Open protocols, the underlying technology for the internet, are experiencing a resurgence. Initially, they were the foundation for email and world wide web, but were subsequently overshadowed by centralised services like Facebook and Google. Now, they are making a comeback, driven by blockchain technology. Blockchain, the technology behind Bitcoin, enables decentralised networks to reach consensus without a central authority. This feature is critical for the development of open protocols.
Open protocols have the potential to disrupt centralised online services. They can create a more competitive and innovative internet, where users own their data and have more control over their online interactions. They can also foster a new generation of applications, built on top of open protocols, that are more user-friendly and privacy-focused.
However, open protocols face significant challenges. They need to attract developers and users, who are currently locked into centralised services. They also have to overcome technical hurdles, such as scalability and performance issues. Despite these challenges, the rise of blockchain technology and the increasing demand for privacy and control online provide a promising future for open protocols.
Go to source article: http://avc.com/2016/07/the-golden-age-of-open-protocols