What is IoTeX? Introduction Article

IoTeX was founded as an open-source platform in 2017. Its vision is to build an ecosystem where humans and machines can interact with guaranteed security and trust. 

The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley and was founded by Raullen Chai, Qevan Guo, Xinxin Fan, and Jing Sun. All have extensive experience working for and leading teams in high-value companies such as Uber and Facebook.

Closer Look At The IoTeX Ecosystem

IoTeX is a decentralized network of users, developers, and enterprises that collectively govern and utilize the IoTeX platform. Here are some key features of the IoTeX:

• It is an EVM-compatible "Layer 1" blockchain.
• The IoTeX Mainnet has been running error-free since April 2019 and is maintained in a decentralized fashion by >60 Delegates,
• Some of the delegates include industry leaders such as Blockfolio, CoinGecko, and DraperDragon.
• The network currently powers an ever-growing ecosystem of smart devices, DApps, and digital assets. 
• The native IOTX token allows anyone to become a shareholder in the IoTeX Network. 

IoTeX To Collaborate With Ethereum. Not Compete

Although similar to Ethereum when it comes to architecture, IoTeX is not an "Ethereum killer." Instead, it will be the hub for decentralized IoT data/devices and collaborate with Ethereum and other Layer 1 platforms. 

The IoTeX platform employs a modular architecture that has the following components:

• EVM-compatible blockchains are maintained by >60 decentralized delegates and have the roll-DPoS consensus.
• Decentralized identity that enables users/devices to own their personal info.
• Secure, tamper-proof hardware devices.
• Real-world data oracles for siphoning data into the blockchain in real-time.

IoTeX Projects

The IoTeX community has already built a large number of dApps and products like:

• ioPay: The official wallet of the IoTeX Network and gateway to IoTeX DApps and services
• Cyclone Protocol: A privacy-preserving token/transaction obfuscation tool with liquidity mining
• MintToken: Token minting tool that allows anyone to create their own XRC20 & XRC721 tokens
• HealthNet: HIPAA-compliant platform for trusted and transparent medical supply chains
• Hyperaware: DApp for governing connected devices/data based on their physical location
• Beancount: double-entry accounting tool
• Travel Cat: An online game where players can explore a dynamic digital world and collect NFTs
• Vitality (VITA): A decentralized token for community incentives and extra staking rewards

In-Network Governance

The core component of IoTeX’s governance is staking. Token holders can stake IOTX tokens to generate voting power. The protocol utilizes Roll-DPoS consensus, where community-voted Delegates manage consensus on behalf of the entire network. These delegates are in charge of overall network health and consensus. Stakers may earn up to 10% annualized interest on their staked IOTX.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.