Month: August 2018

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Asch

What is Asch?

Asch is a decentralized application platform that provides a number of API and SDK to assist developers to create DApps based on sidechain and JavaScript technology.

By offering a whole array of industry standard solutions, such as custom contracts, sidechains, and app hosting, it implies that Asch is an easy plug and play ecosystem that users can easily use in their organizations. Every node has the capability to download and execute the features provided by Asch.

Asch also features an open and fully decentralized cryptocurrency referred to as XAS. The cryptocurrency can interact with DApps in the ecosystem using a 2-way peg that bridges it to the respective organization. Its traditional web-like application makes more businesses and even individuals to easily implement in different scenarios.

The platform was founded early-2017 by a team of 13 developers, though their identity remains a concealed secret. However, as an open source platform, anybody is free to participate in advancing the core code. This opens its doors for investment, peer2peer payment, and even trading in the markets.

The price of XAS performed remarkably well especially between early 2017 and early 2018. In April 2017, the value of XAS was $0.02 before growing by about 8000% by the end of January 2018. However, the period between May and August 2018 saw a serious price dip from $1.2 to $0.2 in mid-August. Even with the price shifts, the market capitalization has been growing steadily and, experts have indicated it could grow and even rival Ethereum in the coming years.

What is the problem that Asch Solves?

The blockchains’ popularity has grown at a very fast rate since inception. In 2009, Bitcoin demonstrated that it was possible to run a completely decentralized currency model.

Even with the remarkable growth in the blockchain niche, there is a general consensus in the industry that respective technology has not advanced at the expected rate.

For people who want to craft their own blockchains, the process is very complex. It could take ages or even become completely impossible. This is why most of the cryptocurrencies are only replicas of those in existence with very slight variations.

The community argues that the difficulty in development can easily plunge the blockchain progress into the rocks;

  • The blockchain technology could stall over time.
  • Poor development progress could open gates to security threats in respective networks.
  • Failure to facilitate faster development in the niche could compromise the adoption of blockchain technology for more uses in the society.

How does Asch Solve the problem?

To address these issues, the Asch development team targeted creating a system that developers and businesses can rely on to rapidly craft new applications and even side chains. In the Asch white paper, the development team targets making the system a home for developers.

The developers’ work has been made easier with a huge margin. This was achieved through the platform architecture and features.

  • The application of Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS)

The consensus model employed at Asch is based on DPOS. This implies that only the delegates selected by the network’s nodes directly participate in voting and adding new blocks. To make the system even more effective, it is optimized using a variant algorithm of pBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance). Under the system, the loyal nodes can easily reach an agreement on any issue and reduce the need for forks. Under the system, no fork, in O(n^2) message complexity and O(1) time complexity when t < n/3. This means that no fork can take place unless more than 1/3 of the nodes agree to harm the network.

Under the DPoS system at Asch, the system comprises of 101 delegates. All the nodes with a stake in the system are required to select the legates in the system. Then, the 101 delegates are directly involved in confirming the transactions on the Asch system. They mine new blocks on the DPoS network every six seconds. Note that for transactions to be confirmed, they have to undergo six confirmations before being considered safe.

  •   Use of sidechains and Decentralized applications

Asch platform has a tool that allows developers to craft sidechain systems. They are also capable of completely customizing the sidechains. This includes all the components of the side chains ranging from database, trading modes, account architecture, and consensus architecture. To make the development even easier, the Asch system allows developers to host the sidechains in the delegate nodes. The blockchain helps to progressively grow the networks for enhanced scalability without overloading the main chain.

Every individual DAPP in the Asch is related to a sidechain that is created using Nodejs. However, the User Interface can be programmed using most front-end technologies such as HTML, QT, and JavaScript. All that the DApp owners are required to have is an Asch account to help them sign into the platform just like the multi-signature wallets operate.

The sidechains have opened the Asch system to easy adoption in various settings. The ability to customize the sidechains implies that you can easily alter the cost of transactions to make your operations even cheaper than most networks. You can even create a completely new blockchain and run it like other cryptocurrencies in the market.

  •  The Sandbox

Every Asch node is allowed to host multiple sidechains installed over the main Asch chain. However, the nodes do not have to trust the developer. In order to achieve this advanced level of operation, the Asch crafted a security mechanism referred to as a sandbox. This was an ingenious model adopted to help prevent sidechains from stealing owner’s info and harming the server. It can be compared to the Ethereum Virtual Machine that helps programs to run without accessing each others’ info.

What makes Asch better than it’s competitors?

A closer look at the Asch whitepaper and design reveals it is a platform created not to directly compete with others, but help leverage the blockchain niche to another level. This implies that most of the aspects of Asch are a careful reflection of what other platforms have to offer and comprehensively building on them. Here are some of the main things that make it a better option in the crypto industry.

  • The network uses UTXO instead of account

In the common blockchain networks such as Bitcoin, the systems use accounts that save user balances. In this situation, the balance is dealt with by transition of the entire transaction system.

However, Asch utilizes UTXO (unspent transaction Outputs) that have own nominal prices and the transactions feature multiple inputs/outputs. Using UTXO implies that users have a higher level of privacy and guarantees greater transactional efficiency.

  • Asch employs a relational database model

Unlike most blockchains that employ lightweight non-relational databases, Asch has opted for the relational database model. The standard non-relational database such as LevelDB and Berkely DB only support simple data structures but cannot manipulate it via SQL. Now, Asch application of relational database is better for faster transaction processing, low cost of updating data, and complex queries.

  • The Asch employs side chains as opposed to the tuning-completeness scripting model

While many blockchain networks employ scripting engine that helps to transfer currency and even realizing smart contracts like arbitration and gambling, they come with serious limitations such as strict focus of length of scripts. In some cases, they only support a limited number of transactions such as in Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, Asch adopts sidechains that help to greatly improve on scalability. This is made possible because every side chain operates a separate distributed network of nodes. This means additional nodes, users, and even development teams can operate in the network.

How can Asch be categorized?

Asch can be categorized as one of the most user-friendly blockchain platform designed to help advance the blockchain network to the next level.

By simplifying the blockchain system, it implies that developers are now capable of rapidly crafting new applications templates and deploying them on the network.

  • Whether you are a new or veteran developer, the platform makes it very easy to work on new products by supporting standard programming languages.
  • The sidechains allow nodes/users to create networks for their systems. You can now easily come up with a sidechain to help manage the finances, business products, and other advanced applications.
  • If you want to craft a new blockchain, the bulk of the work has already been covered for you. Therefore, your dream of owning a blockchain can become true very easily.

What’s Asch’s vision on Security?

The main vision of Asch vision on security closely follows its core goal of simplifying blockchain network development. The founders’ vision is to provide blockchain users and developers with an easy to use and highly secure system for greater efficiency.

To achieve the vision on security, the Asch uses the Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS). This is embedded in the high-performance Byzantine fault tolerance algorithm that helps to make it very difficult to fork the network. This implies that as long as there are no more than 1/3 nodes trying to attack the network together, no fork can happen. This approach also reduces the risk of double spend. Other security measures to help the network achieve its security vision include;

  • Passphrase hint based the advanced BIP39 algorithm, multi-signature, and second secret.
  • The system adopts advanced encryption that makes it extra difficult for third parties. Even the delegates who confirm transactions can only follow the balance as opposed to pulling out individual users details.

Examples of Asch’s use cases / applications.

Asch, like other blockchain networks, can only be successful if more users take to its system. The good thing with Asch is that it has multiple applications in various industries. Here are some of the use cases of the Asch and its native cryptocurrency.

  • The general user use cases: The general users are considered the primary Asch parties. They are the people who have the access to the different platform wallets. The general users are allowed to carry multiple operations including sending value using the native tokens, block browsing, running inquiries, and voting using the platform’s consensus algorithm.
  • The platform trust: The trust or witnesses are the selected certifiers of the blockchain information. The witnesses are voted by the nodes in the system to run various operations on their behalf on the network. As a proof of stake platform, you can also become a delegate by holding more stakes and being active in the network.
  • Developers: Developers are free to create and submit DApps that operate on a peer2peer basis. Note that though the DApps are owned and applied by the creators, they are required to strictly adhere to the specifications of the Asch platform.
  • People targeting to create their own blockchains: As a platform for DApps development, it implies that Asch provides users with an opportunity to craft their own blockchains. They can even issue their own tokens and run a full platform plugged into the Asch ecosystem. It works like the Ethereum system.
  • The native currency, XAS is a great investment option: Have been looking forward to joining the cryptocurrency niche? The Asch native currency is a great option to hold your funds. Simply get the right wallet and buy the tokens equivalent of the funds to be stored. Indeed, you can even trade the tokens in the markets. Remember that XAS, like other cryptocurrencies, is subject to forces of the market such as the looming regulations and fast evolving competition.
  • Use XAS to pay for goods and services: Like BTC and ETH, you can also use XAS cryptocurrency to buy products and services. As more online, e-commerce, and online services come out to accept payment via digital assets, you will only need to have ample XAS to complete transactions.
  • Using XAS to pay for taxes: As more countries explore the regulation of application of digital assets in their jurisdictions, it is now emerging that you can even pay taxes using cryptocurrencies. In Arizona, the state parliament passed bill SB 1091 that allows users to make payment for their taxes with cryptocurrencies. Once the payment is effected, the department converts the coins to fiat and credits it to the respective payer’s tax account. Check your jurisdictions to establish whether you can also pay for government services with XAS.

https://coincheckup.com/coins/Asch

https://www.asch.io/

https://medium.com/aschplatform

http://asch-public.oss-cn-beijing.aliyuncs.com/asch.io/Asch-Whitepaper-en.pdf

http://docs.asch.mobi/help/

 

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Emercoin

What is Emercoin?

Emercoin is a cryptocurrency and a decentralized blockchain platform that offers its users with an opportunity to code programs and create app suites in a streamlined manner.

It employs a hybrid model of PoW (proof of work) and PoS (proof of stake) that helps to make the platform more secure and reliable.  Its unique design has resulted in fast adoption by the community and even top companies such as Amazon.

It was established in 2013 by Eugene Shumilov who also serves as the CEO of the development team. Eugene was helped by Olay Khovayko who serves as the company cryptographic master. Since its debut, Emercoin has stood out from its peers for making it easier to use native data organization for value-based assets without requiring a lot of space or complex coding.

The entire Emercoin system is based on the Emercoin blockchain that operates as a trust store of hash sums for the client SSL certificates.

Users are allowed to generate these certificates locally without going through a centralized authority. This has made Emercoin a reliable leader in secure and distributed blockchain based services around the globe.

The native token on the Emercoin network is emercoin (abbrev EMC). The coin is the primary payment currency on the platform. Since its inception, EMC has been doing rather well in the market. Between launch and mid-2018, the price of EMC grew with more than 49,000%.

What is the problem that Emercoin Solves?

If you take a closer look at the internet today, the primary method for authenticating clients in a server is a password. The principle behind this is that the user sets a secret password the first moment he visits a site and provides it to authenticate access in subsequent visits. It looks pretty straightforward. However, this model comes with numerous shortcomings.

  • Weak password: When you create a password, it is expected that you will create a strong password that cannot be easily cracked. However, most of the people end up crafting passwords that are weak and too easy to break.
  • Complex passwords: In order to stay away from weak passwords, most sites recommend that users select complex passwords. However, even the definition of a complex is still contested. For example, a password such as <MhfgRWRTFD65NJ57X67> will be referred to as weak because it does not include characters such as @_$^*~ and others.
  • The complexity of managing passwords: Because there is no method for standard passwords, creating a universal password generator for all sites is difficult. This has resulted in the emergence of many password keeper tools that have protected databases. In addition, a lot of websites require users to change their passwords. This raises numerous risk of forgetting the new passwords. Indeed, even writing them down also raises the additional risk of getting stolen by third-parties.
  • The need to use a unique password for every website: Every time you want to login into an online service, your password will be required. However, it is possible for the password to get intercepted in transit or even getting stolen through a hack. When such a password is used for multiple logins and even criminal activities, you will be required to remember where you logged into the system and at what time. This is a herculean task and many people rarely manage to remember.
  • Recovering passwords after a loss: Many are the people who have tried effortlessly to recover their passwords with no success. If the respective service had important information, it could have serious implications.

How does Emercoin solve the problem?

Though there are several methods of addressing the problem such as the RSA token and SSL-Certificate for browsers, it is the Emercoin model that has become the most effective. It is an emerging leader in secure, distributed blockchain enterprises.

The Emercoin technology employs a decentralized model which implies that it does not have group servers, OpenID, and TeddyID among others. This implies that your EMCSSL cannot suffer from problems such as system-wide service disruption caused by a malicious attack or technical failure.

What exactly is EMCSSL? EMCSSL is a form of access authentication based on both SSL-certificate and user authentication. It further provides the user with the secure encrypted channel of communicating with the respective server.

The client SSL-certificate can be reused in EMCSSL for authentication in many servers without compromising personal security. This implies you only need one certificate.

By combining the use of EMCSSL with blockchain technology, Emercoin has come up with some of the most innovative real-world solutions. The following are the main methods used by Emercoin to address the above issues.

1.   EmerDNS

If you are afraid that your site could get suspended, EmerDNS is a reliable option that guarantees you total freedom from censorship. Unlike the standard servers, only the record creator is allowed to modify the records. Because it is completely decentralized, EmerDNS sites easily resolve any issue with the assistance of browser extensions utilizing OpenNIC or proxies.

EmerDNS is a decentralized domain system that supports a full range of DNS records. If you want to retrieve the DNS records, it is easy and straightforward from an Emercoin wallet using an API such as JSON-RPC.

2. The EmerSSH

Do you utilize a server-based PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)? It is not uncommon to get the admin playing dirty. However, EmerSSH is completely safe. It allows users to acquire root certificate keys and decrypting the data they want to transmit. Note that EmerSSH can further be bridged with OpenSSH to provide users with additional flexibility to security.

EmerSSH is used for managing PKI as well as Facl (Access Control Lists) within the Emercoin blockchain. Like the EmerDNS, EmerSSH can also be bridged with OpenSSH for enhanced security and flexibility when you want to log to multiple servers.

With EmerSSH, users are allowed to manage their public keys through record modification in the Emercoin blockchain. Besides, admins can also set the system to manage user groups if the services have references so that they can create recursive authentication trees.

3.  EmerSSL

For people who are used to log in without passwords, they can be very expensive. This can get even worse if the certification authority gets compromised. Now, EmerSSL is a totally decentralized system that uses SSL certificates that clear the man in the middle and related attacks completely.

Consider it like a system of passwords authentication system that employs the Emercoin blockchain as a trusted store of all the SSL certificates. This implies that you can generate the certificates anytime without requiring a centralized authority.

4.  EmerDPO

EmerDPO is used in maintaining the digital proof of ownership in the Emercoin blockchain. This means that you can use it to authenticate both physical goods and digital services. After writing a new program, you can use EmerDPO to protect theft or counterfeiting.  With EmerDPO, no one will ever worry whether the item they are getting is genuine or not.

5.  ENUMER

This is a unique method of providing free VoIP services on the Emercoin network. The ENUMER to URI mapping helps to convert a phone number into an IP address so that VoIP and SIP Proxies gateways can use it directly.

What makes Emercoin better than it’s competitors?

Emercoin has won the hearts of the community and developers because of its unique design and current progress. Indeed, even large companies such as Microsoft have already found the huge potential in the Emercoin and forged partnerships. Here are the main things that make Emercoin better than its peers.

  • Emercoin employs a hybrid consensus model that combines Proof of Stake and Proof of Work algorithms. This implies that users are assured of getting the best of both sites. It also means that users are assured of lower power requirements and better system protection.
  • The Emercoin platform provides users with more functions compared to Bitcoin and other platforms that only allow sending and holding of native coins. However, Emercoin helps users to manage authentications, host websites, send value and even run ads among other functions.
  • The value of the ermercoin has been growing steadily. This is an indication that it could easily surpass even the large cryptocurrencies in the market. For example, between inception and mid-2018, the native coin’s price had grown by more than 49,000%.
  • Emercoin has demonstrated high stability since inception. Unlike other cryptocurrency networks that have stagnated for some time or fallen off the way, Emercoin development team has been very active in adding new products. This is why the network has been attracting all types of users.

How can Emercoin be categorized?

Emercoin is a truly decentralized and open-source platform designed to advance the blockchain technology by helping users take full control of their authentications.

By crafting a robust system for helping every person to easily secure passwords, manage authentications, and stay away from attacks, Emercoin has demonstrated that blockchain is the new technology that has a solution to all things affecting the community.

From advertising to protecting passwords, the blockchain has a better, reliable, and highly profitable option.

What’s Emercoin’s vision on Security?

Emercoin was created with a major goal of helping users authenticate their operations in online servers in a secure way. With the standard methods of using passwords in various services proving to be highly unreliable, the Emercoin has demonstrated its commitment to not only help users operate safely, but also give users absolute care over their authentication. Here are some of the methods used to enhance this security.

  • The EmerSSL system of decentralized authentication helps to clear the threat of man in the middle attacks.
  • Though Emercoin supports the use of Proof of Work (PoW) consensus algorithm, the main algorithm used to drive the platform is Proof of Stake. The two methods have helped to enhance even distribution of EMC tokens to reduce the danger of 51% attack.
  • Like other cryptocurrencies, Emercoin encrypts all data getting into its system. This implies that all the information about users, their passwords, certificates, and funds is encrypted to avoid intrusion and attack from third parties. Indeed, even the miners who help to confirm transactions on the network can only follow back to check the public address’s balance as opposed to details of the user.
  • The Emercoin’s system uses NVS logic that is not Turing-complete. This has made it more secure compared to smart contracts that are increasingly becoming the target of fraudsters.

Examples of Emercoin’s use cases / applications

The architecture of Emercoin was carefully thought about to provide multiple applications. They are mainly built on the system platform or its native tokens.

  • Protecting products and services from counterfeiting. Using EmerDPO, people can demonstrate that their services or products are genuine. This helps to clear the doubt of whether your products in the market are counterfeit or not.
  • Emercoin has been demonstrated to be the most effective method of managing online authentication. This means that you no longer have to worry that the password will be stolen or hacked. With the service such as EmerSSL, there is no need to worry about forgetting passwords.
  • The Emercoin native coin can be used for sending value. Like other cryptocurrencies, EMC is a fully decentralized coin and users can send value on a peer2peer basis. The only thing that the sender and recipient need is being on the Emercoin network.
  • Emercoin also offers EmerLNX, a peer2peer text-based ad system that operates on the per-click payment model. The system allows buyers to place their adverts and paying when visitors are referred to their website. Hosts can also display their services and pay based on the clients who click their services.
  • You can use EMC to make direct payments in stores for services and products. The development team has been fighting for space with other giants such as Bitcoin and Ripple to get accepted as a method of direct payment. Note that you only need to see the sign that a store accepts payment in EMC. However, you can also convert the coins and make payments even in stores that accept other cryptocurrencies.