nOS is a virtual operating system that introduces a new, decentralized internet. On this new internet user data is safe, and it only goes where the user wants it to go. nOS solves key issues surrounding dApp development, deployment, discovery, and interaction, allowing for true adoption of decentralized applications and blockchain technology. Because applications can choose to make their back-ends fully open-source and transparent, this new implementation of the World Wide Web is defined as the Open Internet. On nOS, applications and websites can be deployed in a completely open and decentralized manner by integrating smart contracts, client-side code, and public-key cryptography. Unlike server-side backend code, smart contracts can be open for all to read, allowing users to review how their data will be transmitted before any final commitments to action. Client-side code and other frontend materials can be distributed via nOS Filesystem, a decentralized file sharing protocol that allows for secure and transparent distribution of static files. By serving both backend logic and frontend material in an open-source, decentralized manner, true transparency between user and application can be achieved. dApps that are deployed to nOS can be accessed through nOS Client, a software solution for desktop and mobile that (among other features) introduces nOS Browser. nOS Browser functions as a web browser, with the added benefit that it integrates with the nOS Protocol, a blockchain-powered web protocol that facilitates secure and open accessibility of nOS dApps. The nOS Protocol resolves domain names that exist on nOS Name Service, a blockchain-powered decentralized implementation of a Domain Name Service, and allows for dApps to register domain names which are discoverable on nOS (e.g. mydapp.neo or my-dapp.eth). The dApp Gateway is a user-friendly dApp discovery platform (or “App Store”) where rankings are decided in a completely decentralized manner via Decentralized Authority. In order to achieve the features such as the ones described above, nOS is powered by the nOS Utility Token. The nOS Utility Token employs various staking and reward utilities which are intended for developers who wish to deploy and maintain dApps on nOS, and for end-users who wish to practice governance by Decentralized Authority. nOS eliminates the need for end-users to manually exchange crypto-currencies in order to make use of various dApps. By integrating crypto-currency exchange APIs, nOS Client automatically converts primary blockchain platform currencies (e.g. NEO/GAS for NEO, ETH for Ethereum) into the required amount of application tokens that are needed to make specific transactions or invocations.
The Skycoin Platform is the most advanced blockchain platform in the world. Developed by early contributors to both Bitcoin and Ethereum, Skycoin’s platform is completely secure, infinitely scalable, and ISP independent. It uses its own specific distributed consensus algorithm, called Obelisk, instead of other commonly used algorithms like proof of work (POW) and proof of stake (POS). Obelisk uses the concept of ‘web of trust dynamics’ which distributes influence over the network and makes consensus decisions depending upon the influence score of each node. Each node subscribes to a select number of other network nodes, and the density of a node’s network of subscribers determines its influence on the network. Skycoin is very fast. With transaction speeds close to 2 seconds and no transaction fees it can rival any other cryptocurrency on the market as a payment method. The transaction costs of Skycoin are covered by Coin Hours. This is value paid to Skycoin holders for each hour they hold a Skycoin. Skycoin is against charging transaction costs and mining incentives as it only drives up the costs of the network. The biggest benefit of Skycoin is that it is energy efficient due to the Web-of-Trust social proof. It can even run on a 30-watt cell phone processor making it great for mobile payments. Centralization becomes less of an issue when anyone can participate in the blockchain. Sia stores tiny pieces of your files on dozens of nodes across the globe. This eliminates any single point of failure and ensures highest possible uptime, on par with other cloud storage providers. A major goal of Skycoin is to promote actual usage of cryptocurrency rather than speculation. Skywire, the flagship application of Skycoin, has the ambitious goal of decentralizing the internet at the hardware level and is about to begin the testnet in April. However, this is just one of the many facets of the Skycoin ecosystem. Skywire will not only provide decentralized bandwidth but also storage and computation, completing the holy trinity of commodities essential for the new internet. Skycoin also has its own ICO platform called Fiber, their own deterministic programming language, CX, derived from Golang, a private decentralized messenger system called Sky-Messenger, and a decentralized social media platform, BBS. Here is another way to think of Skycoin: An open-source, community-owned, hardware-based peer to peer internet designed from first principles and leveraging the incentive system of the blockchain.