Ankr (ANKR) is a decentralized blockchain infrastructure provider that operates a global network of nodes across more than 50 Proof-of-Stake networks. This infrastructure is designed to foster the growth of the crypto economy and power a suite of multi-chain tools for Web3 users. Ankr provides a variety of services, including blockchain developer solutions and staking services, along with educational resources for blockchain users and developers. The ANKR token is the native utility token of the Ankr network, used for transactions, payments for services, and platform governance.

Ankr operates by providing a decentralized network of public RPC nodes that developers can use to access blockchain data and execute code. Users can stake their ANKR tokens to validator nodes, contributing to the network's security and receiving compensation in the process. Ankr also uses a reputation-based system to ensure the quality of the network and remove bad actors. The network employs a Native Oracle System (NOS) for secure and authenticated transfer of data between on-chain smart contracts and off-chain data. Ankr's infrastructure aims to allow decentralized applications (DApps) and blockchains to run and communicate seamlessly, with the intention of enhancing the functionality and interoperability of the Web3 ecosystem.

Ankr's infrastructure has a wide range of potential use cases. It can be used by developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (DApps) on various blockchains, providing them with access to blockchain data and execution capabilities. Ankr's staking services provide users with an opportunity to receive compensation by staking their ANKR tokens. The platform also provides educational resources, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to learn more about blockchain technology and its applications. Furthermore, the ANKR token can be used for transactions, payments for services, and platform governance, making it integral to the operation and management of the Ankr network.

Ankr was founded in 2017 by Chandler Song and Ryan Fang, both laureates of Forbes 30 Under 30, shortly after they graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. They were early participants in the Blockchain at Berkeley program. Chandler, who was working as an engineer at Amazon Web Services at the time, met Stanley Wu, the third co-founder, and together they embarked on a mission to build a decentralized and scalable Web3 infrastructure. Since its inception, Ankr has grown to operate a global network of nodes across more than 50 Proof-of-Stake networks, providing a suite of multi-chain tools for Web3 users and developers.

Ankr operates as a decentralized Web3 infrastructure provider, acting as a bridge that connects various blockchain ecosystems. It aims to simplify the process of setting up and running blockchain nodes, which can be complex and resource-intensive. Ankr's APIs and RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls) strive to act as intermediaries, allowing developers to directly interact with blockchains without the need to run their own node. Ankr also offers a built-in DeFi platform, Ankr Earn, where users may stake their tokens to receive non-monetary rewards, thereby contributing to the Ankr ecosystem. Ankr caters to businesses and organizations seeking custom blockchain solutions, providing infrastructure and support for integrating Web3 functionalities into their operations. Ankr utilizes blockchain technology to create a decentralized network of computing resources. This means that instead of relying on a few centralized data centers, ANKR users can tap into a global network of nodes. Ankr encourages individuals and organizations to contribute their computing power to the network. Users who stake their ANKR tokens may receive non-financial incentives, contributing to the network's growth.

Unlike traditional cloud providers that are centralized, Ankr's infrastructure provides flexibility and security. It utilizes idle computing power from network participants to create a distributed cloud network. This approach is designed with the intention of facilitating access to reliable and high-performance computing resources. Ankr uses blockchain technology to ensure transparency and immutability on all its services, thus aiming to give users greater control over their data. Ankr's infrastructure-as-a-service approach allows developers to access nodes on-demand, which can be scaled up or down as needed. This approach is designed with the intention of facilitating transaction processing and optimizing resource usage, while avoiding network congestion issues commonly associated with other blockchains.

Ankr strives to reduce barriers to node deployment, facilitating individuals' participation in the nodal network of a blockchain. Ankr's nodal deployment services can also be beneficial for Web3 organizations intending to initiate a platform or product that might operate on a specific blockchain, or develop programs that require access to multiple blockchain networks concurrently. Ankr's distributed computing platform utilizes its native ANKR token, which is employed for accessing services and participating in Ankr’s nodal network. Ankr provides tools that aim to streamline the process of establishing a developer node, enabling users to deploy a developer node and commence work on projects. Ankr users can utilize APIs that interact with various blockchain networks, each with its own functionality.

Ankr allows users to run multiple full nodes from different blockchains simultaneously, whether they're staking nodes or developer nodes. Ankr users can deploy dedicated validator and developer nodes, access application programming interface (API) endpoints, and participate in staking on various networks including Ethereum 2.0 (Eth2), aiming to accommodate more networks in the future. The platform supports both Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, contributing to the decentralized web ecosystem. Web3 organizations may find Ankr's nodal deployment services useful when looking to spin up a platform or product that may operate on a particular blockchain, or develop programs that require access to multiple blockchain networks concurrently.

Ankr allows users to deploy nodes on the Ankr Network and receive ANKR tokens, the platform's native utility and governance token. Node providers may receive these tokens as non-monetary rewards for serving requests from the Ankr Network. Ankr also provides flexibility in deploying nodes, allowing users to opt in or out of serving traffic at any time to fit their needs. This eliminates the need for contracts or one-size-fits-all service plans. Ankr gives node providers control over their infrastructure. They can vote with their earned ANKR tokens to influence the network's service to their needs. Ankr intends to provide access to node infrastructure on multiple blockchains, with the goal of saving users time. Ankr also strives to enhance security and uptime. If your nodes experience an outage, Ankr's intelligent load-balancer will redirect your traffic and ensure you stay connected.

Ankr addresses scalability and reliability concerns in its infrastructure by implementing a unique technology stack that includes hardware-based node hosting, distributed storage solutions, and developer tools. This infrastructure-as-a-service approach allows developers to access optimized nodes on-demand, which can be adjusted as needed. This means that users may experience optimized transaction processing times while optimizing resource usage and avoiding network congestion issues commonly associated with other blockchains. Ankr's DevOps team operates around the clock, deploying any necessary system updates, ensuring that both Ankr's services and the blockchains they are essential to maintain operational integrity. Ankr uses the Ethereum blockchain technology to aim for transparency and immutability on all its services, thus users have the ability to manage their data.

The ANKR token is a component of the Ankr ecosystem, serving multiple functions that facilitate the network's operations and growth. Primarily, ANKR is used as a method for accessing Ankr's global network of full nodes running on various blockchains. Developers and decentralized applications (dApps) use ANKR tokens to establish connections to these blockchains. This enables them to retrieve necessary data for tasks such as populating wallet balances, verifying ownership, or executing transactions. ANKR tokens are also used in the Ankr Network's staking mechanism. Token holders can stake their ANKR tokens to full nodes, contributing to the network's security and receiving a portion of the non-financial incentives. The ANKR token also has a role within the Ankr Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). This gives token holders voting rights on proposals that influence the platform's future, allowing users to have a say in the network's direction and development.