Blocknet (sometimes referred to as Block) is a decentralized, platform-as-a-service protocol that connects the nodes of different blockchains. As you probably know, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of blockchains that currently exist, and this number is showing no signs of slowing down its growth anytime soon. Many of these chains, though, are unable to communicate and interact with each other, creating small groups of siloed ecosystems. And, the inability of these groups to work together is holding back the entire blockchain industry. To solve this problem, Blocknet is working to make blockchains interoperable, mobile, and modular. This enables different chains to provide microservices to each other in a peer-to-peer fashion at higher security, faster speeds, and more efficient scalability than today’s current options. Blocknet is aiming to be the “Internet of Blockchains” through inter-blockchain connective services. Simply put, Blocknet enables you to develop on one blockchain, Ethereum for example, but access the functionality of other chains, like NEO. The team is building the infrastructure using three core components that work together to provide three primary services for these inter-chain decentralized applications (dapps). The XBridge, a blockchain router, is the backbone of the Blocknet platform. It’s the first peer-to-peer protocol to connect nodes on different blockchains, allowing them to communicate with one another. Using the XBridge, you’ll not only be able to perform cross-chain atomic swaps, but you’ll also be able to transfer additional data and execute smart contracts across chains. Blocknet uses a Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm with three types of nodes to maintain the network. Service nodes collect and distribute trade fees on the platform as well as prevent spamming and DDoS attacks. To run a service node, you need to hold at least 5,000 BLOCK and keep your node computer running at all times. The Blocknet team recommends that, if you plan to run a service node, you should also run multiple full node wallets of whichever coins you want to support. This maximizes the trading fees you receive. Staking nodes confirm network transactions. When running a staking node, you’ll receive 9-14% annual returns from block rewards as well as a portion of the trading fees. There’s no minimum BLOCK amount you need to keep in your wallet to receive these, but you need to keep the wallet running at all times. There’s limited information available on the Blocknet team. Dan Metcalf and Arlyn Culwick founded Blocknet in 2014 as a fork of PIVX. According to his LinkedIn page, Metcalf was a Bitcoin developer for 5 years as well as a Senior DevOps Engineer at Philips. Outside of Blocknet, Culwick is also the PR and Media Liaison for XCurrency. Blocknet launched the service nodes on their main net in September 2017, and on March 1st, 2018, the team will release the beta version of the DEX. The project has also partnered with the 0x protocol to add ERC20 token support on the platform. Blocknet is connecting the isolated blockchain systems that currently exist to create one, cohesive ecosystem. Through the platform’s XBridge, the team is building a blockchain Internet in which you can build dapps that utilize features from several different chains. Starting with a DEX, the project has a lot on its roadmap including a service delivery system for blockchains to provide and receive payment for providing functionality to other chains. This is a complex project, but Blocknet already has the partnerships in place (0x, Poloniex) to see it through to the end. Blocknet consists of the following coins: XCurrency, Stealth, SonicScrewdriver, Fibre, Librexcoin, APEXcoin, BitSwift, XCash, UtilityCoin
Friendz is a digital marketing company whose main goal is to connect brands with their target audience, taking advantage of the most powerful marketing tool ever: “word of mouth”. When we look at what the future holds for us we see global expansion, larger communities of users, more services provided and happier clients. All this made possible by the use of the blockchain technology and the adoption of Friendz Coins, the new standard currency for buying digital services and activate community of engaged users all around the world. Friendz has been actively present in the market since 2016. As of year 2018, we have offered services to more than 200 brands. Our team is composed of 35 people, with different backgrounds and skills, operating in our offices in Switzerland, Italy and Spain. Friendz app boasts over 200,000 organic users who have published well over 3,000,000 pictures in the last two years. In 2016 Friendz received €500,000 worth of financing from Triboo Group, a public company and important player in the digital marketing industry, enabling it to hit the market and create its network. At the end of 2017 revenues amounted to € 1,200,000. Roadmap 1. We plan to use blockchain technology to provide an even safer and reliable experience to our clients. Through the use of a decentralized blockchain technology that the safe transfer of funds and the completion of services will be certified. Friendz platform will become even safer and more advanced technologically thereby protecting the interest of our community and clients worldwide. 2. We plan to decentralize the digital advertising business, creating a traceable single tool that can be adopted globally to activate users and involve them in the creation of advertising campaigns. We are planning to introduce a transparent system that will track the flow of marketing spending on Friendz platform, in a totally revolutional way to digital advertising. The use of Friendz Coins will in fact provide brands with the opportunity to spread their advertising messages and to reach the friends of Friendz users in a genuine and creative way. Users will be rewarded for being active and will use the reward to purchase other services from Friendz. 3. In the long term we want to provide every online activity-as-a-service, in and beyond the world of digital marketing. The idea is to develop a platform where companies can activate large communities of users to perform various activities that will enhance their brands. Our plan is to maintain a focus on digital advertising but with an open eye on new markets and opportunities. Friendz platform will be available to any company that requires services such as validation systems, quick content generation, bug testing, market research and app review. Our clients will not only be B2C companies, but also B2B, and those coming from the blockchain industry, all with the common goal of reaching the final users. The automation of all activities will ensure that Friendz’s role becomes that of merely guaranteeing community participation and engagement in the activities proposed.