What is Aleph.im?

Aleph.im (ALEPH) is an open-source crosschain network that strives to provide decentralized database services, including file storage, computing, and a decentralized identity (DID) framework. The core mission of Aleph.im is to assist decentralized apps and protocols in achieving a fully decentralized architecture, akin to a decentralized version of AWS or Firebase. Aleph.im aims to enhance the DeFi ecosystem by providing key features such as security and advanced crypto-economics. It strives to be compatible with many blockchain projects including Ethereum, Polkadot, and Cosmos, allowing any project built on these platforms to integrate with Aleph.im's decentralized database and file storage.

How does Aleph.im work?

Aleph.im operates as a blend of onchain and offchain decentralized technologies. Its decentralized network is offchain but can only be interacted with through blockchain networks. Aleph.im manages transactions in a way that onchain transaction fees may be waived for users as long as web dapp teams cover the cost, similar to the business model of web2 where app owners pay cloud providers. Onchain transactions are batched, so fees are minimal. Aleph.im also provides delegated transactions, which are managed by the network, potentially reducing the need for users to manually resubmit a transaction or adjust its fee. Data on Aleph.im is private and encrypted by default, with the option to make data public.

What are the potential use cases for Aleph.im?

Aleph.im has potential use cases, particularly for decentralized apps. It provides a decentralized database and file storage system that can be integrated into any project built on compatible blockchain platforms. This allows for the creation of fully decentralized apps without the need for centralized components. Aleph.im also implements a channel mechanism allowing sharding, which can be thought of as dedicated cloud clusters. Some of the products already built on Aleph.im include a Staking DApp, Personal Storage DApp, and a Blogging DApp. The ALEPH token may serve as a staking token, reward token, and payment token within the Aleph.im ecosystem.

What is the history of Aleph.im?

Aleph.im was created in 2018 by Jonathan Schemoul, also known as Moshe Malawach. Based in France, Moshe has been programming since childhood and has developed enterprise software across finance, supply chain, and other major industries before entering the blockchain space. He became a key contributor in the NULS community, building the explorer and the Proof of Credit Mining (POCM) system among other things. Aleph.im did not hold an ICO. The initial minting process involved staking NULS tokens in the Proof of Credit Mining (POCM) platform, which rewarded stakers in ALEPH tokens. The total token supply was reduced by half in July 2020. Tokens currently in circulation may be used by stakers, node operators, liquidity providers, for marketing, and company usage.