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In the computer science field, the term “Unikernel” has been around for a some time. Starting in the mid 1990s, the concept of arose as a potential solution to building scalable systems that could be distributed across networks at a time when storage, bandwidth and compute were cheap enough to make it possible, but still quite expensive, relative to today. With the dramatic reduction in compute and storage cost, the concept largely faded into the oblivion of computer science history. Virtualization, containerization and many of the concepts we have grown familiar with gained traction, and became the backbone of the modern internet.
A new wave of permissionless, trustless, decentralized compute, has changed the calculation however. Clunky containers and virtual machines, with unnecessary libraries, drivers, system calls and more are fine for large scale centralized data centers. Decentralized networks come with an- entirely different set of requirements, however. As a result, most networks have opted to require developers to build in a specific language, with specific standards, and deploy very small binaries that are rigid and place a ton of burden on the developer. Compared to the DevOps experience in what we commonly refer to as “Web2”, the “Web3” DevOps and general Developer Experience is a major step backwards.
So, what exactly is a Unikernel, and why is it such a powerful tool for decentralized compute? And more importantly, why has Versatus, a modular decentralized compute stack, chosen Unikernels as the tool to deliver the best Web3 developer experience available.
What is a Unikernel?
A Unikernel is a specialized, single-address-space machine image constructed by using what is known as a library operating systems. In simpler terms, it’s an itty-bitty virtual machine. Another way to think of it is as a lightweight, standalone stack that includes everything needed to run an application: the code, the runtime, and the operating system. Unlike traditional operating systems that run multiple applications at once, a Unikernel runs a single application, eliminating unnecessary overhead and enhancing performance and security.
Why is a Unikernel such a powerful tool?
Unikernels offer several compelling advantages that make them an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, particularly in the realm of decentralized computing.
Language Agnosticism
Unikernels are language-agnostic, meaning they can support applications written in any programming language. This flexibility is a boon for developers, who can use their preferred language and tools to build applications. This is a stark contrast to many blockchain platforms that require developers to learn new, often complex, programming languages.
Enhanced Security
Unikernels enhance security by reducing the attack surface. Since a Unikernel only includes the necessary components to run a specific application, there are fewer points of vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors. This is particularly important in decentralized environments, where security is paramount.
Familiar Tools
Unikernels allow developers to use familiar tools and workflows. This reduces the learning curve and accelerates the development process, enabling developers to bring their applications to market more quickly. The process is much more akin to building distributed programs using containers and a container runtime and package registry than building smart contracts on other platforms. In fact, Versatus Unikernels in particular are Docker and Podman compatible (as well as other OCI compliant container programs). The Versatus developer experience leverages tools, formats and frameworks that modern developers already have in their quiver.
How do Unikernels enable modular generic compute in decentralized environments?
Unikernels are a perfect fit for decentralized environments due to their lightweight, modular nature. They can be easily deployed and scaled across a distributed network, providing a robust and flexible platform for decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and other forms of decentralized compute.
In a decentralized environment, Unikernels can be used to create a modular execution layer. This layer can be customized to meet the specific needs of each application, providing a high degree of flexibility and scalability. This is particularly useful for complex applications that require a high level of computational power, such as decentralized science and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DeSci and DePIN respectively).
Why does Versatus use Unikernels and how does it differentiate Versatus from other blockchain platforms?
Versatus leverages Unikernels to provide a powerful, flexible, and secure platform for decentralized computing. By using Unikernels, Versatus can support applications written in any language, providing developers with the flexibility to use their preferred tools and workflows. This is a significant advantage over other blockchain platforms, which often require developers to learn new programming languages and tools.
Furthermore, Versatus’s use of Unikernels enhances the security of its platform. By reducing the attack surface, Unikernels make it more difficult for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities, providing a secure foundation for dApps, smart contracts, and other forms of decentralized compute.
Finally, the modular nature of Unikernels aligns perfectly with Versatus’s vision of a modular decentralized compute stack. This allows Versatus to provide a scalable Data Availability and Security layer, with a modular execution layer that can power a wide range of applications, from NFTs and tokenization to decentralized science and IoT applications.
Where most other platforms have opted to place the burden on the developer, Versatus is a stark contrast. Providing a flexible platform, that is secure by design, and offers a much wider range of applications, Versatus is poised to provide a significantly wider developer population with their first taste of Web3. While other base layers are fishing with a single rod in a small pond, hoping to catch 1 or 2 large fish, Versatus is placing nets all over the ocean, catching a wider variety of fish of all sizes, and it doesn’t end there.
Versatus is the developers chain. Once a developer enters the Versatus ecosystem, we are fully prepared to support and nurture them so they too can grow their application to its full potential. Without developers building incredible product, users will largely remain on the sideline. Versatus is the first network to build its entire compute platform solely with the developer in mind.
About Versatus Labs, Inc.
Veersatus Labs is the development company building Versatus, a revolutionary modular, decentralized compute stack powered by Unikernel technology with Blockchain as a Backend. Versatus empowers developers to focus solely on creating applications in whatever language they choose, with existing familiar tools, layering these atop existing security and Data Availability (DA) layers. This unique flexibility and versatility makes building decentralized applications faster, cheaper, and more enjoyable than ever. Whether you’re creating on our chain or any other protocol, Versatus equips you with the tools to innovate without constraints.
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