What is Band Protocol?

Band Protocol is a cross-chain data oracle platform that aims to connect real-world data and APIs to smart contracts. It intends to facilitate the exchange of information between on-chain and off-chain data sources, thereby unlocking a myriad of new use cases for developers. Band Protocol can incorporate any type of real-world data into decentralized application logic, including sports, weather, random numbers, price feed data, and more. The native token of the Band Protocol ecosystem, BAND, is used as collateral by validators involved in fulfilling data requests and as the main medium of exchange on BandChain.

How does Band Protocol work?

Band Protocol operates by supplying reputable, verifiable real-world data to blockchains. It initially launched as an ERC-20 project on the Ethereum blockchain in September 2019, but transitioned to the Cosmos network with the release of Band Protocol 2.0. The new protocol is built on BandChain using the Cosmos SDK. Oracle nodes on BandChain not only relay data but are also involved in block production/validation, giving them a dual role. Band Protocol aims to leverage Cosmos' still in-development Inter Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol to achieve its cross-chain data transfer.

What are the potential use cases for Band Protocol?

Band Protocol aims to unlock a range of new use cases for developers to explore. Developers can use any type of real-world data as part of their decentralized application logic, including sports, weather, random numbers, price feed data, and more. This flexibility allows for the creation of custom-made oracles using WebAssembly to connect smart contracts with traditional web APIs within minutes. Band Protocol's oracle design also allows anyone to start servicing data requests, offering extremely simple smart contract integration.

What is the history of Band Protocol?

Band Protocol was founded in 2017 by Soravis Srinawakoon, Paul Chonpimai, and Sorawit Suriyakarn. The platform is supported by major global investors, including Sequoia Capital, Dunamu & Partners, and Spartan Group. The Band Protocol LinkedIn page currently lists a total of 20 additional employees, most of whom are scattered throughout Asia, and include designers, developers, and engineers.