1. Project Introduction
Aethir is a leader in decentralized GPU cloud infrastructure, providing unique solutions for the growing needs of the artificial intelligence (AI) and gaming sectors.
As the world rapidly adopts AI and cloud gaming, traditional centralized cloud infrastructure is struggling to keep up, leading to a shortage of computing resources. To this end, Aethir uses enterprise-grade GPU as a Service (GaaS) to provide a scalable, cost-effective, decentralized approach to meet the intensive needs of these fields. Its infrastructure allows GPU providers to connect with customers who need powerful processing power to complete AI/ML tasks and games. Aethir's decentralized cloud infrastructure stands out because it is not controlled by a single entity, but is distributed across a network of independent nodes, which enhances scalability, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and security. The Aethir Node Sale provides an opportunity to contribute to this infrastructure. By running a node, participants can play a key role in network decentralization, data and service verification, and be rewarded in Aethir's native token $ATH. The Aethir Network is a unique digital system that integrates technology and economy, like a bustling city where miners, developers, users, token holders, and the Aethir DAO work together to achieve smooth operation. At the core of the Aethir ecosystem is the ATH token, a multi-asset that is not only used for transactions, but also for governance, incentives, and platform development. ATH’s architecture ensures that as the Aethir ecosystem and platform continues to grow and gain a stronger foothold in the cloud computing industry, the value of ATH and its token holders will continue to accrue, ensuring that the goals of token holders and the team are aligned.
2. Core Mechanics
Aethir's core mechanism is based on its unique decentralized cloud computing platform, which revolutionizes enterprise-level cloud computing through distributed graphics processing unit (GPU) resources.
Decentralized GPU as a Service (GaaS) is a key component of this platform, which is different from the traditional centralized cloud computing model. Here’s how it works:
Decentralized Network of GPUs:
Rather than relying on centralized data centers to provide GPU resources, decentralized GaaS models like Aethir allow numerous individual GPU owners to provide unused computing power to the network. This creates a diverse pool of resources that can be tapped on demand by users who need GPU services for AI processing, machine learning tasks, or gaming.
Point-to-point model:
In this system, GPUs can be shared in a peer-to-peer network. Providers with GPUs join the network and share their resources without the need for a central authority or intermediary. Users who need GPU resources can access this distributed network to find the processing power they need.
Utilization of blockchain technology:
Blockchain technology underpins the decentralized GaaS platform, enabling secure and transparent transactions between GPU providers and users. Smart contracts automatically allocate resources, payments, and ensure compliance with the terms of service agreed upon by both parties.
Token incentives:
The native token (ATH in Aethir’s case) incentivizes participants to contribute their GPU resources to the network. Providers earn tokens when using GPUs, which can then be traded within the ecosystem or used for other services or governance purposes.
Cost efficiency and scalability:
Decentralized GaaS aims to provide a more cost-effective solution for accessing GPU resources, as it has the potential to eliminate the overhead associated with centralized cloud providers. Additionally, as more and more GPU owners contribute their resources, the network can scale to meet growing demand without requiring large capital investments in infrastructure.
Accessibility and reduced latency:
By having a distributed network of GPUs, users can access geographically close resources, reducing latency. This is particularly beneficial for real-time applications such as gaming or real-time data processing for artificial intelligence.
Democratizing Access:
This model democratizes access to high-performance computing resources. Small businesses, researchers, and individuals who may not be able to afford the high costs of enterprise-level GPU services can source the computing power they need from shared resources on the network. All in all, decentralized GaaS platforms like Aethir aim to change the traditional cloud computing model by providing a decentralized, efficient, and accessible way to share and utilize GPU resources. This innovation has the potential to have a significant impact on industries that require GPU processing power, making it more accessible and affordable. In addition to GaaS, nodes (a fundamental component of network infrastructure) also play specialized roles in Aethir's decentralized model network:
Inspector Node:
Checker nodes are responsible for monitoring the network to ensure that the computing resources provided by other nodes meet the required performance standards. This includes verifying uptime, latency, and overall quality of service. Rewards: Operators of checker nodes are incentivized with ATH tokens for their role in maintaining the integrity of the network. Decentralization Contribution: By verifying the data and services provided by other nodes, checker nodes contribute to the decentralization and security of the network. Container Nodes: Resource Provisioning: Container nodes provide the actual computing power in the network. They are essentially "workers" that perform tasks that require GPU resources, such as AI computations or game streaming services. Economic Incentives: Container node operators receive ATH tokens in exchange for the computing services they provide to the network, aligning their interests with the overall health and efficiency of the system. Indexer Nodes: Cataloging Resources: Indexer nodes organize and categorize network resources, making it easier for users to find and utilize GPU power that fits their specific needs. Connection Facilitation: They act as a bridge connecting user requests with the appropriate container nodes, ensuring that services meet the user's needs. Role in Network Stability and Scaling: Uptime and Quality Control: Nodes continuously monitor the network to verify uptime and quality of service, which is critical to user trust and network reliability. Load Balancing: Nodes help to evenly distribute workloads across the network, which prevents any single point of failure and improves overall performance. Governance Participation: Voting Rights: Node operators may also have voting rights in network governance, especially if they hold a certain number of ATH tokens. This enables them to participate in the decision-making process that may affect the future development and policies of the network. Network Launch and Maintenance: Initial Node Distribution: Introducing nodes to the network, especially through public sales such as node sales, allows for rapid expansion and distribution of network infrastructure. Ongoing Operations: Once the network is operational, nodes work together to handle requests, maintain quality of service, and support the network's continued growth and adaptation to new demands. Nodes are the backbone of Aethir's decentralized cloud computing service, supporting its operations and making its GaaS model run efficiently.By rewarding node operators with ATH tokens, Aethir ensures that there is a direct correlation between contributions to the health of the network and the economic benefits participants receive. This incentivizes operators not only to maintain their nodes, but also to act in the best interest of the Aethir ecosystem.
3. NEXT
The ATH token is the native token of Aethir and plays a multifunctional role in the ecosystem:
Transaction Practicality:
ATH primarily serves as a standard medium of exchange in Aethir. Demand-side participants who wish to purchase processing power approach node operators to compensate them for their computing power with ATH. This reflects Aethir's three major business models: AI applications, cloud computing, and virtualized computing.
Diversified Applications:
In addition to its use in AI applications, virtualized computing, and cloud gaming, ATH is also seeing adoption as the ecosystem grows. With the introduction of merged mining and integrated markets, the use cases for the ATH token as a preferred means of transaction will continue to increase, demonstrating its adaptability, relevance, and future integration, with the potential for ATH to be incorporated into a multitude of different use cases.
Management and participation:
Additionally, as Aethir moves toward building its DAO, the ATH token plays an additional role in governance. Token holders are empowered to propose, discuss, and vote on platform changes, ensuring Aethir maintains its decentralized ethos.
Shareholding:
New node operators who wish to contribute to the Aethir ecosystem are required to stake ATH tokens as an initial commitment. This staking mechanism ensures that participants are financially aligned with the platform’s goals. In addition to being a symbol of commitment, staked ATH tokens also serve as a safeguard against potential misconduct. If any node operator’s behavior deviates from the platform’s standards or exhibits any form of misconduct, these tokens will serve as collateral and they will be at risk of having some or all of their staked ATH tokens slashed.
Regarding the token distribution, as shown in the above figure, Team and Advisors: 17.50% of the tokens are allocated to the team and advisors. These tokens have a vesting period of 18 months, followed by a 36-month linear vesting period. Private Sale: 11.75% of the tokens are allocated to the private sale, with a vesting period of 12 months cliff, followed by a 24-month linear vesting period. KOL Round: 1.50% of the tokens are allocated to the KOL (Key Opinion Leader) round. Its vesting is 10% at the TGE (Token Generation Event), followed by a 3-month cliff vesting, and then a 15-month linear vesting. Reserve: 4.75% of the tokens are reserved. These are 100% vested in the TGE. Ecosystem Incubation: 8.00% of the tokens are allocated for ecosystem incubation. The TGE has a 50% vesting period, followed by a 24-month linear vesting period. DAO Treasury: 6.00% of the tokens are kept in the DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) Treasury. The linear vesting period of these tokens is 48 months. Checker Nodes: 15.00% of tokens are allocated to Checker Nodes. Vesting is done according to the rewards program for containers and checkers. Edge/Enterprise/IDC: 30.00% of tokens are allocated to Edge, Enterprise, or IDC (Internet Data Center). Vesting of these tokens is done according to the rewards program for containers and checkers. As of now, the price of ATH is $0.001577. In the past 7 days, the price of ATH has increased by 8.78%. The market cap of ATH is $157,741.11 and the market cap ranking is #5713, indicating that ATH is relatively small in the cryptocurrency market. According to self-reported data, the total number of ATH tokens in circulation is 100,000,000.
Mining Rewards
Aethir’s choice to allocate a large portion of its Total Token Supply (TTS) to mining rewards is a strategic move to strengthen its ecosystem. This highlights a clear recognition of the value of its contributors. Here are the important reasons for this allocation:
Supporting Node Operators: Node operators are the backbone of Aethir, providing the necessary computing power. The bounty fund is designed to attract resource providers to join and keep them committed.
Adherence to container standards: Aethir relies on containers to provide computing resources. Through appropriate incentives, Aethir attracts the most efficient resource providers.
In short, mining rewards are more than just a distribution, they are an investment. Aethir is betting big on the community, ensuring the platform is not only viable today, but also strong in the future. Mining rewards are strategically divided into the following parts:
Rendering Proof of Work: Node operators are rewarded with tokens as an additional incentive for completing computational tasks within the ecosystem. This encourages supply-side entities to join the Aethir ecosystem and provide valuable processing and computational work. Upon completion of a computational task, Rendering Proof of Work is exclusively assigned to a container.
Proof of Capacity: Compute providers can earn Proof of Rendering Capacity to prove their readiness to provide compute services. Providers can earn rewards even when they are not actively working, incentivizing them to join the ecosystem, reducing the risk of participation.
4. Team/Funding
Aethir is led by an experienced and accomplished team with a proven track record of success in both technology and business. Its CEO Mark Rydon has held key positions at NOTA Platform, Flux Capital, Gaas LTD, Kulture Athletics, Inc., and Bechtel Corporation. CBO Daniel has held positions at Mythos Venture Partners (GP), IVC (Venture Partner), YGG SEA (CIO), Riot Games (Head of International Publishing Management), and Riot Games China (Head of Operations).
Aethir's financing history to date has been marked by significant achievements in raising funds to support its development and expansion. Through the Initial DEX Offering (IDO) and other financing rounds, Aethir has successfully raised a total of $11.53 million. The public sale has raised $2.53 million, of which 22 rounds of financing totaled $9 million, accounting for 78% of the total financing. This financing values Aethir at up to $15 billion. Aethir's financing rounds include: An IDO on the Impossible Finance platform from March 18 to March 22, 2024, raising $1.34 million at a token price of $0.013. Another IDO on Solanium from March 12 to March 14, 2024, raised $234.77K at a token price of $0.0159. A private placement was conducted on DexCheck Pad from March 11 to March 13, 2024, raising $1.38 million at a token price of $0.014. A pre-Series A round was conducted on July 26, 2023, raising $9 million at a valuation of $150 million. This round of financing was led by well-known investors such as HashKey Capital, Merit Circle, and Sanctor Capital.
5. Future development analysis
Overall, Aethir is an ambitious project that has the potential to transform distributed cloud computing infrastructure for gaming and AI-related applications. The network's founders aim to create an open, affordable, and accessible high-performance platform for developers, where they can create and deploy applications without having to worry about dealing with server space. In addition, the public node sale completed in March of this year marked a key step forward for Aethir. As the node network continues to grow, Aethir can become a viable alternative to traditional cloud computing solutions. However, Aethir still faces several challenges: Competition: The cloud computing market is already crowded with established players. Aethir needs to demonstrate its cost-effectiveness and scalability to attract users. Network security: It is crucial to maintain a secure and reliable network using distributed infrastructure. Token economics: Aethir's long-term success depends on the stability and value of its native token ($ATH). If the network can deliver on its promises, it has the potential to become one of the leading cloud platforms in the blockchain space. All things considered, it can be said that Aethir is an innovative crypto project.
