacity. By removing the need to ship broken parts back and forth, and linking to the corresponding installation knowledge (engineers), a lower carbon footprint can be achieved.
|
||||
|
||||
## “No painkiller” approach. We tackle the root issue
|
||||
|
||||
If a specific piece of software or hardware is not delivering the required performance or reliability, we should analyze the core design/algorithm and its usage of soft/hard components to determine the root causes of persistent issues to be solved.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Currently, most storage vendors follow the path of least resistance when trying to improve on performance. Their solution for meeting performance targets is to use faster components (CPU, memory, network card, proprietary acceleration) rather than looking at the core algorithms that drive the utilization of those components. Swapping components for faster ones perpetuates a cycle of cutting corners and focuses reliance on innovation from hardware component providers rather than solving the more fundamental and underlying issues. That's a "painkiller" approach.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
Zero-OS was designed to solve root problem issues by design. While still using high-performance hardware components on the ThreeFold Grid, the algorithm of Zero-OS maximizes utilization possibilities. This enables greater performance and sustainability. Some key examples how this is achieved:
|
||||
|
||||
## Eliminating unnecessary elements from standard architectures
|
||||
|
||||
Virtualization adds a layer of software between the actual end-user workload and physical hardware. It also allows for multiple workloads to run on the same hardware by using excess capacity. There is definitely merit in building a virtualization solution. Building an effective virtualization solution that does not require abundant context switching is key and this is why Zero-OS has been developed. Zero-OS uses a minimal Linux kernel that allows for a number of user spaces to co-exist. In these user spaces, containerized versions of software can be run, eliminating the need for hypervisors, virtual OS to fuel the virtual machines, and guest operating systems. This also minimizes the required overhead for the host OS.
|
||||
|
||||
## Minimizing network connections usage
|
||||
|
||||
Supercomputing delivered many new technologies. But, not all of them are usable solutions for everyday workloads. One technology invented to make supercomputers performant is the use of Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA). RDMA allowed physical CPU boards (containing both CPUs and memory) to access other CPU boards in memory stored data over a dedicated channel. This eliminated the need to transport data between CPU nodes over network connections (or other mainstream means to exchange data). The result was a considerable reduction in overhead created when allowing distributed end user workloads to operate over multiple physical cores. The leading server and storage solutions brands have never considered nor implemented such mechanisms. This resulted in an increased need for faster networks - increasing complexity, costs, efforts and resources needed to operate solutions.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
RDMA is only used in certified farms and requires involvement of TFTech.
|
||||
|
||||
## Minimizing disk usage
|
||||
|
||||
The storage solution uses slow and big (the bigger the better) HDD disks which drive in rack density. As they spin slower they consume less power and need less cooling. But then, how can you deal with read/write intensive workloads? The storage algorithm uses a SSD cache to acknowledge Inputs/Outputs coming from the applications, fills the erasure coded data blocks in large (up to 64MB) storage containers and writes the big chunks of data on the big and slow HHDs. If you are familiar with HDD disks, you know they like to be streamed on instead of having a lot of small bits written in a scratchy way.
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
**Continuous innovation in all of these areas are leading to an efficient technology stack.**
|
||||
@@ -1,113 +0,0 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
id: four_phases_of_threefold
|
||||
title: Building the Future We Want to Live In – A Four Step Journey
|
||||
image_caption: Four Phases of ThreeFold
|
||||
description: Driven by our planet-first, people-first philosophy, the ThreeFold movement is shaping the world we want to live in and laying the foundation for an open, inclusive and abundance-based future.
|
||||
date: 2022-06-01
|
||||
taxonomies:
|
||||
people: [sam_taggart]
|
||||
tags: [threefold_grid,why,technology,farming,threefold_token]
|
||||
categories: [foundation]
|
||||
extra:
|
||||
imgPath: the_four_phases_of_threefold.png
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---
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|
||||
*"This article was originally published by Hannah Cordes, a former member of ThreeFold Foundation."*
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||||
<br>
|
||||
|
||||
What started out as an idea for a better Internet about a decade ago has evolved into a global movement that’s building a decentralized, open and inclusive future through [the Internet of Internets](https://threefold.io/blog/internet_of_internets/). The journey towards our ultimate vision of a better future for all is a big one, but can be divided into four digestible phases: creation, expansion, Web 4 and velocity.
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|
||||
## 1 The Phase of Creation
|
||||
|
||||
For the past six years, we’ve been building up an incredible full-stack, open-source, decentralized Internet infrastructure, all from the ground-up. From creating our own decentralized operating system, to building a Quantum Safe Storage System, a complete far edge cloud computing platform and planetary peer-to-peer network all accessible via a unique Smart Contract for IT on the ThreeFold Blockchain, we’re proud to have the most complete edge infrastructure to power the next-generation Internet era. A new world is coming, and our technology has the potential to revolutionize digitization on a global scale, across sectors.
|
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|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The creation phase was about developing the key tech components and an initial deployment of our infrastructure worldwide. The ThreeFold Grid is now live in its third generation and the stack is fully functional. As of today, people from all across the world have connected more than [3,000 nodes](https://twitter.com/threefold_io/status/1529903015938998272) across +78 countries to create the world’s largest decentralized Internet infrastructure, and new capacity is being connected every day.
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|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
In addition to fully comprehensive decentralized edge cloud solutions, the ThreeFold ecosystem is also developing a range of applications and experiences across IoT, metaverse, blockchain, DeFi, banking, education and beyond.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The phase of creation is almost complete. The ThreeFold team is currently working on the Digital Twin solution that will allow the ecosystem to tap into Web 4 principles – a paradigm that overcomes the limitations of Web 2 and the inefficiencies of Web 3. By advancing our technology further, ThreeFold will be in a unique position to open new frontiers and support emerging global trends.
|
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|
||||
## 2 The Phase of Expansion
|
||||
|
||||
The second phase is all about the growth of the ThreeFold Grid and [connecting the dots](https://threefold.io/blog/connecting_the_dots/). From individual farmers and farming cooperatives connecting Internet capacity independently to our global network, to building Community Clouds and Regional Internets for countries, various pathways to Grid growth have been established by the [Internet of Internets](https://threefold.io/blog/internet_of_internets/) concept.
|
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|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The Internet of Internets will interconnect us all, while providing us with digital sovereignty, privacy and meaningful experiences. It focuses on incentivizing local communities to build their own resilient Community Clouds to support their city, town or village with the foundation to build their decentralized future.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Depending on their geographic proximity, Community Clouds will be able to form Regional Internets. Each Regional Internet will be equipped with their own blockchain, validators and liquidity providers as well as local digital experiences in order to remain independent from the rest of the world. In that sense, whatever would happen to the Internet infrastructure outside of the borders of that region would not affect local connectivity and digital economies.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Ultimately, Regional Internets will be interconnected by the ThreeFold Hub on a global level to create the Internet of Internets. This model is infinitely scalable. Instead of relying on one global network and blockchain, ThreeFold will allow for many independent and interoperable Internet infrastructures that support local communities with a platform to build their own blockchain, DeFi, metaverse, IoT, eCommerce solutions, and much more. Each layer has its own distinct purpose and enables seamless ecosystem-wide interactions.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
With [the Paradise Hills partnership](https://threefold.io/blog/paradise_hills/) as the first proof of concept for Community Clouds and our team working with governments in multiple countries, we’re following the glocal approach of applying the global Internet of Internets concept locally with regional context. With our growing community and ecosystem supporting us, and building new relationships, we’re well set to turn the Internet of Internets into reality in the upcoming years.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The phase of expansion will probably never end. ThreeFold is infinitely scalable, and there are many reasons to continue growing the ThreeFold Grid as it is best positioned to service the emerging demand for edge computing and sovereign Internet infrastructure for decades to come.
|
||||
|
||||
## 3 The Phase of Web 4
|
||||
|
||||
In parallel with the expansion phase, the rollout of the Web 4 phase is expected to kick off later this year to re-imagine business, governance, finance, education and more in order to provide better alternatives for people, enterprises and governments. Essentially, the Internet of Internets is laying the foundational infrastructure, and Web 4 technology will open a world of new possibilities around peer-to-peer and self-sovereign systems.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The Web 4 phase will empower people to become 100% self-sovereign with a range of decentralized alternatives to Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Chrome, Zoom and much more.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
A multitude of valuable and meaningful experiences are being built by the ThreeFold ecosystem and partners to empower people with equal chances to learn, create, and thrive in a decentralized digital economy – what we like to call an abundance-based future for humanity.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The key to all of this is ThreeFold's open-source Digital Twin technology. It provides a unique digital identity that can serve as the key to an open, self-sovereign and complete digital future. The Digital Twin technology allows ThreeFold to flip the current centralized client-server model upside down, empowering people to become the masters of their own destiny. No more data being collected by servers and sold to third-parties – you become the center of your digital life. There will be more on Digital Twin and its potential to change everything coming very soon.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Along with strategic partnerships being formed across the four corners of the globe, the Web 4 phase will support the ThreeFold Foundation’s vision of providing access to a better Internet paradigm to a billion people by 2030.
|
||||
|
||||
## 4 The Phase of Velocity
|
||||
|
||||
The rise of the Internet of Internets and the build-up of powerful experiences on Web 4 technology will bring the ecosystem to its fourth phase – Velocity. At that moment in time, it will be all about utilization, economic growth and the acceleration of our collective vision.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The [ThreeFold tokenomics](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tokens/threefold__tokenomics) have been designed to support a decentralized Internet economy that incentivizes participants to host nodes, validate the blockchain and build applications on the ThreeFold Grid. The moment utilization kicks in at a large scale on Web 4, the ThreeFold Ecosystem will be ready to reach millions – and eventually, billions – of users through powerful digital experiences that provide a better alternative than today’s paradigm. As of today, 35% of ThreeFold Token transactions under Proof of Utilization are burned to create a deflationary economy. This will create additional [value](https://library.threefold.me/info/threefold#/tokens/threefold__grid_valuation) for the token ecosystem as it will reduce the circulating supply in relation to the increasing demand for ThreeFold’s infrastructure.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
Simply put, the fourth phase will drive significant utilization of the ThreeFold Token and support in positioning it as the Bitcoin for Internet capacity. It will open up a decentralized Internet economy full of opportunities, empowerment and meaningful experiences for people all around the world.
|
||||
|
||||
## Bringing Abundance & Opportunity to the World
|
||||
|
||||
*"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." – John Lennon*
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
We’ve reached a pivotal moment in the evolution of ThreeFold to support our world in solving some of its greatest challenges. A complete and resilient Internet infrastructure owned by local communities is an essential way to build a circular and participatory economy. Considering that the Internet is the second largest and fastest growing economy in the world, the Internet of Internets represents a foundation for a decentralized and abundant world.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The [Internet of Internets](https://threefold.io/blog/internet_of_internets/) model supports ThreeFold in achieving its vision of providing Internet access to more than a billion people worldwide. And we believe that if we work together, we can connect all of humanity responsibly. Driven by our planet-first, people-first philosophy, the ThreeFold movement is shaping the world we want to live in and laying the foundation for an open, inclusive and abundance-based future.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
The current phase of expansion is vital to turn our vision into reality and to fulfill our mission. Let’s build this world of opportunity and abundance together.
|
||||
|
||||
<br/>
|
||||
|
||||
- [Join](https://t.me/threefold) the ThreeFold movement now
|
||||
- [Be](https://threefold.io/blog/what_is_farming/) the Internet
|
||||
- Help us [realize our vision](https://threefold.io/blog/realizing_the_promise/) for a better future
|
||||
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