The Internet Computer (IC) is a public blockchain network that expands the functions of the public internet. Is providing an alternative to centralized cloud services by creating a decentralized internet and computing system powered by independent data centers spread across the globe.

The Internet Computer hosts smart contracts running at web speed that can be scaled with unbounded capacity.

The Internet Computer aggregates the compute capacity of hundreds of node machines to create a single, fully-decentralized world computer – an unlimited virtual machine.

In this environment, a new form of smart contracts (so-called “Canisters“) are hosted. These computational units function as individual applications that end users can interact with. All of this is hosted on the blockchain, thus eliminating the need for centralized web infrastructure.

The Internet Computer is the world’s first blockchain that can host applications running at web speed with unlimited capacity. As such, it represents the next step in the evolution of blockchains:

As the third major innovation in the blockchain ecosystem, the Internet Computer enables smart contracts to run at web speed and to scale without bounds. At the same time, the Internet Computer provides developers with a powerful software framework that fosters innovation and allows the efficient processing and storing of data.

The Internet Computer provides the following key features that distinguish it from other blockchains: