The Future of Telegram: A Deep Look into the Super App Ecosystem

The transition from Web2 to Web3 has been a formidable challenge for many, with the blockchain industry striving to bridge the gap between existing internet ecosystems and the emergent decentralized landscape. In this pursuit, Telegram, the cloud-based mobile messaging app with 700 million monthly active users, has emerged as a significant player, particularly in the crypto industry. Telegram's integration of its core services with The Open Network (TON) offers a promising avenue to steer users towards the decentralized network. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted world of Telegram's TON, exploring its history, unique features, and its burgeoning ecosystem.

I. Telegram's Role in the Crypto Industry

Telegram's User Base

Telegram has firmly established itself as a ubiquitous communication tool in the crypto industry. With a staggering 700 million monthly active users, it serves as a linchpin for a broad spectrum of users and developers in the blockchain sector. Its role goes beyond conventional messaging, as it hosts crypto-centric channels and groups, fostering a thriving crypto community.

Telegram's Significance in the Blockchain Sector

Beyond its vast user base, Telegram holds substantial significance in the blockchain sector. The app's foray into the realm of decentralized computing, with the creation of The Open Network (TON), has the potential to bridge the gap between the familiar Web2 and the burgeoning Web3.

TON Network Growth

User Growth: As of June 18th, 2023, the TON network has witnessed remarkable growth, with 2.8 million accounts, reflecting a nearly 130% increase since the beginning of the year. The network's security is upheld by approximately 300 validators, with a total stake of around 210 million Toncoin (approximately $300 million).

II. The Open Network (TON) Overview

What is The Open Network (TON)?

The Open Network, or TON, stands as a Layer 1 Proof-of-Stake blockchain founded in 2018. Initially developed by Telegram's team, it evolved into a community-driven blockchain after regulatory challenges led Telegram to shelve the project in 2020. TON now thrives with the support of the TON Foundation, offering a decentralized computing network based on blockchain technology.

TON's History and Transition to Community-Driven

TON's journey from its inception to a community-driven initiative is emblematic of its resilience. Originally conceived by Telegram, the project faced regulatory hurdles, but it has now found renewed vigor under the auspices of the TON Foundation. This transition showcases the strength and adaptability of the TON network.

III. Toncoin: TON's Principal Cryptocurrency

Toncoin's Role in the Network

At the heart of the TON ecosystem lies Toncoin ($TON), the principal cryptocurrency powering the network. Toncoin serves multiple roles, from facilitating transaction fees to securing the network through validator deposits. Its capacity to authenticate and process a vast number of transactions per second, coupled with dynamic sharding and work chains, makes TON a versatile and scalable blockchain.

TON's Unique Fee Model

What sets TON apart is its innovative fee model. Unlike traditional blockchains like Ethereum, where transaction fees are borne by the initiator, TON shifts the onus to dApp developers. This paradigm shift empowers developers to fund smart contracts and subsidize users, promoting a sustainable ecosystem where applications pay for their own resource costs.

IV. TON Ecosystem

The TON ecosystem is a multifaceted landscape that showcases the platform's commitment to providing a comprehensive decentralized experience. It consists of a diverse array of services and features, each contributing to the network's robustness and utility. Let's delve deeper into the various components of this flourishing ecosystem:

TON Domain Name System (DNS)

At the core of the TON blockchain, the TON Domain Name System (DNS) represents a groundbreaking service that enhances the network's accessibility and security. TON DNS functions much like traditional domain name services but with notable enhancements. It eliminates the need for for-profit corporations as intermediaries and instead employs smart contracts to manage domain assignments, ensuring fair and equal access for all users.

One remarkable feature of TON DNS is its ability to label anonymous Abstract Datagram Network Layer (ADNL) addresses. ADNL, an underlying protocol, enables data transfer using concealed ADNL addresses, effectively hiding IP Addresses and Ports. This feature makes TON DNS ideal for entities like WikiLeaks, which require anonymity to resist censorship and legal repercussions.

In July 2022, TON initiated the DNS sale, offering over 2,000 '.ton' domains. This successful sale generated significant Toncoin value, with standout domain names such as 'wallet.ton,' 'casino.ton,' and 'bank.ton' fetching substantial sums. These sales underscore the appeal of TON DNS and its potential for decentralized naming services.

Fragment Marketplace

The Fragment Marketplace, launched by Telegram (TG) on the TON blockchain in October 2022, presents a novel approach to auctions within the TON ecosystem. Building upon the success of TON DNS, the Fragment Marketplace introduces the concept of trading premium TG usernames. Users can now buy and sell Telegram handles, including usernames and channels, using Toncoin as the currency of exchange.

This marketplace expanded its offerings to include four- and five-letter handles, a notable development that had not been accessible to users previously. Minimum prices were set for these sought-after handles, creating a dynamic and competitive environment. Noteworthy sales such as '@news' for 994,000 TON (approximately $2 million), '@auto' for 900,000 TON, and '@bank' for 850,000 TON showcased the demand for these digital assets.

Additionally, Fragment extended its support to the purchase of anonymous numbers starting with '+888,' eliminating the need for a SIM card tie-in. This innovation enhances privacy and fosters a more inclusive and secure environment for Telegram users.

TON Payments

TON Payments introduces a platform for micropayments, empowered by a micropayment channel network that utilizes Payment Channel Technology, similar to the Lightning Network. This technology revolutionizes the transaction experience by enabling a multitude of transactions between two parties off the blockchain. Only a nominal network fee is incurred when opening and closing payment channels, ensuring rapid transaction speeds. This scalability is crucial for use cases such as internet data purchases, streaming services, online gaming, and more.

What sets TON Payments apart is its integration with the TON Network, ensuring on-chain security for transactions. Furthermore, the TON Payments SDK allows the connection of payment channels off-chain, enabling multi-party participation. This feature enhances flexibility and scalability within the micropayments ecosystem, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.

TON Storage

TON Storage, introduced by the TON Foundation in December 2022, revolutionizes data storage on decentralized networks. It empowers individual users and services to securely store both public and private files. TON Storage employs a technology reminiscent of BitTorrent, where users download files directly from each other's devices without relying on centralized servers or data centers.

The process begins with any user uploading a file onto the TON network, making it accessible for download. Subsequently, the user who downloads the file becomes a storage node, participating in the seeding process. Each successive user follows suit, leading to multiple copies of the file stored across various locations worldwide. These storage nodes receive Toncoin directly from users for their role in storing files and data.

TON Storage differs significantly from other storage solutions like Filecoin. It streamlines data management and allocation while simplifying the roles and responsibilities of nodes. Unlike Filecoin's complex proof-of-storage system, TON Storage's core data resides off-chain, with only the hash stored on-chain, ensuring data decentralization.

TON Sites, WWW, Proxy

TON Sites is a pioneering feature enabling the launch of web servers on the TON Network. These servers incorporate built-in cryptography for mandatory encryption and data authenticity verification, negating the need for certification authorities. Moreover, users have the autonomy to create their own domain names, reducing reliance on centralized domain name registries.

TON WWW represents a decentralized version of the World Wide Web, accessible via the TON Network. It facilitates browsing and access to websites hosted within the TON ecosystem without the need for conventional domain names. This innovation aligns with the ethos of decentralization, ensuring accessibility and censorship resistance.

TON Proxy is a vital network layer designed to anonymize TON nodes. Drawing parallels with the Invisible Internet Project (I2P), this layer enables the creation of decentralized VPN services and blockchain-based TOR alternatives, bolstering online privacy and censorship resistance. When integrated with the TON P2P Network and TON DNS, TON Proxy enhances the resilience of services like Telegram in the face of potential censorship.

TON Mobile

TON Mobile offers secure global mobile connectivity without constraints. Users can easily purchase an eSIM from anywhere, instantly complementing their regular SIM card from any cellular service provider. This service provides international numbers for interactions with global institutions and offers flexible payment options, including Toncoin. With coverage in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, TON Mobile ensures seamless and cost-effective connectivity for users.

Telegram Wallet Bot

The Telegram '@wallet' Bot, released in April 2022, empowers users to purchase and transfer cryptocurrencies within the Telegram app. Its versatility extends to supporting credit card purchases and facilitating peer-to-peer trades. Notably, Telegram expanded its support to include the USDT stablecoin, enhancing the wallet bot's appeal for micropayments. With over 700 million Telegram users, this wallet bot presents a gateway to cryptocurrency adoption, providing users with convenient access to the world of digital assets.

DApp Ecosystem

The TON blockchain is a vibrant hub for decentralized applications (DApps) and services that leverage smart contracts. The TON Services platform empowers developers to create new applications within the blockchain's secure environment. Users can access these third-party apps through a user-friendly interface, fostering innovation and diverse use cases.

For instance, STON.fi, an Automated Market Maker (AMM) decentralized exchange (DEX) on TON, offers low fees, minimal slippage, a user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with the TON wallet. TON Diamonds, a prominent NFT marketplace, offers reduced platform fees for users who hold official diamond NFTs, incentivizing participation and trading.

In summary, the TON ecosystem's diverse components form a comprehensive and dynamic environment. These innovations not only enhance the usability and security of the TON network but also showcase the potential of blockchain technology to reshape industries beyond finance. As the TON ecosystem continues to expand and evolve, it reaffirms its role as a pioneering force in the Web3 revolution.

Conclusion

Telegram's TON presents a compelling case for the integration of Web3 into the mainstream. With its vast user base, innovative fee model, and a burgeoning ecosystem, TON is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the blockchain landscape. Its journey from a regulatory setback to community-driven success underscores the resilience and potential of decentralized networks. As TON continues to grow and adapt, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of blockchain technology and its ability to reshape our digital future.

About Orochi Network

Orochi Network is a cutting-edge zkOS (An operating system based on zero-knowledge proof) designed to tackle the challenges of computation limitation, data correctness, and data availability in the Web3 industry. With the well-rounded solutions for Web3 Applications, Orochi Network omits the current performance-related barriers and makes ways for more comprehensive dApps hence, becoming the backbone of Web3's infrastructure landscape.

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