What is Holo?

Holo (HOT) is a distributed platform for hosting decentralized applications (DApps) built using Holochain, a framework that does not require the use of blockchain technology. Holo serves as a bridge between the broader internet and apps built using Holochain, creating an ecosystem and marketplace where DApps are easily accessible. The Holo network is facilitated using a token called HoloFuel, which is designed to act as an accounting system to pay hosts for their services. In 2018, the project minted an ERC-20 token, HOT — also known as HoloToken — as an "IOU" that will be redeemable for HoloFuel upon launch.

How does Holo work?

Holo operates on a peer-to-peer network where hosts provide storage and processing power for DApps built using Holochain. Hosts either install software on their computer that runs in the background and automatically allocates extra processing power to Holochain-based DApps, or they operate a dedicated machine such as a HoloPort. In exchange for their services, hosts are paid in HoloFuel, a token specifically designed for microtransactions. The design of HoloFuel allows the Holo network to process a large number of simultaneous transactions.

What are the potential use cases for Holo?

Holo is designed to act as a bridge between Holochain, which represents the world of crypto technology, and everyday users. The project introduces several features that it says will "contribute to the landscape of crypto applications and currencies," including the ability to host P2P apps on the internet for mainstream users. The Holo network's business plan focuses on developing a P2P ecosystem of hosts and applications, with a potential impact on app hosting similar to that of other sharing economy platforms on their respective industries.

What is the history of Holo?

Holo was founded by Arthur Brock and Eric Harris-Braun, both of whom are experienced contract coders. The two first started working on the project in December 2016 as a part of the MetaCurrency Project, a developer of tools and technology designed to power a future P2P economy. Holo was partially modeled after Ceptr, a cooperative P2P framework for DApps that the two had previously worked on. Brock has prior experience coding alternative currency systems as the founder of Geek Gene, a company that developed community-building tools, including more than 100 alternative currency solutions. Harris-Braun started programming full time in 1988 and is the founder of Glass Bead Software, a developer of peer-to-peer communication software.