Welcome back to another edition of DevSpeak! In this series, we’re all about filling you in on the basics of terms you’ve probably heard tossed around in tech circles without fully understanding what they mean. Today, we’re diving into one that’s been around a while but is still causing its fair share of confusion – cloud computing!
Imagine you’re organizing a huge event. You could either buy everything yourself—chairs, tents, catering equipment—or you could rent all of these items for the day, using them only as long as you need, and then return them. This is more or less how cloud computing works for businesses and individuals in today’s world.
Cloud Computing, Defined
At its core, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services such as storage, processing power, databases, and software over a shared connection, often referred to as “the cloud.” Instead of owning physical hardware or software on your premises, you access and use these resources online, typically through a service provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud.
Think of cloud computing like using electricity. You don’t need to own a power plant to run your lights, fans, or electronic gadgets. You simply plug into an outlet and pay for the amount of electricity you consume. Similarly, cloud computing lets you “plug into” vast computational resources and only pay for what you use without owning any of the underlying infrastructure.
While this cloud connection typically happens over a standard internet connection, providers typically create permissioned and secure ways to access resources.
The Silver Linings of the Cloud
There’s lots of ways that the idea of the cloud has been amazingly beneficial in people’s lives. We often don’t even think about all the ways we interact with cloud services today, even though many things we do are facilitated by cloud computing under the hood.
Cost Efficiency
Using the cloud means you may not have to buy expensive hardware or software upfront.
Imagine a startup needing 100 powerful servers for just one week to run some tests. Buying 100 servers would be incredibly expensive, and those servers might sit unused afterward. Instead, they can rent these servers in the cloud for the short time they need them and save a lot of money.
Scalability
Let’s go back to our party example. Oh no! More guests showed up than expected! You’ll have to scramble for more chairs, tables, and food.
In traditional computing, if your website traffic unexpectedly spikes, you’d need to buy more servers – expensive and time consuming. With cloud computing, however, resources can scale automatically. If your needs grow, you can instantly be allocated more computing power or storage from the cloud. Similarly, if traffic drops, you only pay for the reduced amount of resources used without having bought extra servers you don’t need anymore.
Flexibility
When all the tools are yours, your flexibility is limited to your toolkit.
Cloud computing allows businesses to be flexible in how they use their resources. If your project requires more computational power for a short period, you can ramp up easily without complicated logistics. If you need less, you can scale back. No long-term commitments are required, and there are enough cloud providers out there that they have an interest in keeping their customers happy.
Accessibility
Physical servers are in a place, and setting up secure ways to access your resources anywhere you want is complicated and a potential security risk. The cloud is already set up for this.
The cloud allows you to access files and applications from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. No matter where you are, you can access the tools you need.
The Darker Side of the Cloud
While cloud computing has plenty of benefits, it’s not without its downsides.
Security and Privacy Concerns
When you rent something, you don’t have full control over it. You have to trust whoever does have full control over it.
When you store your data on someone else’s servers (in the cloud), there’s a risk of breaches or data leaks. While cloud service providers invest heavily in security, they can still be targeted by hackers. Not all cloud services are equal – look carefully at the ToS on a cloud provider and make sure you’re comfortable with the level of access they themselves have to your data.
Downtime and Outages
Back to the party example — delivery truck is stuck in traffic. Nothing you can do. You’ll have an event without seating for a while.
Even large cloud providers experience outages. If their systems go down, you could lose access to your tools and resources. It’s worth noting that they typically will know what they’re doing and work hard to fix problems. Being out of control can be hard, however, and with cloud services you’ll have to accept that there may occasionally be issues that are out of your hands.
Ongoing Costs
While renting might save you money upfront, long-term rental fees can add up. For some businesses, using the cloud can become more expensive over time than buying your own resources.
Cloud services do what they do because they’re trying to make money. Expanding your own infrastructure can save you money in the long run, so it’s important to make sure that cloud computing you use is mutually beneficial.
Vendor Lock-In
One more visit to the party example. Let’s say that delivery truck does show up, but they brought double the tables and no chairs! At this point, it’s tough to get another truck from another company out there without sending away the one that has the rest of your party supplies… even if minus chairs.
Switching between cloud providers isn’t always simple. Each provider has different systems, and moving your applications and data from one to another can be time-consuming and costly. It’s best to do research on any cloud provider you work with an ensure that you’re pretty likely to be happy with their service.
Parting the Clouds
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we think about accessing and using digital resources. By making powerful tools available over the internet, the cloud has changed the way both businesses and individuals interact with the digital world. However, like any technology, it comes with trade-offs – just because something can be handled on the cloud doesn’t mean it always should.
Much like renting versus owning, cloud computing allows companies and individuals to use what they need when they need it, without the hefty upfront cost. The functionality that these services have unlocked across the whole of the internet has opened up new ways to build, collaborate and navigate life.
That’s it for today, but we’ll be back soon with another DevSpeak!
TOKEN2049 Singapore, one of the most anticipated crypto events of the year, is taking place on September 18th and 19th, 2024. This prestigious gathering brings together the leading minds and companies in Web3 to discuss the future of the blockchain industry, and we’re thrilled to announce that key Gala team members will be there to represent our growing ecosystem!
What is TOKEN2049?
TOKEN2049 has earned its place as a premier event in the crypto calendar, held annually in Singapore and Dubai. This event serves as a global hub for blockchain enthusiasts, developers, investors, market makers and key industry leaders. TOKEN2049 shines a spotlight on the latest trends, technologies, and ideas in the Web3 space, creating unparalleled opportunities for networking and innovation.
With thousands of participants from across the globe, TOKEN2049 is a melting pot of ideas that are shaping the future of blockchain. Founders, entrepreneurs, investors and developers converge to exchange insights, form partnerships and explore the immense potential of decentralized technologies.
For Gala, TOKEN2049 is an exciting platform to showcase our vision for a decentralized future, one that goes far beyond gaming and entertainment. As we continue to evolve, the opportunities presented by TOKEN2049 couldn’t come at a better time.
Partnerships and Collaborations
In addition to giving us a chance to make plans and build with existing strategic partners, the event provides us with the perfect opportunity to explore new partnerships that align with our mission of empowering communities through blockchain. As the global Web3 industry rapidly expands, we’re looking forward to engaging with potential partners who share our vision and can bring fresh ideas to our growing ecosystem.
Expanding Our Mini-App Gaming Ecosystem
Our recent success with the Telegram Mini-App gaming ecosystem has opened doors for even more growth and collaboration. TOKEN2049 is the ideal venue to discuss how we can expand this ecosystem even further, offering more opportunities for developers and gamers to engage with Gala-powered experiences while collecting awesome rewards.
$TREZ and Potential Announcements
TOKEN2049 could also be the stage for an exciting announcement regarding $TREZ, our latest venture in the world of decentralized gaming and assets. Get ready for $TREZ to enter the wider crypto community, creating excitement and momentum for our newest projects.
What We Bring to the Table
At Gala, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of decentralization and community-driven innovation. Our presence at TOKEN2049 will focus on highlighting the capabilities of GalaChain, our Layer 1 blockchain designed to handle the high transaction volumes demanded by modern applications, especially gaming. GalaChain’s versatility, efficiency and low fees make it a cornerstone for scaling Web3 industries beyond entertainment, including healthcare, finance, supply chain management and more.
TOKEN2049 is the perfect platform to demonstrate how GalaChain, powered by multiple DePINs and our growing node ecosystem, is setting new standards for scalability and security in the blockchain space. We’re eager to connect with like-minded innovators who are ready to collaborate on this revolutionary journey.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for TOKEN2049, we’re energized by the possibilities this event will bring. The connections, ideas and partnerships formed here will shape the next steps in Gala’s evolution, pushing us closer to realizing our vision of a decentralized world powered by GalaChain.
Today we’re announcing a huge milestone in the evolution of GalaSwap, designed to revolutionize the way users and developers interact with GalaChain.
GalaSwap now empowers users to easily swap, create and manage GalaChain tokens through on-chain dApps without the need for a Gala account.
New Ways to Connect
GalaSwap is growing, and the broader Gala ecosystem is evolving toward greater decentralization than ever. This latest update has the potential to massively boost the GalaChain user base, opening access to the wallet features of GalaChain without requiring the creation of a Gala account.
Users can now create a GalaChain wallet and interact with GalaChain tokens using an existing Ethereum wallet, enabling a smoother experience that is more intuitive and less centralized.
For some time Gala has offered users the ability to connect an Ethereum wallet to their account, simplifying processes like bridging and interaction with Ethereum-based secondary markets like OpenSea.
Users can now establish an initial connection using their Ethereum wallets alone. By signing a transaction in Metamask, you can create a brand new accountless GalaChain wallet.
This new system will be especially beneficial for third party GalaChain creators building dApps from a variety of industries, giving them the freedom to customize their user experience more deeply and interact with their audiences without Gala (the company) acting as an intermediary. They will enjoy the power and function of GalaChain, wrapped in a user interface that they are free to customize as they see fit.
New Features
Features included in the recent update will enhance any web3 user’s experience and access to GalaChain tokens, whether or not they have a Gala account.
Existing Gala accounts can create a new web3 wallet via Metamask.
Existing Metamask users can generate a GalaChain wallet address with no Gala account.
GalaChain tokens can be viewed and managed within GalaSwap.
Evolution of GalaSwap
As part of this exciting development, GalaSwap will soon rebrand to GalaConnect, further emphasizing our commitment to connectivity and ease of use. As it continues to evolve with more streamlined features, this platform will serve as the new hub for all your GalaChain interactions.
Empowering Users and Developers
GalaSwap is more than just a platform for swapping tokens; it’s a gateway to freedom for our users and developers. By allowing third parties to develop their own GalaChain dApps with easy onboarding, we are fostering a more inclusive and expansive ecosystem.
For Users
No GalaChain Account Needed: Start interacting with GalaChain tokens immediately with your existing Ethereum wallet.
Complete Web3 Portfolio Management: Easily manage your digital assets with a comprehensive portfolio interface for GalaChain tokens.
For Developers
Easy Onboarding: Develop and deploy dApps on GalaChain with simplified processes.
Robust Tools: Utilize our powerful features to create innovative solutions on GalaChain.
FAQ
Is a new GalaChain wallet created when I login to GalaSwap with my Ethereum wallet for the first time?
Yes, GalaChain wallet creation is required when using the web3 wallet login option.
Can I log into Gala Games, Gala Music and Gala Film with the GalaChain wallet created via web wallet login?
No – The GalaChain wallet created in this way is only for GalaSwap. To use the core Gala platforms you will need to create an account.
If I log into GalaSwap using the same web3 wallet that is already linked to my Gala account, will it still create a new GalaChain wallet?
Yes. Even if you log into GalaSwap with a web3 wallet that is currently linked to your Gala account, a new GalaChain account will be created for use on GalaSwap.
Join the Revolution
The vision of GalaConnect is a leap forward in our mission to empower users and developers and expand the GalaChain ecosystem. By simplifying interactions and enhancing possibilities, we are paving the way for a more connected and decentralized future.
Join us as we embark on this exciting new journey as GalaSwap evolves into the new-and-improved GalaConnect. Together, we are creating a new paradigm of freedom and innovation in the blockchain world.
Today we’re announcing a significant update to our ecosystem— the rollout of a new gas fee system on GalaChain. As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance the efficiency, security and sustainability of our network, we are implementing gas fees for various transactions and actions across our platforms, including Gala Games, Gala Music, Gala Film and GalaSwap.
What’s Changing?
As the result of approval of this recent Founder’s Node governance vote, fees will now be applied to the following actions on GalaChain:
GalaChainToken Transactions:
BatchFillTokenSwap
BatchMintToken
BurnTokens
FulfillMint
FulfillMintAllowance
MintToken
MintTokenWithAllowance
RequestTokenBridgeOut
RequestTokenSwap
TerminateTokenSwap
TransferToken
User Actions (1 $GALA fee per action):
Minting currency from mint allowance
Minting NFTs from mint allowance
Bridging out currency (note: existing fees apply, future dynamic fees are in development)
Sending currency
Sending NFTs
Paying for orders by transferring funds
Paying for orders by burning funds
Why Introduce Fees?
The implementation of transaction fees serves multiple objectives:
Ecosystem Health: By increasing the amount of burnt $GALA, we aim to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our ecosystem.
Resource Allocation: Efficient allocation of network resources encourages optimal and responsible usage, crucial as we expand the ecosystem to include greater numbers of third party developers.
Spam Prevention: Deterring spam and other undesired behaviors helps maintain the integrity of individual channels and the GalaChain network as a whole.
Channel Founder Incentives: Founders of new GalaChain channels will receive a portion of fees collected within their channels.
Node Operator Incentives: Providing ongoing benefits for node operators supports the decentralization and robustness of GalaChain.
Referral Incentive
As approved by the Gala Founder’s Node ecosystem in THIS VOTE, all $GALA burned as gas fees qualifies for a direct referral incentive reward. The direct referrer receives 8-10% of the burnt $GALA as a mint allowance, and the 2nd degree referrer (referrer of referrer) receives 2%.
Initial Launch and Future Rollout
The initial launch of the new system will apply only to transactions on the asset channel. This means many game NFTs and $MUSIC, which are not currently on the asset channel, will not have fees at first. However, it is essential to mention that fees for these channels are coming soon, ensuring a comprehensive rollout across the entire Gala ecosystem.
Aligning with Traditional Practices
While GalaChain is a permissioned blockchain and does not use miners like Ethereum, our fee structure borrows from traditional practices to streamline operations and provide ongoing opportunities for node operators. This hybrid approach allows us to maintain the benefits of decentralization while we continue to grow, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our network.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to innovation and community engagement remains steadfast as we continue to develop and refine our platform.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we implement these changes to enhance the Gala ecosystem. Together, we are building a more sustainable, efficient and secure future for all GalaChain users.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of our journey!
Stablecoins have emerged as an important part of the web3 world, playing a crucial role in providing financial stability to a typically volatile cryptocurrency market. For those new to blockchain and crypto, stablecoins might seem like a complex concept, but they’re actually quite simple.
Think of them as a “digital version of the dollar” or other traditional currencies, designed to maintain a steady value rather than fluctuating like Bitcoin or Ethereum. In this blog, we’ll break down the concept of stablecoins, why they exist, how they work and their importance in the growing web3 world.
What Are Stablecoins?
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency that is pegged to the value of a stable asset, typically fiat currencies like the US dollar or Euro. Unlike Bitcoin, which can experience dramatic price swings, stablecoins aim to stay steady. It should be noted however that no financial asset is perfectly stable, but stablecoins are comparatively stable to most cryptocurrencies.
Imagine you’re traveling to a foreign country and you exchange your money for local currency. When you return home, you expect your leftover foreign currency to hold roughly the same value. This is the idea behind stablecoins—they are designed to ensure your digital assets don’t lose value overnight, especially in the often volatile cryptocurrency world.
Why Do Stablecoins Exist?
Cryptocurrency is known for its wild price swings. Bitcoin, for example, can rise or fall by thousands of dollars in just a day. While this can be exciting for traders, it’s risky for businesses and individuals looking for stability. Enter stablecoins—designed to minimize this volatility by pegging their value to more stable assets.
Here’s why stablecoins are essential:
1. Price Stability for Transactions:
In a world where cryptocurrencies are becoming more common as payment methods, having a stable unit of currency is vital. Imagine buying a coffee for $5 worth of Bitcoin in the morning, only for that Bitcoin to lose value by the time your payment processes. With stablecoins, the value of your purchase remains consistent, making them ideal for everyday transactions. Depending on many variables (complexity, blockchain, amount), web3 transactions can take time. Vendors must rely on knowing that the price paid for a product or service is consistent with their asking price, even if the purchase takes a variable amount of time to fulfill.
2. Cross-border Transactions:
Traditional banking systems often charge high fees for international transfers and can take days to process. Stablecoins make cross-border payments faster, cheaper and easier. Since stablecoins are based on blockchain technology, you can send money across the world in minutes without worrying about the value changing dramatically during the process.
3. DeFi (Decentralized Finance) Applications:
Stablecoins have become an integral part of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, where people can lend, borrow and trade assets without relying on traditional banks. In these systems, having a stable currency to work with makes it easier to manage risks and avoid the extreme price swings common in other cryptocurrencies.
How Do Stablecoins Work?
There are a few different types of stablecoins, each using different methods to maintain their stable value. Here are the three main types:
1. Fiat-collateralized Stablecoins:
These stablecoins are backed by actual reserves of fiat currency (like US dollars) held in a bank. For every stablecoin issued, there’s an equivalent amount of fiat currency sitting in reserve. One of the most popular examples is Tether (USDT), which is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. So, for every USDT in circulation, there should be a dollar in reserve.
Example: If you have 100 USDT, theoretically, the company behind it holds $100 in a bank somewhere to back up your digital assets and allow your tokens to maintain their precise value.
Instead of being backed by fiat money, these stablecoins are backed by other cryptocurrencies, often over-collateralized to account for the volatility of crypto. This means for every $1 of stablecoin, there might be $2 worth of cryptocurrency backing it. DAI, created by the MakerDAO platform, is a well-known example of a crypto-collateralized stablecoin.
Example: If you want to create $100 worth of DAI, you might have to lock up $200 worth of Ethereum. If the price of Ethereum falls, the system will liquidate your assets in order to keep the value stable.
These stablecoins are not backed by any collateral. Instead, they use algorithms to control their supply, automatically increasing or decreasing the number of tokens in circulation to maintain a stable value. When the demand for the stablecoin rises, the algorithm issues more coins to bring the price down. If demand falls, the supply is reduced to increase the price back to its pegged value.
Example: TerraUSD (UST) was one of the more well-known algorithmic stablecoins before it collapsed in 2022 due to its inability to maintain its peg to the US dollar, highlighting one of the most important risks associated with this type of stablecoin.
Stablecoins have become indispensable in the broader Web3 ecosystem because they serve as the bedrock for many financial activities on the blockchain. Here’s why:
Liquidity and Trading
Stablecoins are often used as a medium of exchange on decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Traders use stablecoins to quickly move in and out of more volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum without needing to cash out into traditional fiat currencies.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
DeFi platforms rely heavily on stablecoins. Lenders and borrowers use stablecoins as collateral, ensuring that their loans or savings won’t lose value overnight due to market volatility.
Onboarding to Crypto
Stablecoins offer a familiar value system for people new to crypto. Instead of having to understand complex pricing of volatile assets, newcomers can start by using a digital currency that mirrors traditional money.
Safety from Market Crashes
During significant market downturns, investors often convert their holdings into stablecoins to protect their portfolios. This acts like a “safe haven” during turbulent times.
Popular Examples of Stablecoins
Let’s take a look at some of the most widely used stablecoins in the cryptocurrency space:
Tether (USDT): The largest and most popular stablecoin, pegged to the US dollar.
USD Coin (USDC): A highly regulated stablecoin backed by US dollar reserves, known for its transparency.
DAI: A decentralized stablecoin backed by crypto assets, primarily used in DeFi applications.
Because of their proven stability, both USDT and USDC are accepted as payment methods for many products sold in the Gala ecosystems. Additionally, payments are also accepted in both GUSDT and GUSDC, the GalaChain-bridged versions of these Ethereum-based stablecoins.
Each of these stablecoins offers unique benefits depending on the use case—whether it’s transparency, decentralization, or regulatory compliance.
Stablecoins are the unsung heroes of the cryptocurrency world, bringing much-needed stability to a notoriously volatile market. They are an essential bridge between the traditional financial system and the world of Web3, facilitating everything from day-to-day transactions to more complex decentralized financial activities. Whether you’re new to blockchain or a seasoned crypto trader, stablecoins play a pivotal role in making digital assets more accessible and usable.
