In a game-changing revelation at Korean Blockchain Week, ConsenSys announces the impending launch of Decentralized Infura, poised to reshape Ethereum’s data landscape. The groundbreaking project is set to eliminate centralized vulnerabilities while catching the attention of significant Web2 cloud giants.
– Ethereum’s future takes an exciting turn as Decentralized Infura, a visionary project, emerges to redefine data accessibility. This initiative, spearheaded by ConsenSys, not only promises to revolutionize Ethereum’s data access but also garners significant interest from major Web2 cloud players.
Decentralized Infura’s Grand Vision
Decentralized Infura, set to launch within months, represents a monumental shift in managing Ethereum’s data services. It comprises Infura, a critical access point for countless Decentralized Applications (DApps) seeking real-time data from the Ethereum blockchain, alongside a decentralized marketplace hosting multiple global third-party data providers.
Enhanced Reliability
Central to this project is the elimination of the single point of failure inherent in centralized control. The vulnerabilities of centralized control became evident in November 2020 when Infura’s downtime disrupted the widely-used MetaMask wallet, impacting centralized exchanges and DeFi projects.
Infura also faced criticism for complying with U.S. sanctions against Tornado Cash, highlighting the challenges faced by this U.S.-based entity.
The Rise of the Decentralized Marketplace
Decentralized Infura’s roadmap includes the creation of a decentralized marketplace featuring up to five data providers capable of matching Infura’s functionality. Infura, once the hub, will transition into one of many providers within this extensive network.
Promising Censorship Resistance
This decentralization initiative ensures a more reliable and censorship-resistant Ethereum ecosystem. It addresses concerns tied to dependence on a single data provider entrenched within a specific jurisdiction.
Interest from Web2 and Web3 Giants
Simon Morris, Head of Strategy at ConsenSys, envisions a TCP IP-like architecture that defies easy regulation. While he confirmed intense interest from both native crypto companies and Web2 cloud giants like Google Cloud and AWS, ongoing negotiations remain unconfirmed.
The project unfolds in stages, with a federated phase aimed at troubleshooting and ensuring seamless operation under centralized control. The entity responsible for this phase, whether ConsenSys or another body, remains uncertain. The ultimate goal: transitioning into a permissionless marketplace of data providers, anticipated sometime in 2024.
Countering Monopolies
The decentralization of Infura’s blockchain data providers assumes paramount importance. Monopolies in this domain could be vulnerable to shutdown via a single court order. Governance for this decentralized version could be orchestrated by either a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or a foundation.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Ethereum
Decentralized Infura emerges as a beacon of hope, promising an Ethereum future where data flows freely and accessibility is unstoppable. This visionary project by ConsenSys not only ensures a more robust Ethereum but also tantalizes with the prospect of collaboration with Web2 giants, heralding a digital revolution of unprecedented scale.
