Where to Buy Internet Computer (ICP)?
ICP tokens are available on various cryptocurrency exchanges, making it accessible for investors and users. Some popular exchanges where you can buy ICP tokens include:
Introduction
The Internet Computer (ICP) is a groundbreaking protocol that adds autonomous serverless cloud functionality to the public internet. By utilizing canister software, an evolution of smart contracts, the Internet Computer enables the development of various systems and services on a decentralized network. This article provides an overview of the Internet Computer, its core features, and a step-by-step guide on how to purchase ICP tokens.
What is the Internet Computer?
The Internet Computer, powered by the ICP protocol, revolutionizes the way systems and services are built on the internet. Unlike traditional centralized networks, the Internet Computer allows the creation of Web3 services and enterprise systems directly on a public decentralized network. This decentralized approach offers several advantages:
Tamperproof: Canister software is inherently tamperproof, eliminating the need for additional firewall protection, and is immune to ransomware attacks due to its advanced mathematical design.
Autonomous: Canisters can be set to be unmodifiable, ensuring permanent logic on the network, or placed under the control of autonomous governance, empowering communities to manage Web3 services or securing enterprises.
Simplicity: Canister software simplifies the development and maintenance of online systems and services, driving cost savings and accelerating time-to-market for developers.
Sovereignty: By building on the Internet Computer network, enterprises, governments, and Web3 services can achieve true sovereignty, avoiding the vulnerabilities of centralized traditional IT systems.
Web3 + OIS: Canisters support powerful tokenization models that advance Web3, enabling the creation of “open internet services” (OISs) exclusively managed by their respective communities.
Next-gen AI: The Internet Computer is embracing Web3 “AI compute units,” allowing AI to run natively on the network, supporting native Web3 integrations and trustless combinations of models and data.
How is the Internet Computer Created by a Protocol?
The Internet Computer is brought to life through a sophisticated protocol involving three key components:
- Node Providers: Independent parties known as node providers operate standardized hardware devices called node machines. These machines run from various data centers, geographies, and jurisdictions worldwide. Node providers earn tokenized rewards, similar to ISPs and backbone providers operating routing devices to earn peering fees.
- Subnet Blockchains: The ICP protocols combine node machines into highly efficient subnet blockchains, providing hosting capacity for tamperproof canisters. The Network Nervous System, an automated governance system, instructs nodes to join or leave subnets, ensuring a permissionless and dynamic network.
- Canister Smart Contracts: Canisters are a new form of smart contracts running on the blockchain network. They are tamperproof, unstoppable, optionally autonomous, and capable of processing tokens. Canisters can interact with HTTP, serve user experiences, communicate with Web2, and natively interact with external blockchains. The scalability of canisters offers a compelling alternative to traditional centralized IT infrastructure.
Who Created the Internet Computer?
The DFINITY Foundation, headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, spearheaded the development of the Internet Computer blockchain. The foundation operates research and development centers in Switzerland and California, with remote teams worldwide. Having been founded in October 2016, the DFINITY Foundation had nearly 300 employees, mainly dedicated to research and development, by mid-2022. Among these staff members were distinguished cryptographers, computer science researchers, and engineers.
The foundation ran an early public ICO in February 2017 to raise funds for scaling out the project. Private fundraising rounds in 2018 garnered support from over 100 hedge funds and VCs, including prominent names like Andreessen Horowitz, contributing to the foundation’s growth.
Conclusion:
The Internet Computer is a revolutionary protocol that brings decentralized cloud functionality to the public internet. With tamperproof canisters, autonomous governance, and Web3 capabilities, the Internet Computer opens up a new world of possibilities for building robust and secure systems and services. To buy ICP tokens and be a part of this innovative ecosystem, interested individuals can explore reputable cryptocurrency exchanges offering ICP trading. Remember to conduct due diligence and follow best practices when engaging in cryptocurrency transactions.
