Solana claims to be “Proof-of-History”, rather than requiring validators to set transaction timings, it is a unique version of consensus that establishes the relative order of transactions. This approach remains secure but allows greater flexibility for developers and validators.
The advantage Solana has over other protocols is that it allows the blockchain to operate efficiently regardless of network activity. In addition, Solana uses Cloudbreak, a distributed log that prevents transaction history from taking up too much computer space.
This also separates the role of a node into that of a validator and that of an archivist. While dedicated miners must remain more powerful machines, smaller computers can still contribute to the network by serving as filers.
What is the usage for Solana?
If you’ve ever been annoyed by buying apps or making in-app purchases, you can understand why Solana can be so important. By incorporating an app creation platform with its blockchain and native digital currency, Solana could enable more people to create apps and help creators and users avoid the app shops that can be so problematic at times.
Another problem it could solve is that of microtransactions. One of the reasons in-app purchases can be a nightmare is that they often require credit card payments that must exceed a certain amount of euros to be profitable. Because Solana transactions cost fractions of a cent, they can be game-changing.
Solana-based games and applications will also be able to offer player-to-player marketplaces in the future, as we see in some online games today. For example, the music streaming platform Audius is built on Solana and promises a fairer compensation model for recording artists, thanks to its blockchain.