DCRM journey
Last updated
Last updated
The Foundation has released various versions of its cross-chain system since its ICO, gradually transforming a theoretical proof into a usable piece of technology.
DCRM 1.0–2.0: Released on July 2018, this Java version validated that TSS distributed key generation and combination theory could actually be done.
DCRM 3.0: Released on October 2018, this version implemented TSS in a peer-2-peer (P2P) setup and refactored the code in GoLang, a popular language for developing blockchain. The nodes worked together to provide decentralized custodianship of incompatible, live BTC and ETH. A light UI was provided along with APIs.
DCRM 4.0: Released on Dec 2018, the Foundation provided the first open-sourced TSS on blockchain.
After DCRM4.0, Fusion could have turned towards optimizing performance and bringing DCRM into Fusion’s Testnet. However, as we shared DCRM with innovators and financial institutions alike, we noticed an adoption catch-22: people were excited by an interoperable decentralized custodian solution, but couldn’t reconcile a decentralized dependency with their existing risk and compliance policies. For example, how does one guarantee that in these early test stages prior to critical network mass being attained, that key shards will always be available? Or, how does one protect the system against node runners who may be bad players?
In addition, businesses wanted to try out DCRM in a more flexible configuration, not tied-in to an existing blockchain. For example, some had their own blockchains to integrate with while others wanted to build solutions unrelated to blockchain.
With those two considerations of breaking the adoption stalemate and providing flexibility, the foundation went to task on DCRM 5.0.
DCRM 5.0 offers the core functionality of TSS in a flexible module that that can be integrated into any on-chain or off-chain workflow, while allowing organizations to prescribe their own limits and applications of decentralization. It also incorporates efficiencies over prior versions for consensus, reducing finality from hours (even days, in edge cases) to minutes.
In short, this module is designed to help “mainstream” decentralized finance applications get traction in a world that is dominated by centralized governance and thinking. DCRM 5.0 provides the key to more than just cross-chain solutions. It also provides the key to decentralized custody, efficient settlement/trading networks, dark pools, keyless wallets, practical alternatives to multi-signature offerings, and more.
The SDK, which packages TSS into its two most important endpoints of 1) distributed key generation (used to hold assets) and 2) distributed transaction signature (used to send assets), soft-launched in late October. Users can experiment either in Fusion’s sandbox as 1-of-3 nodes in a private group, or their own sandbox where they have full control on who runs the nodes.
Learn more about DCRM SDK.
