I’ve recently come across a project I would like to share with everyone today. Surprisingly despite its very solid credentials and success so far, the project has somewhat flown under the radar among the flood waves of recent ICO’s.

ælf describes itself as a multi-chain parallel computing network blockchain framework. This applies to the major role ælf intends to play in the future of the blockchain sphere through predominantly performing multiple transaction requests simultaneously. ælf arrives at a time when the numbers of blockchain applications are increasing with minimal impact beyond the blockchain platforms and community.

In as much as applications of blockchain are continuing to increase, the rate is underwhelming compared to the high and somewhat unrealistic expectations the blockchain industry had initially hoped for this technology.

Blockchain Maturity Still Awaits 💭

Blockchain applications, for all the progress and developments made so far, are still substantially way behind true mainstream adoption by industries. Some of the concerns are genuine; raising the question as to how such a high-level technology could truly be able to have the desired impact. For example, blockchain may not necessarily improve all areas where to which it is applied, in fact, in some cases; blockchain may end up adding more complexity to already existing complicated systems.

Facts such as this can be attributed to the technology still in use by some of the major blockchain protocols known such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Their operation is restricted as a result of the weaknesses in their architecture.

Decentralized applications built on top of protocols like Ethereum, therefore, may find it difficult to achieve their original objectives while they continue to operate on the protocol. Delays are frequent, especially where a DApp has a sudden influx of popularity as seen with CryptoKitties, or when a new project has a unique underlying structure causing the network to be massively congested, most recently experienced upon FCoin’s release. Both of these projects for their own individual reasons caused major delays within the Ethereum network and as a result, great inconvenience for other users.

The underlying problem is the inability of existing blockchain protocols to adapt efficiently to the demands of its network. Current protocols are created such that traffic experienced by one DApp will affect the entire network including other DApp’s built on top of this protocol. When coupled up with the inability to scale efficiently, blockchain greatly suffers, as it diverts to becoming increasingly complex and a source of delays instead of the ideal innovate solution as originally described.

Misplaced Priorities ❗

The inherent weaknesses of many blockchain protocols are well versed. Developers have been continually working on applying significant upgrades to the general architecture of existing and upcoming blockchains. However, it can be argued that a lot of the developments have inadequate guidance in terms of what the market requires and for scalable solutions. Lately, there has been some excitement about the release of improved protocols ushering the 4.0 blockchain era which is set to improve greatly on scalability.

These are just general solutions to a more complex problem, which is creating a blockchain that can adapt based on its demand or creating blockchains that will exclusively serve a particular sector.

The existing ideas to evolve blockchain released so far all have their positives; however, there is still a desire for a robust and truly uniform platform which can handle the desired requests without compromising any aspects of its structure. This is where ælf plans on realizing the previous statement by becoming a customizable operating system specifically for blockchains.

Adaptability is Key ⚖

Not only are ælf making their blockchain like an operating system but also making it highly customizable which will make it more practical in the technological and economic space during this highly innovative period. The improvements that are currently on-going in other blockchains will also be implemented into the system, especially those that influence the performance and practicality of blockchain in the real world.

ælf describes itself as ‘a multi-chain parallel computing blockchain network’, such users can denote ælf as a program running multiple transactions or instructions concurrently. When combined with ælf’s set-up of becoming a highly adaptable operating system, their aim of being a project with true synergy and scalability will be translated from their architecture. The usability of a highly adaptable platform is extensive, covering a wide variety of areas where one may consider applying blockchain technology.

Different systems have different requirements based on the type of transactions that take place within these systems. For example, when it comes to banking- security and privacy are the key aspects that all software has to take care of. The same is required of blockchain based software. With security, the speed of transaction may be compromised to safeguard the safety and privacy of transactions.

However, the speeds still have to be fast enough to provide efficiency. The gaming industry requires a different set of requirements where the speed of transaction may be preferred over security. Such intricate details are what ælf is planning a high-level execution of.

ælf will be making their platform more adaptable by using a multi-chain set-up such that there is a main chain that can also support other side chains depending on the level of demand on the network. Each chain is highly specialized in serving a specific type of smart contract. So, for services such as banking and fintech, there can be different side chains based on the nature of the transactions. The main chain can be used solely for Bitcoin transactions while the other side chains can serve transactions in fiat.

This separation and distinction in the type of work executed translate to ælf becoming more efficient in that it has a dedicated segment for each type of transaction request received. Going back to the slowdown caused by CryptoKitties, ælf ensures that such delays are not possible; as if one DApp is experiencing large amounts of traffic, then its services are the only one that will be affected- leaving all other protocols to operate without harm.

Gaming, banking, fintech, streaming and even supply chain management are generally regarded as resource hungry operations which are likely to strain any blockchain protocols they exist on due to the expansive user base and services they are likely to implement. Such platforms can, therefore, be served efficiently by ælf as each section will have its own side chain which can also have its own sidechain to help improve the efficiency of services provided.

A Convenient Future ☀️

ælf presents itself as the Linux of blockchain. It can be adapted to any system depending on the specifics of that particular system. Considering the advantages of blockchain and the changes in technology that are required, ælf may actually help encourage the blockchain adoption process. Through its architecture ælf splits the division of labor thereby increasing its practicality and usability above the vast majority of existing blockchain platforms.

Disclaimer: Please only take this information as my OWN opinion and should not be regarded as financial advice in any situation. Please remember to DYOR before making any decisions 🤓

♂️ Hi, my name’s Sal.
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