Introduction to IPDB
A technological paradigm shift is underway with the implementation of a truly interconnected and distributed global network. A truly distributed computational layer needs a backend to handle and store transaction data that is decentralised in terms of both governance and technical architecture.
In the current landscape, there are several data storage options. Each presents its own set of challenges for our use cases. Consortium ledgers are permissioned, and often specialised for specific use cases. Public blockchains such as Ethereum or Bitcoin can theoretically be used to store data. However, the application of database-style storage requirements onto public blockchains poses scalability issues for both costs and speed.
Other storage solutions such as IPFS are designed to be file systems, rather than database structures.
Too many decentralised projects currently store their data on a “filesystem” designed initially as an address and transport layer, which so happens to allow for file storage.
There is a critical need for a public, queryable, scalable and persistent storage infrastructure, which is a permission-less, decentralised content registry.
Such a registry requires further research from a technical, ethical and legal perspective and the Interplanetary Database Foundation (IPDB) is facilitating such research.
Vision:
To date, IPDB has done tremendous work building the crucial first steps. The legal groundwork for a technical infrastructure has been laid out for a functioning production network, and a test net is in place for research purposes. The implementation of that test network is currently in progress. We can adequately overcome legal, financial, and technical concerns about the IPDB network through a bifurcated approach.
On the technical side, research goals focus on developing a precise specification for transaction payloads to contain only hashed content. Because cryptographic hashing functions are deterministic, it would not be feasible to access hashed content without prior knowledge of the relevant nonce.
To manage liability issues, the Bundesblock is facilitating active discussions with the relevant German governmental entities and decision-makers. Equally INATBA facilitates similar discussions on the European level.
There already is a real interest in setting up IPDB as a research facility to explore decentralised networks based on a living network. The research goals cover legal challenges such as the handling of liability for node-hosting members if bad data is posted to the network.
Further readings:
IPDB Foundation Assumes Governance of BigchainDB Software and Testnet
#blockchain #governance
