Request Network Project Update (June 22nd, 2018) — ERC20 support, Beta test the Crowdfunding app, Update on the protocol development

The Request Network Foundation promotes the adoption of blockchain by providing a protocol which allows everyone to develop their own financial solutions based on the Request Network technology. The Foundation establishes a standard for blockchain transactions, shaping the future of payments (i.e. invoices, loans, payments, salary, donations) and their compliance for accounting, tax and audit integration.

In this blogpost we update you about:

• Integration of ERC20 tokens on our app
• Beta test the Crowdfunding app
• Update on the protocol development
• Hire of blockchain developers

ERC20 support on app.request.network

It is now possible to send payment requests on app.request.network with the following ERC20 tokens:

• REQ
• KNC
• DGX
• DAI
• OMG

We are currently working hard to make BTC payment requests available on app.request.network.

Beta test the Crowdfunding app

We’re happy to release a test version of our crowdfunding application today!

This dApp provides an easy way to raise funds and/or donations in cryptocurrency (full explanation on this update). This version allows fundraisers to:

• Set up a crowdfunding campaign.
• Raise funds with cryptocurrencies.
• Get paid on any ETH address.

The first released version only supports ETH, and will support more cryptocurrencies in a near future.

In order to test the app and get feedback, we’re looking for beta-testers before the full release to everyone.The feedback from real users is the most important thing we can get to build an app corresponding to real business needs.

If you’re interested in testing the crowdfunding dApp as a first beta-tester, please contact us at crowdfunding@request.network !

Update on the protocol development: investigating scalability via our own blockchain, making progress on encryption, extensions, and the Request Explorer

• Scaling solution: Implementation of a proof of concept for the Request protocol as its own blockchain, based on Tendermint. Among other advantages, having our own blockchain will make the protocol cheaper to use.
• Data encryption: First version of specifications for the privacy options of requests. These specifications have been used and are partly implemented in the tendermint PoC. They cover encryption of amounts, addresses and data on different levels, in a way that the protocol can be used by highly privacy sensitive organization like businesses but also by organization seeking transparency.
• Extensibility: As we described in the whitepaper, the Request protocol is meant to be extendable. Extensions like escrow, taxes, late payment fees, continuous payments can be plugged into the request protocol. To accept extensions on the protocol, the architecture of the smart contract has been improved, also bringing clearer architecture. This will help new developers, either joining the foundation or integrating their favorite currency into Request Network. Along the re-architecture of the smart contracts and the development of an extensibility system, we’re working on basic extensions.
• Request explorer: The request explorer will be an online dashboard to explore the protocol, payment requests, amounts, currencies, etc. First version of specifications finished, development has started.

Hiring blockchain devs

To increase the release speed of new features and aim at higher targets, we’re expanding the team working on the protocol. We’re looking for two talented developers who are passionate about blockchain and want to be part of an ambitious project to reinvent the financial world. The scope of the positions is broad in term of technologies and responsibilities. Refer to the job offers for more details, and send it to your most talented developer friends!

How do I integrate with Request?

You’re new to Request and want to integrate it in your application?

• Find everything you need to get started at the official documentation page.
• Join the movement of decentralized builder & workers by joining the Request Hub, where you can talk to other community members that can help and support you with the development of your project.
• Sign up for the Request Fund to help finance your projects
• Get in touch with us for feedback, advice or help on Reddit, Slack or Telegram!