ANKR: A Platform for Decentralized Blockchain Infrastructure and Web Services

Modified on Sat, 22 Feb at 11:06 AM

ANKR: Everything You Need to Know

ANKR is a cryptocurrency that aims to democratize the Internet by providing decentralized blockchain infrastructure and web services. ANKR enables anyone to access and use various blockchain networks and decentralized applications (DApps) without having to install or run any software on their devices. ANKR also allows anyone to monetize their idle computing resources by hosting nodes and providing services for DApps and blockchains.

ANKR was launched in 2017 by a team of former Amazon Web Services engineers who wanted to create a more efficient and scalable way of utilizing cloud computing resources. ANKR operates an array of nodes that are globally distributed across over 50 proof-of-stake networks, such as Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polkadot, and Solana. These nodes help drive the growth of the crypto economy while powering a full suite of multi-chain tools for Web3 users:

ANKR API: ANKR provides comprehensive blockchain developer solutions, including traditional APIs, a decentralized multi-chain network of public RPC nodes used to access blockchain data and execute code, and tools like ANKR Scan to view on-chain information across blockchains.

ANKR Staking: ANKR makes staking, liquid staking, and other yield-earning opportunities easy and accessible to any crypto investor. ANKR creates the most scalable and decentralized staking infrastructure solution that aims to solve the capital inefficiency of proof-of-stake networks and similar blockchain consensus mechanisms.

ANKR AppChain: ANKR allows anyone to launch their own blockchain with customized features and parameters. ANKR AppChain is a tailor-made solution for DApps that need high performance, low cost, and interoperability with other blockchains.


How does ANKR work?

ANKR works as a platform that connects users, developers, and providers of blockchain infrastructure and web services. ANKR uses a three-layer architecture that consists of:

Service Layer: This layer provides various services for users and developers, such as APIs, staking, AppChain, etc. These services are powered by the underlying node infrastructure and paid for by the native utility token, ANKR.

Node Layer: This layer consists of the nodes that run various blockchain protocols and DApps. These nodes are hosted by providers who offer their computing resources in exchange for ANKR tokens. The node layer ensures that the service layer is reliable, secure, and scalable.

Protocol Layer: This layer defines the rules and functions of the ANKR network, such as how nodes are registered, verified, rewarded, etc. The protocol layer also enables the governance of the network by allowing token holders to vote on proposals or submit their own proposals.


Who is the team behind ANKR?

ANKR was founded by Chandler Song and Ryan Fang, both of whom are experienced contract coders. The two first started working on the project in December 2016 at the University of California, Berkeley after being early participants in the Blockchain at Berkeley program. Chandler was working as an engineer at Amazon Web Services at the time where he met Stanley Wu, the third co-founder. Together, they took on a mission to build the most decentralized and scalable Web3 infrastructure possible.

The ANKR team consists of various developers, designers, researchers, marketers, and community managers who work on different aspects of the project. Some of the notable members of the team include:

Lucie Sasnikova: The marketing specialist and spokesperson for ANKR. She is responsible for communicating with the media and the public about the project’s vision and updates.

Marco Peereboom: The new systems development lead and co-founder of Company 0, a software development company that specializes in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. He is also one of the former Bitcoin developers who joined Song and Fang’s team to create ANKR.

Jonathan Zeppettini: The international operations lead and co-founder of Decred Holdings Group, a company that provides consulting and advisory services for blockchain projects. He is also one of the advisors and supporters of ANKR.

Eric Meltzer: The co-founder and partner of Primitive Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in blockchain and crypto projects. He is also one of the early investors and backers of ANKR.

What are the use cases for ANKR?

ANKR can be used for various purposes, such as:


Infrastructure platform: ANKR can be used as an infrastructure platform that allows users to access and use various blockchain networks and DApps without having to install or run any software on their devices. ANKR also allows users to host nodes and provide services for DApps and blockchains in exchange for ANKR tokens.

Development platform: ANKR can be used as a development platform that allows developers to create DApps using various blockchain protocols and frameworks. ANKR provides comprehensive developer solutions, such as APIs, RPC nodes, AppChain, etc., that enable faster, easier, and cheaper development.

Ecosystem platform: ANKR can be used as an ecosystem platform that provides an environment and marketplace for DApp developers and node providers, who can offer their services and products to users in exchange for ANKR tokens. ANKR also provides various tools and resources for DApp development, such as NFTs, portfolio trackers, and analytics tools.


Conclusion

ANKR is a cryptocurrency that aims to democratize the Internet by providing decentralized blockchain infrastructure and web services. ANKR enables anyone to access and use various blockchain networks and DApps without having to install or run any software on their devices. ANKR also allows anyone to monetize their idle computing resources by hosting nodes and providing services for DApps and blockchains. The ANKR network is powered by a token called ANKR, which is used to pay for services and to reward providers and developers.


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