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Cryptocurrency staking is a popular way to increase digital assets. It is similar to depositing money in a bank, which uses customer deposits to form loans for others and incentivizes them with interest payments.

More specifically, crypto staking is the transfer of a part of coins to the blockchain to keep the network functioning and secure.

For this contribution, coin owners are rewarded in the form of a percentage of the deposited funds. The process is a way to make passive income, so it’s quite convenient.

Staking has not always been talked about and used as much as it is now. To understand how this phenomenon became so popular, it is worth studying its history.

Why did staking appear

For a more complete understanding of the topic, it is necessary to consider such concepts as PoW (proof-of-work) and PoS (proof-of-stake) mechanisms, as they had a direct impact on the staking emergence.

Looking ahead, staking appeared as a result of PoW problems.

Challenges of the PoW mechanism

PoW involves verifying transactions and creating new blocks in the blockchain. The verifiers here are called ‘miners,’ who compete to solve math tasks whoever solves it first adds the next block and gets rewarded.

This concept worked fine until the popularity of cryptocurrencies started to grow intensively, and the networks became overloaded.

PoW could no longer process a large number of TPS (transactions per second), which began to limit network bandwidth.

Moreover, this mechanism is very energy-intensive and requires a lot of computational power. It became especially noticeable in the context of increasing network activity and only reinforced the need for change.

Introduction of the PoS mechanism

The answer to the problems of the PoW mechanism was a new one, which was PoS. Its idea was proposed in 2011 on the BitcoinTalk forum by a user of the QuantumMechanic nickname.

He said that the PoS mechanism would select network validators to add new blocks to the blockchain based on the number of coins they have and are willing to stake as collateral.

Such a measure was supposed to reduce the speed of transaction processing, since validators would not have to spend time on tasks.

For the same reason, there was no need for powerful computing equipment, which would decrease energy consumption.

This scheme worked already in 2012, the PoS mechanism was first introduced by the Peercoin cryptocurrency.

Stages of the staking evolution

The idea of the PoS mechanism seemed very attractive to the crypto community.

Therefore, from the beginning of its emergence until today, staking has been actively developing, passing through several stages.

Stage one – introduction of PoS systems 2014-2017

A large number of crypto projects started applying PoS or hybrid PoW-PoS mechanisms. Blackcoin and Nxt were the first to do it.

During this period, staking was seen as more energy efficient than mining and also safer in terms of environmental impact.

Stage two – DPoS – 2014

The BitShares blockchain platform proposed the concept of DPoS (delegated proof-of-stake), where token holders could vote for a limited number of validators to secure the network.

By having a small group of validators, the efficiency of the network increased, and the distribution of staking became more scalable.

Stage three – SaaS 2018

Some crypto platforms offered SaaS (staking as a service), where users could place their assets without running a verification node themselves. This simplification expanded the user base.

Stage four Ethereum upgrade 2020

In 2020, the Ethereum blockchain began the transition to Ethereum 2.0, powered by the PoS mechanism.

It was an important event in the history of staking, as Ethereum is one of the largest blockchain networks. As a result, this period began to see strong growth in staking, creating what is known as the ‘staking boom.’

Stage five – innovation – 2024

Staking continues to evolve due to the rise of available cryptocurrencies and liquidity protocols.

For example, the APR for staking TRX on KuCoin starts at two-point-two percent, on Binance it reaches five percent and on Cryptomus it is the full 20%.

Each platform provides its own conditions, so users have the opportunity to choose the most optimal for themselves.

The first crypto platforms that began to provide staking

It is possible to engage in staking on crypto exchanges, among which you can choose the most suitable for yourself. And who was the first to start providing the opportunity of staking? These five.

Binance The exchange implemented the staking function in its interface in September 2019. Initially, it only supported coins such as NEO, VET and ONT, but over time it expanded this list.
Kraken A little later, Kraken launched staking (December 2019). The platform’s service allowed users to stake coins without having to run the node themselves.
OKEx Around the same period, in late 2019, the OKEx platform offered multiple token staking. It sought to simplify the process by providing rewards directly through the platform.
KuCoin Also in 2019, KuCoin introduced staking through its dedicated Pool-X platform, which provided users with locked and flexible stake amounts. It introduced a liquidity distribution system where users could save liquidity by placing derivatives.
Coinbase Coinbase crypto exchange caught up with other platforms in 2020, starting with Tezos (XTZ) offering. It allowed users to store their assets in the platform’s wallets while participating in staking.

These cryptocurrency exchanges which were the first to introduce staking into their functionality have been essential in making the process accessible to all users.

It is because they have actively worked to simplify the process of earning rewards that would not require specialized technical knowledge from the staker.

Conclusion

Such an innovative development as simplifying staking and working within the same platform has also influenced the future of the phenomenon because today the number of stakers amounts to millions of users.

And every aspiring crypto investor has at least heard of this concept and may already be looking to multiply digital assets using this tool.

As blockchain technology has evolved, staking has also become an important part of DeFi protocols, where it protects networks and develops new projects.

Most importantly, staking is a guarantee of network sustainability and security, so it is being chosen to work more and more every day.

Marta Abzal is a crypto investor and has been in the cryptocurrency industry for 10 years. She has seen the emergence of Ethereum, USDT, TRX and many other coins on the market particularly ones possible to stake.

 

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 Cryptocurrency staking is a popular way to increase digital assets. It is similar to depositing money in a bank, which uses customer deposits to form loans for others and incentivizes them with interest payments. More specifically, crypto staking is the transfer of a part of coins to the blockchain to keep the network functioning and
The post Exploring the History of Staking appeared first on The Daily Hodl. 

Amazon’s journey from a modest online bookstore to the world’s largest online retailer is a narrative of innovation, disruption, and relentless ambition. Today, Amazon dominates the e-commerce landscape, setting the standard for online shopping with its vast product selection, lightning-fast delivery, and customer-centric approach. This article explores the evolution of Amazon’s leadership in online shopping, examining the key strategies, innovations, and challenges that have shaped its rise to the top.

The Early Days: From Bookstore to Everything Store

Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 as an online bookstore, capitalizing on the internet’s potential to reach a global audience. The decision to start with books was strategic; books were easy to ship, did not require much storage space, and had a universal appeal. From the beginning, Bezos envisioned Amazon as more than just a bookstore. His long-term goal was to create the “everything store,” a one-stop-shop where customers could find and purchase anything they needed online.

The initial success of Amazon was driven by its innovative approach to e-commerce. While traditional bookstores were limited by physical space, Amazon offered an extensive catalog of books that was virtually limitless. The company’s early focus on customer satisfaction, with features like customer reviews, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly interface, set it apart from competitors.

By 1997, Amazon had gone public, and its rapid growth continued. The company began to expand its product offerings beyond books, gradually adding categories like music, electronics, and toys. This diversification was essential to Amazon’s strategy of becoming the go-to online retailer for all consumer needs. The company’s ability to offer a wide range of products, combined with its commitment to customer service, established it as a leader in online shopping.

Innovation and Expansion: The Prime Revolution

One of the most significant milestones in Amazon’s evolution was the launch of Amazon Prime in 2005. For an annual fee, Prime members received free two-day shipping on eligible purchases, a proposition that was revolutionary at the time. The introduction of Prime was a game-changer, transforming customer expectations and further solidifying Amazon’s leadership in online shopping.

Prime was more than just a shipping service; it was a strategic move to create customer loyalty. The subscription model incentivized customers to make Amazon their default shopping destination, as the more they used Prime, the more value they received. Over time, Amazon expanded the benefits of Prime to include streaming video and music, exclusive deals, and other perks, making it an indispensable service for millions of customers.

The success of Prime can be measured by its membership numbers, which have grown exponentially over the years. As of 2024, Amazon Prime has over 200 million members worldwide, a testament to the value it offers. The Prime membership model has been so successful that it has influenced the broader retail industry, with many competitors launching their own subscription services in response.

The Technology Edge: Fulfillment and Logistics

Amazon’s dominance in online shopping is not just a result of its vast product selection and customer-centric approach; it is also rooted in its technological prowess. The company has invested heavily in building a state-of-the-art fulfillment and logistics network, which has been a critical factor in its ability to offer fast, reliable delivery to customers.

Amazon’s fulfillment centers, which are strategically located around the world, are marvels of automation and efficiency. These facilities use advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to manage inventory, process orders, and ship products with unparalleled speed. The company’s ability to deliver products quickly and accurately is a key reason why customers choose Amazon over other online retailers.

In addition to its fulfillment centers, Amazon has developed a vast logistics network that includes its own fleet of planes, trucks, and delivery vehicles. The company’s investment in logistics has allowed it to reduce its reliance on third-party carriers like UPS and FedEx, giving it greater control over the delivery process. This vertical integration has enabled Amazon to offer services like same-day and next-day delivery, further enhancing its competitive advantage.

Moreover, Amazon’s logistics innovations extend beyond its own operations. The company’s delivery service partner (DSP) program has created opportunities for small businesses to operate delivery routes for Amazon, while its crowd-sourced delivery platform, Amazon Flex, allows individuals to deliver packages using their own vehicles. These initiatives have expanded Amazon’s delivery capacity and ensured that it can meet the growing demand for fast shipping.

Expanding the Ecosystem: Marketplace and AWS

Another key component of Amazon’s success in online shopping is its ability to create a comprehensive ecosystem that extends beyond retail. The Amazon Marketplace, launched in 2000, has been instrumental in expanding the company’s product selection and driving revenue growth. The Marketplace allows third-party sellers to list their products on Amazon’s platform, giving customers access to a wider range of goods and enabling Amazon to earn a commission on each sale.

The success of the Marketplace has been staggering. Today, over half of the products sold on Amazon are from third-party sellers, many of whom are small and medium-sized businesses. The Marketplace has also been a critical factor in Amazon’s global expansion, as it allows sellers from around the world to reach customers in different markets without the need for a physical presence.

In addition to the Marketplace, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has played a crucial role in the company’s growth and profitability. Launched in 2006, AWS offers cloud computing services to businesses, allowing them to store data, run applications, and scale their operations with ease. AWS has become the backbone of the internet, powering everything from startups to large enterprises. The revenue generated by AWS has given Amazon the financial flexibility to invest heavily in its retail operations, including its logistics network, Prime, and original content for Prime Video.

Challenges and Criticisms

While Amazon’s leadership in online shopping is undeniable, it has not been without challenges and criticisms. The company’s dominance has raised concerns about its impact on competition, with critics arguing that Amazon’s scale and market power give it an unfair advantage over smaller retailers. There have also been concerns about the treatment of workers in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, with reports of grueling conditions and low wages sparking public outcry and calls for better labor practices.

Amazon has also faced scrutiny over its impact on the environment. The company’s rapid delivery services, which require a vast logistics network, contribute to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. In response, Amazon has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and has invested in renewable energy and electric vehicles to reduce its environmental footprint.

Despite these challenges, Amazon continues to grow and innovate, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in online shopping. The company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, invest in technology, and create a seamless shopping experience has ensured its position as the leader in e-commerce.

The Future of Amazon in Online Shopping

As Amazon looks to the future, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation will continue to shape the e-commerce landscape, and Amazon is well-positioned to leverage these innovations to enhance its operations and customer experience.

The company is also likely to continue expanding its ecosystem, integrating its retail operations with other services like AWS, Prime Video, and Alexa. This integration will further entrench Amazon in the daily lives of consumers, making it even more difficult for competitors to challenge its dominance.

In conclusion, Amazon’s leadership in online shopping is the result of a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, innovation, and scale. From its early days as an online bookstore to its current status as a global e-commerce giant, Amazon has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in retail. As the company continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a dominant force in the world of online shopping, shaping the future of commerce for years to come.