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Version: 3.1 (latest)

Glossary

A

Aggregate Compute

Definition: Type of Dataset Compute that, when linked with a compatible algorithm, will provide a combined (aggregated) result.

Algorithm

Definition: An algorithm is an analytics job that can be run on top of a compatible dataset (Compute), without exposing the original data. It represents a type of data asset on the Acentrik platform. It can be Public or Private.

Allow/Deny

Definition: Allow refers to 'approve' or 'whitelist'. Deny refers to 'reject' or 'blacklist'. Allow/Deny wallets for asset consumption.

API

Definition: Stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. A software interface that allows two applications to interact with each other without having to constantly build new connectivity infrastructure.

Aquarius

Definition: An off-chain database store for metadata about data assets.


B

Business-to-Government (B2G)

Definition: A term describing transactions, interactions, or relationships between businesses and government entities. In the context of data exchange, B2G involves the sharing of data from private sector entities to government agencies, aimed at enhancing public service delivery, regulatory compliance, and fostering mutual benefits between both sectors. Acentrik specializes in facilitating B2G interactions through its secure data exchange platform tailored for national data initiatives.


C

Compute-to-Data (C2D)

Definition: Compute-to-Data allows data users to run analytics on datasets in a secured way to get useful results while preserving the privacy of the data.


D

Data Consumers

Definition: Refer to Buyers who will exchange or purchase Data Assets on the Data Exchange Platform.

Data Exchange Platform

Definition: The platform that enables Data Consumers and Data providers to exchange data.

Data Monetization

Definition: Refers to leveraging company-generated data to achieve measurable economic benefits. This can involve selling data to third parties or using it internally to enhance processes and explore new innovation opportunities.

Data Owner

Definition: Entity/Person-in-charge who owns the dataset that is published.

Data Providers

Definition: Refers to Sellers who will publish Data Assets such as datasets and algorithms on the Data Exchange Platform.

Data Silos

Definition: Refers to isolated storage systems or databases that hinder data sharing and integration across an organization's various departments or systems.

Data Sovereignty

Definition: A country-specific requirement that data is subject to the laws of the country in which it is collected or processed and must remain within its borders.

Dataset

Definition: A dataset is a collection of data. The dataset is normally presented in a tabular pattern. Acentrik allows two types of datasets to be published: Dataset download and Dataset Compute. E.g., a CSV file or multiple JPG files.

Dataset Compute

Definition: When dataset must run using compatible algorithm.

Dataset Download

Definition: When dataset can be downloaded as is.

Datatoken

Definition: Refer to Token. Datatokens are ERC20 tokens to access data services. Each data service gets its own datatoken.

DDO

Definition: Stands for DID Document. It is a JSON document that includes metadata (information about the asset).

Deactivate Sales Status

Definition: Data Publishers can exercise control on their Data Asset by disabling purchase. The Data Asset will remain on the marketplace but will not be available for data consumers to use. It also refers to Purchase Ability Management.

Decentralization

Definition: Decentralization means there is no major central authority or entity keeping track of the transactions, and instead, it’s distributed across many nodes in the network.

DID

Definition: Stands for Decentralized Identifier. A unique ID that aids in data discovery and helps identify the Data Asset in the entire Acentrik ecosystem. It makes the Asset discoverable and usable by pointing out to the associated DDO (which stores the metadata) when called.

Download

Definition: On Acentrik, Data Providers can enable their Datasets they publish as Downloadable; Data Consumers can then download these datasets after they purchase them.


E

Edge Node

Definition: A crucial part of the infrastructure that connects Acentrik on one side and the data sources on the other side. It serves various functions within the Acentrik platform.

Edge Node Provider

Definition: An interface that is in charge of interacting with users and integrate the Compute-to-Data infrastructure into Acentrik. It is a component of the Edge Computing Node, along with the Operator-Service, and Operator-Engine.

End User License Agreement

Definition: A License that protects and gives the Data Provider the right to explain how an Asset can be used Can be Customized for an Asset or be Open-sourced.

Experimental

Definition: A type of Asset that does not contain real values, and so cannot be monetized. This is used for testing purposes.


F

FAQs

Definition: Frequently Asked Questions.

Federated Compute

Definition: Process of running multiple compute jobs.

Fine-grained Permissions

Definition: Refers to the asset-level permissions i.e., allowing only specific data consumers to purchase a Data Asset. Current functionality includes allow/deny wallets and email domains.


G

Group

Definition: Cluster of users in an organization.

Group Admin

Definition: Administrator for the Group.

Group Owner

Definition: Entity/Person-in-charge who owns the Group.

Group Wallet

Definition: Wallet enabled by Group Wallet. This means all users within one group have access to one Wallet/Smart Account, and use currency from it for transactions.


I

Instance

Definition: An iteration/version of the Data Exchange Platform that gets deployed by Instance Admin.

Instance Admin

Definition: Main administrator for the Data Exchange Platform who manages all instances, groups, and edge nodes.

Instance Management

Definition: Refers to the administration and configuration of individual instances (or copies) of software applications within a SaaS environment. Instance management includes tasks like user management, configuration, and resource allocation.

Instance Management Portal

Definition: Portal where Instance Admins will be able to manage all deployed instances, groups, edge nodes, and platform theming.

IPFS

Definition: Refers to The InterPlanetary File System. As opposed to a centrally located server, IPFS is built around a decentralized system and allows users to host and receive content in a decentralized manner.


J

Job

Definition: Each task in the Workflow builder is classified as a Job. Types of jobs: Download job, Compute job.


K

Knowledge Base

Definition: Collection of information that provides users with access to how-to guides and explanations for using the Data Exchange Platform.

Kubernetes/K8s

Definition: An open-source platform for managing containerized workloads and services. Applications can be run by bundling these containers in a production environment without any downtime. Private edge computing node can be hosted on any Kubernetes environment, including AWS, Azure, and Alibaba Cloud, or within their own data centers; by connecting their private edge computing node to Acentrik, enterprises may add an extra layer of security to the platform.

Kubernetes Environment

Definition: Refers to an open-source system to deploy, scale, and manage containerized applications anywhere.


M

Markdown

Definition: Text-to-HTML conversion tool that Data Providers can use when writing long descriptions for their Asset.

Metadata

Definition: A set of data that describes and gives information about other data. It can provide information such as the name of Data Asset, description, owner, price, and other details like category, tags, creation and update dates, etc.

Multi-stage Compute

Definition: Process of running multiple compute jobs. Same as Federated compute.


O

Ocean Protocol

Definition: A protocol that defines how communication between data providers and data consumers takes place in a decentralized way, either directly or via apps like marketplaces. It provides a toolbox to securely publish, exchange, and use data. It allows data providers to securely monetize their private data in full transparency while keeping full ownership and data consumers to run compute algorithms on vetted data, which was previously not accessible (data not shared, no open marketplace to find the data, no process to judge data quality/relevance).

Operator Engine

Definition: A back-end service in charge of orchestrating the compute infrastructure using Kubernetes as a back-end. It typically retrieves the workflows created by the Operator Service in Kubernetes. It also manages the infrastructure necessary to complete the execution of the compute workflows. It is a component of the Edge Computing Node, along with an Edge Node Provider and Operator Service.

Operator Service

Definition: A micro-service in charge of managing the workflow and executing requests. It directly communicates and takes orders from the Edge Node Provider and performs computation on data, provided by the Data Provider. It is a component of the Edge Computing Node, along with an Edge Node Provider and Operator Engine.

Output File

Definition: Computer file that contains the data that are the output of a device or program.


P

Pay-per-byte

Definition: When Data Consumers are able to pay based on the file size downloaded.

Pay-per-download

Definition: When Data Consumers are able to pay based on the number of times the output is downloaded.

Post-payment

Definition: When Data Consumers are able to pay for their order after downloading or running the compute job(s).

Private edge node

Definition: Edge computing cluster that provides secure connection to private data endpoints, allowing for an extra layer of security.

Public edge node

Definition: Edge computing cluster that is offered by default, allowing connection between data sources and Data Exchange Platform.


R

Reference number

Definition: Unique identifier for Group.


S

SaaS (Software as a Service)

Definition: A software distribution model where applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet. SaaS eliminates the need for organizations to install and maintain software locally.

Sample Image

Definition: Refers to an optional step in the Asset publishing process; Data Publishers can capture the attention of prospective Data Consumers with an image, screenshot, or a visual representation of their Asset. The image can be in JPG or PNG format and be up to 10MB in file size.

Source URL

Definition: Refers to Source Uniform Resource Identifier Scheme that allows data to be encoded into a string, and then embedded directly into HTML or CSS.

SSO

Definition: Single Sign-On. Authentication system that allows users to log in using only their organization email address.

Suspend

Definition: When an Instance Admin pauses sales of an asset if they find it to be against guidelines.


T

Transaction Indexer

Definition: Allows to explore transaction by Ethereum address and obtain a transaction trail of any user and/or wallet.

Trusted Algorithm

Definition: Algorithms that are compatible with the published dataset and are allowed by Data Publisher to be run on the dataset during compute jobs also known as Compatible Algorithm.


W

Web3

Definition: An evolution of internet as a mesh network of blockchains and smart contracts that interact with each other, and that form a new layer on top of the current internet. Web3.0, in the context of Ethereum, refers to decentralized apps that run on the blockchain.

Web3 Technology

Definition: Generally refers to the evolution of the web towards decentralized protocols and applications, often utilizing blockchain technology. Web3 aims to create a more secure, private, and user-centric internet experience.

Whitelabel

Definition: A term used to describe products or services developed by one company but branded and offered by another company (the 'whitelabeler') under its own brand. Acentrik's whitelabel data exchange platform allows businesses and government agencies to exchange data securely and exclusively, enhancing collaboration while maintaining regulatory adherence and privacy standards.