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.
Asset Management Token
Definition: Refers to a token issued by the Platform to the Data Provider upon the publication of a Data Asset on the Platform which provides the Data Provider with (among others) the following administrative rights over the Data Asset:
- Allowing a Data Consumer access to the Data Asset via Data Tokens
- Allocating the Revenue made from the Data Asset to the relevant Wallet
- Changing the metadata associated with the Data Asset
- Assigning roles to different Enterprise User Accounts to manage or perform certain actions in relation to the Data Asset.
B
Blockchain
Definition: A distributed digital ledger that chronologically records the transactions. This ledger is duplicated and distributed across participants, and public which allows everyone to verify that the entries are correct.
Blockchain Network
Definition: A technical infrastructure that provides ledger and smart contract services to applications.
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
DApps
Definition: Decentralized Apps: Applications built on a decentralized network that combine back-end code (smart contracts) with a front-end user interface. DApps can run on a P2P network or a blockchain network, instead of a single computer, and are outside the purview and control of a single authority.
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.
ERC-20
Definition: Stands for Ethereum Request for Comments 20Token Standard for fungible tokens managed by smart contracts. It provides functionalities like to transfer tokens from one account to another, to get the current token balance of an account and also the total supply of the token available on the network etc.
ERC-721
Definition: Refers to Ethereum Request for Comments 721Global standard for representing ownership of NFTs. It is more complex than ERC20, with multiple optional extensions, and is split across a number of contracts.
Ethereum
Definition: Ethereum is a revolutionary blockchain-based platform that operates in a decentralized and open-source manner, enabling the execution of smart contracts. It provides users with the ability to create, deploy, and utilize various applications, while also offering a means of payment through its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH).
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.
Faucet
Definition: Any website or application that dispenses cryptocurrency funds in the form of free test tokens that can be used on a testnet such as Rinkeby.
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
Gas
Definition: Refers to the unit that measures the amount of computational effort required to execute specific operations on the Ethereum network.
Gas Fee
Definition: Payments made by users to cover transaction or smart contract execution costs on the Ethereum blockchain network, in compensation for the computing energy that such executions require.
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.
H
Hash
Definition: A function in the Blockchain network, as part of validated transactions, which prevents fraudulent transactions and double spending of the currency. The resulting encrypted value is a series of numbers and letters that do not resemble the original data and is called a hash.
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
Mainnet
Definition: A mainnet is a fully developed and released version of a blockchain network.
Markdown
Definition: Text-to-HTML conversion tool that Data Providers can use when writing long descriptions for their Asset.
Matic Token
Definition: ERC-20 token that is native to Polygon Mainnet. It allows users to pay transaction fees taking paces on dApps running on Polygon.
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.
Metamask
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.
Mumbai
Definition: Polygon Mumbai is a layer-two (L2) scaling platform for Ethereum. Like other testnets, Mumbai allows developers to deploy and test their applications on the Polygon network without having to spend real money.
N
NFT
Definition: Refers to Non-Fungible Token. A digital asset that can be logged in and authenticated on the blockchain.
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).
Off-Chain Transactions
Definition: Transactions that occur off a given blockchain network, that may be later reported or batched together before submitted to the main chain.
On-Chain Transactions
Definition: Cryptocurrency transactions that occur on the blockchain and remain dependent on the state of the blockchain for their validity.
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
Testnet
Definition: Networks used by protocol developers or smart contract developers to test both protocol upgrades as well as potential smart contracts in a production-like environment before deployment to mainnet. Generally used to perform tests and experiments on a blockchain before a mainnet is released. Testnets are used while a blockchain is live for experimentation and development as to not disrupt the main chain. Ether and tokens on a testnet carry no real-world value.
Token
Definition: Any asset that is digitally transferable between two people is called a token. A token represents a set of rules encoded in a smart contract. Each token belongs to a blockchain address. It is essentially a digital asset that is stored securely on the blockchain. Tokens can represent virtually anything from financial assets like a share in a company to a fiat currency like USD, from an ounce of gold to data etc.
Tokenization of Data Access and Ownership
Definition: The process of representing data access rights and ownership using digital tokens on a blockchain or similar decentralized platform. This method ensures transparency, accountability, and security in data transactions.
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.
U
USDC
Definition: Refers to US Dollar Coin. A digital Stablecoin that is pegged to the United States Dollar.
Utility Token
Definition: A unit of payment on the network that can be used to pay for gas fees and transaction fees when purchasing or publishing a Data Asset at Acentrik, the utility token is the MATIC token for the Polygon Mainnet for production and Rinkeby Network for non-production environment.
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.
Web3 Wallet
Definition: Application that allows cryptocurrency users to store and retrieve their digital assets. Web3 wallets stores the public and private keys required to buy cryptocurrencies, and provides digital signatures authorizing each transaction. Web3 wallets that are connected to the internet are known as 'hot wallet' (e.g., Metamask) and wallets that are not connected to the internet are known as 'cold wallet' (e.g., Trezor, Ledger etc.).
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.