Internet Computer (ICP)

What is the cryptocurrency Internet Computer?

The Internet Computer is a blockchain-based platform that aims to create a decentralized internet and global computing system. It offers a unique approach to tapping blockchain technology to build internet applications that give users more control over their data.

ICP - The Native Cryptocurrency

ICP is the native cryptocurrency of the Internet Computer Protocol. It serves multiple purposes within the network:

  • Used for governance: ICP token holders can vote on the future of the network.
  • Rewards network participants: ICP tokens are used to reward participants for good behavior.
  • Payment for transactions: ICP tokens are used to pay fees for making transactions on the network.

Decentralized Internet Alternative

The Internet Computer Protocol aims to create an alternative to the current centralized internet cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. The goal is to have independent data centers around the world join together to form a decentralized network. This network would operate via open standards and avoid conflicts of interest that can arise when a major cloud provider hosts products competing with its own services.

Key Advantages

The Internet Computer offers several advantages over centralized alternatives:

  • Faster and more scalable smart contracts: The protocol allows for faster and more scalable execution of smart contracts.
  • Greater control over data: Users have more control over their data, as it is stored in a decentralized network.
  • Open standards: The protocol operates via open standards, ensuring transparency and interoperability.

The Internet Computer aims to revolutionize the internet by creating a decentralized and autonomous cloud that rivals traditional IT systems. It is already powering various Web3 projects and enabling the development of decentralized applications on its blockchain platform.

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Where to Buy Internet Computer Cryptocurrency

Binance

Binance is a centralized exchange platform where you can easily buy Internet Computer and other cryptocurrencies. It offers the lowest fees and highest security.

  • Create a free account on the Binance website or app.
  • Once your account is set up, you can buy Internet Computer and other cryptocurrencies.

Source: Binance

Coinbase

Coinbase is another option for buying Internet Computer. It is a centralized exchange that provides a quick and easy way to purchase cryptocurrencies.

  • Create a Coinbase account and complete the sign-up process.
  • Verify your ID and provide any additional requested information.
  • Add a payment method such as a bank account, debit card, or wire transfer.
  • Select Internet Computer from the list of assets on the platform and start a trade to buy it.

Source: Coinbase

Kraken

Kraken is a platform where millions of people buy Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). It offers a safe and easy way to get started with crypto. You can use flexible payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and more.

  • Connect a funding method to your Kraken account.
  • Complete your Internet Computer Protocol purchase by following the instructions on the platform.
  • With Kraken, you can also engage in dollar-cost averaging and utilize advanced trading tools for Internet Computer Protocol.

Source: Kraken

Other platforms and exchanges where you can buy Internet Computer include Securities.io and Finder.com.

Founders of Internet Computer

The Internet Computer is a decentralized blockchain and cloud infrastructure that has gained recognition for its transformative impact on the web3 ecosystem.

The founders and key contributors to the Internet Computer project are:

Dominic Williams

Dominic Williams is the Founder, President, and Chief Scientist at DFINITY, the organization behind the Internet Computer. With a distinguished career as a crypto theoretician and serial entrepreneur focused on the Internet and distributed systems, Williams has made significant scientific discoveries in cryptography and blockchain technology.

He is responsible for building the Internet Computer and leading a team of distributed systems and cryptography experts.

DFINITY Foundation

The DFINITY Foundation is a major contributor to the Internet Computer blockchain. Dedicated to democratizing the development of the open internet and removing control from centralized entities, the foundation has played a crucial role in advancing the Internet Computer project.

It supports the mission of transforming the public internet into a powerful decentralized cloud to host the next generation of software and services.

Together, Dominic Williams and the DFINITY Foundation have been instrumental in the development and growth of the Internet Computer, driving innovation in decentralized cloud computing and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the web3 ecosystem.

Roadmap of the Cryptocurrency Internet Computer

Core Protocol

The Internet Computer protocol aims to be decentralized, efficient, scalable, and interoperable with other blockchains.

The DFINITY Foundation commits around 43 percent of its resources to make improvements in the core protocol. This includes enhancements to the system, networking layer, consensus, execution environment, and crypto libraries.

Boundary

About 6 percent of the resources are dedicated to features related to edge infrastructure.

This includes Search Engine Optimization, boundary nodes, streaming support, and custom URLs.

System Utils & DApps

8 percent of the resources are currently focused on system utils and dapps. This involves developing essential tools and applications such as the NNS front-end dapp, Internet Identity, and token standards.

Governance

12 percent of the DFINITY team's resources are allocated to establishing governance on the Internet Computer.

This includes the Network Nervous System (NNS) and governance-related services like the service nervous system (SNS).

Developer Experience

To support developers in building on the Internet Computer, at least 14 percent of resources are dedicated to creating developer toolkits. These toolkits support various programming languages, including Motoko, to help developers start building with confidence and ease.

Long-Term R&D

The Internet Computer has long-term research and development plans to integrate with other blockchain networks like Ethereum and Bitcoin.

These integrations aim to enhance functionality and expand the capabilities of the Internet Computer, allowing for advanced smart contracts and cross-chain compatibility.

Roadmap Phases

Titanium: DeFi Comes to the Internet Computer

The Titanium phase of the roadmap focuses on enabling decentralized finance (DeFi) on the Internet Computer. Features necessary for DeFi, such as ICP token control and developer preview for BTC integration, are already in place or near completion.

Chromium: Direct Bitcoin Integration

Under the Chromium phase, the Internet Computer will achieve direct integration with Bitcoin.

This means advanced smart contracts can be written using Bitcoin's blockchain assets. Custom subdomains and HTTPS requests from canisters are also expected during this phase.

Note: Additional information regarding the roadmap and future plans of the Internet Computer can be found on the official Internet Computer website and forums.


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What is Internet Computer

The Internet Computer is a revolutionary form of digital asset or cryptocurrency developed by DFINITY, a Swiss not-for-profit organization. In simple terms, cryptocurrencies are a type of digital or virtual currency that use cryptography for security, and because of this, they are difficult to counterfeit. If you're familiar with Bitcoin or Ethereum, you're already acquainted with a form of cryptocurrency. However, the Internet Computer aims to take things a step further. It's not just a digital currency but a decentralized infrastructure aimed to host the next generation of software and services. The Internet Computer extends the functionality of the public internet so that it can host backend software, transforming the internet from a global network to a global computer.

What purpose does the Internet Computer Serve?

While cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin primarily serve as a digital form of money, the Internet Computer brings about a much broader vision. Its objective is to restructure the internet using decentralized protocols, replacing today’s monopolistic and centralized cloud services. Firstly, the Internet Computer gives developers a new way to build open-source software which doesn't rely on servers, commercial cloud services, or databases. That effectively removes the need for building and maintaining expensive infrastructure. Secondly, the Internet Computer supports "autonomous software," which means it can update and maintain itself without human intervention while remaining completely open source. Lastly, it also embodies the ethos of decentralization. It's owned and governed by a network of independent data centers worldwide, which helps distribute power and decision-making rather than centralizing it in the hands of a few.

How does the Internet Computer work?

Underneath the technology of the Internet Computer is a blockchain network called the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). A blockchain is a digital ledger of transactions which is duplicated and distributed across the entire network of computer systems. When a developer deploys software on the Internet Computer, it's distributed across the global network of data centers and runs on a seamless universe of the web which DFINITY calls the “Internet Computer’s public compute cloud.” On top of this, the value token of the Internet Computer is also called ICP. It serves various functions within the network itself, including facilitating network governance through a mechanism known as blockchain nervous system (BNS). By holding these tokens, users can influence the network’s development and future. In essence, the Internet Computer aims to decentralize the internet by allowing developers to build and host their applications on its network. By making the internet more accessible and less monopolistic, it hopes to democratize the digital landscape and revolutionize the way we think about internet technology and finance.

The Technology behind Internet Computer

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Before we delve into the Internet Computer, it helps to understand the basics of blockchain technology. Picture a spreadsheet that gets duplicated thousands of times across a network of computers. This network is designed to update this spreadsheet regularly. Instead of having a central authority, blockchain is managed by a peer-to-peer network that adheres to a protocol for validating new blocks.

Now, extend the concept to the Internet Computer. Instead of just storing financial transactions like Bitcoin, the Internet Computer's blockchain is programmed to store software applications, smart contracts and data in permanent public storage. This makes it more like a global computer that allows developers to build and run their software directly on the public Internet.

What are Smart Contracts?

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code. These are crucial for the operation of the Internet Computer. Through smart contracts, the Internet Computer offers a blockchain network that can make decentralized 'canisters' or units of computing.

This means applications built on the network are not owned or controlled by any single entity (like Google or Amazon); rather it’s owned collectively by the network participants. This promises greater privacy, security, speed, and, crucially, reduced costs.

The Role of DFINITY

The Internet Computer is a project by DFINITY, a non-profit scientific research organization. DFINITY introduced the novel Chain Key Technology, which speeds up the network by reducing the time it takes to generate new cryptographic keys. It also allows mobile devices to interact directly with blockchain, with no need for wallets or tokens, making it more user-friendly.

So, in essence, the Internet Computer aims to decentralize the internet, giving developers the power to create open, software platforms where users have control over their own data - a significant shift from the current centralized status quo.

How to Buy and Use Internet Computer

Before buying or trading any cryptocurrency, including Internet Computer (ICP), you need a digital wallet. There are various types of wallets such as online, mobile, hardware, and software wallets. Many of these wallets can support multiple cryptocurrencies. Once you have picked and set up your wallet, ensure it supports ICP or whichever cryptocurrency you wish to purchase.

Step 2: Register with a Cryptocurrency Exchange

To purchase ICP, you need to register with a cryptocurrency exchange. Some popular ones include Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. Ensure that the exchange you pick supports ICP. As part of the registration process, you'll need to provide your personal details for verification. This process may take a few hours to a few days depending on the exchange.

Step 3: Purchase Internet Computer (ICP)

Once your account is verified, you can deposit funds. The process is similar to how you would transfer funds to a regular online bank account. Most exchanges accept bank transfers, credit, or debit cards. Some exchanges even take PayPal. After depositing funds, you can exchange them for ICP.

Step 4: Transfer ICP to your Wallet

After purchasing ICP, it is advisable to transfer the coins to your digital wallet for security reasons. On your exchange account, go to your ICP balance and choose 'Withdraw' or 'Send.' Then, input your wallet's address to transfer your ICP coins to your wallet. Most exchanges charge a small fee for this. Confirm the transaction, and your coins will be in your wallet shortly.

Step 5: Use your ICP

Now that your ICP is in your wallet, you can use it as you wish. You can hold onto it as an investment, hoping the price will rise. Or, you could use it to purchase products or services from vendors that accept ICP, similar to how you would use a credit card for online shopping.

Step 6: Stay safe

As with all digital transactions, ensure that you have secure connections when transferring or trading your ICP. Also, take note of any transaction fees or conversion rates. Most importantly, always remember that the value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate rapidly, so only invest what you are willing to lose.

The Team Behind Internet Computer

Building a blockchain of Internet Computer's magnitude demands a team of extraordinary capability and groundbreaking ideas. At the helm of this visionary endeavor are the following key players:

Dominic Williams, the brainchild behind Internet Computer, is a crypto theoretician and entrepreneur. He is recognized for inventing threshold relay and probabilistic slot consensus—technologies that are central to Internet Computer's Power. Prior to the founding of DFINITY, Williams has built successful technology and software companies like Fight My Monster, an online game for children which reached millions of users.

Artia Moghbel - COO

Artia Moghbel manages the operations and market strategy of DFINITY. With a background in business development, product management, and finance from top technology and finance companies such as Morgan Stanley, Moghbel brings insightful leadership and strategic growth expertise.

Ben Lynn - Senior Staff Scientist / Engineer

As one of the active contributors to Internet Computer's success, Ben Lynn brings extensive experience in cryptography to the team. He is best known for his part in the development of the BLS Cryptographic system - which is now being used in various cryptographic and security-critical systems, including the Internet Computer. Lynn's contribution extends to Google, where he was a former Senior Staff Software Engineer.

Jan Camenisch - Vice President of Research

Jan Camenisch is a world-renowned cryptographer with unparalleled contribution to the field. He is a seasoned academic with numerous scholarly articles and accolades to his credit, including the prestigious ACM CCS Test of Time Award and ACM A.M. Turing Award. At DFINITY, Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and guidance to generate advanced cryptographic protocols.

Each team member plays an intrinsic role in the construction and management of the Internet Computer, drawing from a wealth of experience and tech-based knowledge to effect transformative changes in the internet's function and structure through blockchain technology.

Vision of Internet Computer

The driving vision behind DFINITY and its Internet Computer project is to provide a public computing resource that is both autonomous and unstoppable. This aims to broaden the internet's capabilities by facilitating smart contract and data processing at web speed, serving content directly onto the web, and providing scale-out capability. Ultimately, this tech marvel promises a decentralized internet that fosters innovation, improves internet service delivery and personal data security.

Understanding Internet Computer's Market Performance

Internet Computer (ICP) is a digital currency that aims to revolutionize the internet by enabling web applications to run on the network's public blockchain, rather than on private servers. A project launched by the Switzerland-based Dfinity Foundation, its primary value proposition is the promise of a truly decentralized internet.

Breaking down the performance of Internet Computer (ICP) in the extremely volatile cryptocurrency market requires an understanding of its historical price trends and other important market aspects. Since its debut in May 2021, Internet Computer’s value has seen stark fluctuations, which is fairly common in the unpredictable world of cryptocurrencies.

ICP's Market Overview

The Initial Dip: On its launch day, ICP debuted at a robust price around $400 against USD, momentarily reaching as high as $737 but then experienced a significant dip, plummeting to approximately $50 within the first two weeks.

Subsequent Fluctuations: Since that initial dip, ICP’s price has continued to demonstrate volatility, following an uncertain trajectory mirroring the rest of the cryptocurrency market. Its market value has been largely affected by general investor sentiment towards cryptocurrencies, developments within the Dfinity Foundation, and overall market trends.

Understanding ICP's Market Trends

The rapid fall on its debut was primarily due to ICP's sudden entry into an already saturated market where investors were still getting a grip on this new token. Initially hyped, as with many cryptocurrency launches, reality quickly bites and course corrections usually follow the initial listing.

Following this, the broader fluctuations in ICP's value can be understood by considering the elements of demand and supply factors, investor sentiment, the utility of the token, and the nature of news and advancements within the Dfinity project. One such factor that led to ICP's heightened interest was the announcement of its integration with leading cryptocurrency wallet and exchange, Coinbase, amplifying access and liquidity for the token.

What Does This Mean for Potential Investors?

ICP's volatile performance, while intimidating, is not uniquely poor in comparison to other cryptocurrencies. In fact, many historic market trends have shown a habitual pattern of up and downs, especially for new cryptocurrencies. Being a nascent technology, the value of ICP very much depends on its ability to effectively deliver on its promises of decentralized internet operations.

As an investor, one can see this as an opportunity to buy ‘low’, provided they believe in the Internet Computer's long-term vision. However, as with any investment in the crypto markets, potential investors should be prepared for its volatility. Market expertise, research, and due diligence become increasingly important when deciding to invest in new cryptocurrencies like Internet Computer.

Future Prospects of Internet Computer

Speculating on the potential growth and future of Internet Computer (IC), one can't help but foresee a revolutionary shift in the shaping of the online world. Introduced by the Dfinity Foundation, Internet Computer intends to transform the internet into a decentralized global computing system. This shift would significantly benefit the financial, informational, and infrastructural sectors of the digital world.

The potential of Internet Computer is immense, especially in digital finance. IC aims to dissolve the traditional banking system's obstacles and barriers, offering a more decentralized financial system via blockchain technology. Looking forward, this technology could enable direct peer-to-peer transactions, mitigating the need for intermediaries in financial transactions. It opens possibilities for effortless cross-border transactions and microtransactions, thus redefining how global finance operates.

IC could also change the game in the way users manage and control personal data. By implementing decentralized web services, users can regain control over their private information, which currently, is monopolized by large internet corporations. This possibility lays the groundwork for a future where privacy is respected and ensured.

Prospects for Internet Computer extend past user empowerment, as the platform also enables developers to create software on a public blockchain. This capability paves the way for greater accessibility and freedom in development, leading to a future where apps and services can be built and maintained on public software. This not only opens doors for innovation from independent developers but also fosters a shared codebase for the public to learn from and build upon.

To sum it up, the ambitious outlook of Internet Computer holds significant promise for the development of varied sectors, leading the way for a decentralized and democratized internet. Yet, while these prospects seem extraordinary, they also bring challenges that need to be addressed – everything from ensuring platform security to questions of scalability. Thus, the true growth and impact of IC remain to be seen in how it manages to overcome such challenges.