Alvin Lang
17 Aug 2024 07:13
Stellar (XLM) has unveiled a composable data platform that aims to revolutionize data access and distribution across blockchain networks.
Stellar (XLM) announced the launch of the Composable Data Platform, a next-generation data access solution designed to address current limitations and improve data distribution across blockchain networks.
The state of the world
Currently, the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) operates two main products for data mediation on the Stellar blockchain: Horizon and Hubble. Horizon is an API for interacting with the network, and Hubble is a comprehensive analytics dataset. These products support small-scale development and experimentation, but their monolithic nature poses several challenges.
One of the major issues is that it limits flexibility, forcing vendors to either adopt the data model chosen by SDF or develop their own independent integrations. This process is time-consuming and requires specialized domain knowledge. In addition, the logical centralization of these products makes them difficult to run independently, creating a community dependency on the SDF hosted version.
Challenges and Solutions
To foster decentralized networks, it is important to distribute data storage and access to a wide range of ecosystem participants. The recent launch of Soroban and changes to SDF Horizon’s data retention policy have led to increased interest in offering network data as a service. However, the current infrastructure makes it difficult for providers to quickly integrate and offer Stellar data.
The Composable Data Platform aims to solve these problems by providing a more flexible and distributed approach. This new platform allows a variety of participants, including analytics providers, infrastructure providers, and indexers, to easily access and distribute network data without extensive customization or independent development.
Future outlook
The introduction of the Composable Data Platform represents a significant step towards a more decentralized and efficient data ecosystem on Stellar. By enabling easier data access and distribution, Stellar aims to support a wider range of applications and use cases, ultimately driving innovation and growth within the network.
To learn more about the architecture, goals, and capabilities of the Composable Data Platform, read this series of articles published by Stellar.
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