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Web3 Infrastructure Providers: Pocket Network vs Centralized Alternatives

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POKT Network
Nov 19, 2023
Explainers
Web3 Infrastructure Providers: Pocket Network vs Centralized Alternatives

The Web3 ecosystem is continuing to grow and mature. Developers now have a wider range of options when it comes to choosing between Web3 infrastructure providers. Infura, Alchemy, and Pocket Network, for example, are three popular choices, each offering their own unique features and benefits. However, as time goes by, Pocket Network is equipped to take the lead across many key metrics.

Why is Pocket Network likely to emerge as a top choice among Web3 infrastructure providers?

The answer lies in Pocket Network's decentralized nature. Unlike Infura and Alchemy, which are centralized services, Pocket Network is a decentralized infrastructure provider. This means that it does not rely on a single server or data center. Instead, Pocket utilizes a network of independent nodes run by various individuals and providers.

See How Pocket's Protocol Works

This decentralized approach has several advantages over other Web3 infrastructure providers. For one, it makes Pocket Network more resilient to outages and censorship. This is the case due to less exposure to single points of failure. In contrast, centralized services like Infura and Alchemy are vulnerable to outages or other issues that can disrupt service.

In addition, Pocket Network's decentralized nature makes it more scalable than centralized services. As the network matures and becomes more resilient through greater decentralization (and with the future v1 update), the overall performance and capacity of the network will improve. This will allow Pocket Network to handle larger volumes of relays and transactions. In turn, Pocket will be an even more reliable choice for developers who need to scale their projects.

Get a Sneak Peek at v1

Another compelling reason to choose Pocket Network is that it allows anyone to play a part in providing crucial Web3 infrastructure, and to earn cryptocurrency (POKT tokens) by running nodes and providing services to the network. This is a unique opportunity for Web3 stakeholders to contribute to the network and earn a reward for their efforts. For developers, it's a chance to build a dApp with infrastructure that is more aligned with a true "crypto ethos."

Considerations For Choosing Web3 Infrastructure Providers

So, as a developer, what should you consider when choosing between Web3 infrastructure providers? There are many factors to consider, including cost, performance, reliability, and security. In all of these areas, Pocket Network is primed to set itself apart as a top choice.

A Unique Cost Structure Among Web3 Infrastructure Providers

When it comes to cost, Pocket Network offers a unique advantage over centralized services like Infura and Alchemy. Rather than a more traditional SaaS payment model, Pocket Network's Pay As You Go plan allows developers to earn POKT tokens based on the amount of relay traffic generated by their dApps. Down the road, developers can stake these POKT tokens for continued service, effectively taking the place of monthly service fees paid into perpetuity. This means that, over time, developers can offset their infrastructure costs by earning cryptocurrency, making Pocket Network a cost-effective choice.

The Pay As You Go tier makes it easy to create an app, enter payment information, and receive RPC service, while only paying for the throughput that you use. This payment model sets Pocket Network apart from other Web3 infrastructure providers.

Optimized Resilience and Latency

In terms of performance and reliability, Pocket Network is likely to outperform centralized services as the network grows and matures - particularly with the incoming v1 updates. The decentralized nature of the network means that it is more resilient to outages and other issues that can disrupt service. In addition, the larger and more globally distributed nature of the network leads to improved performance and faster response times across a variety of regions.

See Pocket's Latency Across Different Regions and Chains

Security Through Decentralization

Security is another important consideration when choosing an infrastructure provider. In this area, Pocket Network is likely to be a strong choice due to its decentralized nature. By relying on a network of independent nodes, Pocket Network is less vulnerable to attacks and other security threats than centralized services with more simple attack vectors.

Rich Functionality with Ethereum

Finally, Pocket Network bring strong integrations with the Ethereum ecosystem, with various libraries and smart contract environments available for developers. This makes it easy for developers to build on top of the network and take advantage of its unique features.

Start Building with Pocket

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In conclusion, Pocket Network is likely to emerge as the top choice for developers as time goes by. Its decentralized nature offers numerous advantages, including improved resilience, scalability, and security. In addition, different opportunities to earn cryptocurrency by running nodes or utilizing the Pay As You Go service make it a more cost-effective choice compared to centralized services like Infura and Alchemy. As a developer, it is worth considering Pocket Network as a reliable and innovative infrastructure provider for your next Web3 project.

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