Web3 or Web 3.0 refers to the newest layer of the World Wide Web, which focuses on blockchain technology, digital assets, and decentralization. Web3 does not have a universal definition due to the evolving technologies surrounding the concept and the integration of several factors. However, decentralization, blockchain technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for promoting adaptive and intelligent applications are some of the identifying characteristics of Web 3.0. Decentralization is among the primary elements of Web3, which emphasizes a peer-to-peer or distributed internet infrastructure rather than centralized web or data hosting services. The lack of security and trust in traditional network hosting and maintenance services significantly increased interest in decentralized frameworks like distributed ledgers and identifiers.
Decentralized web services (DWS) encompass an infrastructure where users can run applications or projects connected to a decentralized network of global servers rather than relying on centralized hosting services. The primary concept or rationale behind DWS in Web3 is that multiple people control and manage the web rather than a single person or organization holding storage and access rights. Many companies promote DWS and Web3 for scalability, user privacy, and increased data security while minimizing the influence of large service providers. Ankr is among the companies promoting easy access to Web3 while increasing blockchain infrastructure efficiency. The company introduced its decentralized web and computing services in 2021 to support the growth of Web3 and improve user access to Web3 applications.
Ankr is a Web3 and blockchain technology company offering several products and services for the decentralized infrastructure of Web3. The company provides remote procedure call (RPC) services, advanced software development kits (SDKs), application programming interfaces (APIs), application-specific blockchains, enterprise solutions, and other products revolving around decentralized applications. Ankr helps promote decentralization by offering numerous services for developing Web3 apps, such as finance, social media, and gaming. Chandler Song, Ryan Fang, and Stanley Wu co-founded the California-based company in 2017 to promote the development of Web3 programs and applications.
The company began operations in 2017, enabling users to connect to and utilize their blockchain servers to power their Web3 applications. However, Ankr has now expanded its operations to supply servers globally and increased the workforce to 100 employees. The firm kept broadening its operations and scope of service while enabling users to access data from dozens of blockchains via its decentralized network (Ankr Network). The company also developed its cryptocurrency, called ANKR token, while offering it as a payment method across the Ankr platform. Ankr offers application program interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) for the Web3 environment. The company also provides liquid staking, Web3 game development kits, Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs), and application-specific blockchain creation.
Ankr launched the Ankr Network portal to promote Web3 development by connecting developers and decentralized apps with a global network of blockchain nodes operated by multiple parties. A $10 million grant accompanied the launch, pledging resources to Web3 education and development. The Ankr Network nodes power various services available on Ankr, such as APIs, RPCs, staking solutions, and deploying full or validator nodes for users and networks. The node staking infrastructure totals over $500 million in locked value. Ankr also serves dozens of blockchains while providing endpoints to over 40,000 developers and processing over $1 billion in crypto transactions monthly.
The Ankr Network will utilize the same principle as the cloud computing platform but with a focus and emphasis on Web3's principle of decentralization. The platform effectively empowers service providers to access storage, databases, nodes, and other blockchain application services. The open marketplace also allows node providers to scale and monetize their infrastructure and operations using the ANKR token. Ankr Network encourages the development of a distributed node-provider global network mimicking a high-performance global supercomputer.
The Ankr Network supports all prominent blockchains, including Binance Smart Chain, Ethereum, Polkadot, Solana, and others. The node network supports Ankr's public RPC, allowing users to create performant DApps and protocols involving multi-chain interactions and data. The Ankr Network platform and infrastructure benefit several projects, including Zapper Fi, Andrew Cronje's NFTs marketplace, Artion on Fantom, and Spirit Swap. The Ankr Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) will begin to transfer control of the Ankr Network platform to the community by developing an open governance model. The decentralized and democratic platform will empower users while promoting Web3 applications and development. The Ankr Network will significantly improve and encourage applications and services on Web3 by offering an open and decentralized infrastructure framework.
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