OpenChat: Next-Gen Messaging Built on the Internet Computer Blockchain

In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and decentralized applications, OpenChat emerges as a groundbreaking platform that redefines how we communicate. Built on the Internet Computer blockchain, OpenChat combines the features of popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram with the revolutionary capabilities of decentralized governance and tokenomics.

What is OpenChat?

OpenChat is a fully-featured chat application that operates on the Internet Computer blockchain. It offers a user experience comparable to leading messaging apps, while providing unique functionalities such as decentralized governance and token-based transactions. Unlike traditional chat applications, OpenChat is designed as a progressive web application (PWA). This means it adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices, integrating with device notifications and offering a smooth, responsive interface that feels like a native app.

One of the standout features of OpenChat is its open-source nature. The platform operates as a collection of canister smart contracts, with each user’s data stored in individual canisters. This allows users to verify the code running their canister at any time, promoting transparency and security. Furthermore, OpenChat’s architecture supports a global user base, enabling scalability and high performance without compromising on privacy or user control.

How it Works

At the core of OpenChat's operation are canister smart contracts, which are specialized data structures on the Internet Computer blockchain. Each user and group on OpenChat is represented by a canister, which stores their chat data and acts as a wallet for managing tokens. This decentralized approach ensures that user data is secure and privately managed, with no central point of failure. Canisters communicate with each other to facilitate messaging and transactions, creating a robust network that can scale to support millions of users.

OpenChat's architecture allows users to send messages that include tokens such as ICP and ckBTC, making it a powerful tool for global remittance. Each message can include monetary value, enabling seamless peer-to-peer transactions within the chat interface. The platform also plans to introduce "communities," which function like Slack workspaces or Discord servers, further enhancing its capabilities and making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional communication.

The OpenChat DAO

OpenChat is on the path to becoming fully decentralized through the creation of a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). This transition will be managed by the Service Nervous System (SNS), which operates similarly to the Network Nervous System (NNS) that governs the Internet Computer. The OpenChat DAO will oversee the platform’s development and management, with governance decisions made by the holders of CHAT tokens, the native token of the platform.

The creation of the OpenChat DAO involves a public sale of CHAT tokens. Once this decentralization process is complete, the DAO will have control over the platform’s canisters and treasury, marking the end of centralized control by the founding development team. This governance model ensures that OpenChat evolves according to the collective decisions of its user base, promoting a fair and democratic development process. 

Proposals can be submitted by any member, and decisions are made through a voting system where CHAT token holders participate, ensuring that the platform remains aligned with the community’s interests.

OpenChat's Features

OpenChat offers a comprehensive set of features that make it a standout choice for users seeking both standard and advanced messaging capabilities. Designed with user experience and security in mind, OpenChat integrates several innovative functionalities that enhance communication and community building. Here are some of the key features that set OpenChat apart from traditional messaging apps:

• Communities: OpenChat introduces "communities," akin to Slack workspaces or Discord servers, providing robust tools for managing roles, permissions, and channels.
• Mobile First: Designed primarily for mobile use, OpenChat ensures a seamless experience across all device sizes, from smartphones to desktops.
• Groups: Users can create private or public groups, managing permissions and member access.
• Permissions: Owners can assign different roles such as admin or moderator to help manage communities effectively.
• Organization: Features like favorites, pinned chats, and customizable community arrangements enhance usability.
• User Profile: Users can personalize their profiles, manage crypto accounts, and view personal stats.
• Sending Messages: OpenChat supports all standard messaging features along with unique capabilities like token transactions.
• Search: Advanced search functionalities allow users to find communities, groups, users, and messages effortlessly.
• Proposal Voting: Users can vote on NNS and SNS proposals directly from the app by registering their OpenChat account as a hotkey for their neuron.

CHAT Tokenomics

The CHAT token serves multiple purposes within the OpenChat ecosystem, driving both governance and utility on the platform. Here's a detailed look at its tokenomics:

Token Utilities

• Governance Participation: CHAT tokens can be staked as neurons, allowing holders to participate in the governance of OpenChat by voting on SNS proposals. By doing so, they earn voting rewards, which increase the longer the tokens are staked, incentivizing long-term commitment.
• Payment for Premium Features: Users can utilize CHAT tokens to access premium features within the OpenChat app. These features enhance the user experience and provide additional functionalities.
• Reward Contributions: CHAT tokens are used to reward users for their contributions to the growth and evolution of OpenChat, either through automated user rewards or by passing SNS proposals.

There are several premium features available within OpenChat, which can be purchased using CHAT tokens. These include:

• Storage for Media: Uploading, sending, and storing files such as images and videos.
• On-demand Message Translation: Translating messages in real-time.
• Increased Group Creation Limit: Expanding the limit for group creation from 10 to 25.
• Communities: Creating and managing community spaces similar to Slack workspaces or Discord servers, with potential monetization options for community owners.

Token Distribution 

The initial allocation of 100 million CHAT tokens is distributed as follows:

• Treasury: 52.0%
• Decentralization Sale (non-CF): 16.8%
• Founding Developer Team: 15.0%
• Decentralization Sale (CF): 8.3%
• Seed Funders: 8.0%

The design of the user reward system aims to incentivize positive behavior and growth of the OpenChat platform. Users earn reputation scores based on their activity, such as inviting new users, managing popular groups, and holding tokens. Rewards are then distributed algorithmically based on reputation, encouraging users to engage positively and support the platform’s success.

At the launch of the SNS, 25% of the total supply will be available for decentralization sale to distribute governance and raise funds. The remaining tokens will support the founding team, seed funders, and the treasury for ongoing rewards and development.

OpenChat's Teams

OpenChat was founded by three software developers: Matt Grogan, Hamish Peebles, and Julian Jelfs. They originally met and worked together for several years building a platform for online travel agencies.

Matt Grogan has been a software developer for nearly 30 years, working across various industries and tech stacks, primarily involving web technologies. He holds a master's degree in Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Oxford. His long-standing collaboration with Dominic Williams, the founder and Chief Scientist of DFINITY, led to the inception of OpenChat.

Hamish Peebles, after graduating with a master's degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University, transitioned into software engineering with a focus on high-throughput, low-latency cloud-based systems. His expertise in these areas has been instrumental in developing the robust infrastructure of OpenChat.

Julian Jelfs brings over 25 years of experience in software engineering, with a diverse background spanning defense, risk management, e-commerce, education technology, travel, and chat applications. He has a particular interest in functional front ends and holds a master's degree in Politics, Philosophy & Economics from the University of Oxford.

Conclusion

OpenChat stands at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology with everyday communication. By offering a decentralized, transparent, and feature-rich chat application, it has the potential to disrupt the current market dominated by big tech incumbents. As OpenChat transitions to a DAO, it empowers its users, ensuring that the platform evolves in line with the community's needs and interests. With its innovative approach and robust feature set, OpenChat is poised to lead the next generation of decentralized communication platforms.