Good day everybody,

Welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things crypto. This is my post as entry for the Tectum SoftNote Writing Contest hosted here on Publish0x. The article will take a look at the Tectum Blockchain along with the advantages it offers users with its proprietary algorithm.

What is Tectum?

Known as the world's fastest Blockchain, Tectum considers itself as 'a lightning-fast distributed ledger powering the superconductive digital financial environment of the future.' Big claims and a big statement to make in the blockchain space, but Tectum backs it up as their blockchain is capable of processing over 1 million transactions per second!! In doing so they can also provide instant event status delivery & ownership updates. Tectum outperforms every other blockchain in existence thanks to its use of the proprietary record change signature management algorithm.

This algorithm allows for the Tectum Blockchain to store hashes which are mapped back to the original data stored at a lower level. This is done instead of the normalised method of storing the data directly in the blockchain. In doing so this allows the blockchain to negate the pitfalls of heavy transaction-related data clogging their network, instead making use of hashing to encrypt and sign bundles at the end of every transaction while also archiving it.

This system then allows for the event-related data to be instantly verifiable and publicly accessible on the blockchain, while also ensuring that different levels of accessibility are provided to different transaction-related modules. When choosing which blockchain to make use of, Tectum is the go to option for lightweight and high-volume applications. Along with this Tectum is also especially beneficial for record-keeping meaning users could use it for the storage of multiple records such as municipal, legal, logistics, and billing.

The applications for Tectum do not end there however, with Tectum also facilitating "Internet of Things" applications such as recording the geo-position of a drone in the sky or systems status of a vehicle several times a second! Due to Tectum's superior speeds it is theoretically considered a less secure blockchain in the traditional sense. Blockchains which are slower are conversely considered to have greater security capabilities. Tectum is the exception to this rule given it has separated the levels of data into multiple tiers. In doing so they have ensured the event hashing process is run on top of a database which ensures the faster retrieval of data items while keeping the main-net flow free from any heavy data processing.

The high speed available on the Tectum Blockchain not only put it ahead of its competitors, but also ensures its reliability due to its three levels of nodes in the blockchain. With the master node designed to carry all the heavy weight data, there is also an upper level that conducts communication with hashes. The hashing is the lifeblood of the blockchain, and Tectum hashes roughly everything from packets to blocks. All of this is kept on the upper level of the blockchain to ensure continued super speeds. 

When compared with other notable blockchains there is no real comparison as Tectum’s unparalleled speed surpasses every other blockchain currently available. This alone makes it a perfect choice for those requiring both high-volume & high-speed distributed ledger activities and can be used from financial transaction processing to real-time digital record-keeping.

Examples of other notable Blockchain speeds are shown in the image below, with key players such as Bitcoin (7 Tnx), Ripple (1,500 Tnx) and Fantom (300,000 Tnx) all lagging behind the unrivalled power of Tectum (1,000,000 Tnx).

The T12 Protocol

While Tectum is unrivalled in terms of its blockchain speed, there is so much more to experience and on offer than just pure finite speed. The blockchain was accepted and incorporated into MetaMask back in September / October 2023, but the benefits are not limited to noncustodial wallets. Users have the luxury of sending Bitcoin for free without paying expensive gas using the T12 protocol, while crypto exchanges will also be in a position to integrate the T12 protocol into their platforms.

Since Bitcoin was created by Satoshi Nakamoto, the key fundamental principles have always focused on decentralization, transparency, and security. While the idea of combining some of these factors together is absurd to most, such as transparency and security, Satoshi achieved this via the display of transaction details on a public block explorer, known as the ledger. This simple yet genius mechanism, where miners authenticate and authorize transactions to ensure on-chain safety, solved the problem at hand but also delivered its own issue - the transparency of the blockchain impacts the level of privacy for users.

While publishing transaction details is an essential part of the operation, it also means anyone with access can see the details of every Bitcoin payment on the blockchain This will include details like the funding wallet public key, token balance, amount sent, and receiver account details. The blockchain is required to make a request to miners to process or assign the transaction to a node, which then in turn requires this exchange of information as part of the data transfers. Once the node has authenticated the legitimacy of the transaction, it is then authorized, and like all blockchains its is immutable and cannot be changed.

Nodes or miners require the person issuing the transaction to prove that they are the “real” owner before the transaction can authenticated. This is achieved by the issuer showing their identity to the node administrator, and blockchain make use of this method due to it being the proven smartest way to authenticate ownership and enable authorization.

The unique and most attractive part of Tectum is its use of the T12 protocol, which means that the Tectum Blockchain makes use of a different mechanism that proves ownership. This is done without the need to reveal excessive details, and instead it only publishes the date, time, amount sent, transaction hash, and public keys of both parties. This is do thanks to the use of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) which process transfer requests from users.

Zero-Knowledge Proofs

So what are these famed ZKPs? Many within the crypto and blockchain space may have encountered this terminology before, but in essence a 'zero-knowledge' is a cryptographic protocol whereby the issuer proves to the verifier that a given statement is true but does so in a manner where it avoids relaying any more information required beyond the mere fact of the statement’s truth. It can be somewhat complex to initially wrap ones head around, but the process is secure and reliable. 

There are multiple types of ZKPs and they all serve various purposes in the field of cryptography. Some of the fundamental concepts related to ZKPs are:

• Basic Idea - The idea in its simplest form behind ZKPs is to convince someone else that you know a particular piece of information without revealing the information itself.

• Three Key Properties -
  • Completeness: If the statement is true, an honest prover should be able to convince an honest verifier of its truth.
  • Soundness: If the statement is false, a dishonest prover should not be able to convince an honest verifier that it is true.
  • Zero-Knowledge: Even if the statement is true, the verifier learns nothing about the specific details of the statement.

• Application - 
  • Authentication: Zero-knowledge proofs can be used in authentication processes, allowing users to prove their identity without revealing their actual credentials.
  • Privacy-Preserving Transactions: In cryptocurrency and blockchain systems, zero-knowledge proofs are used to validate transactions without disclosing the details of the transaction.
  • Password Authentication: They can be employed in password authentication protocols, allowing a user to prove knowledge of a password without revealing the password itself.

• Mathematical Techniques -
  • Interactive Proofs: The prover and verifier interact to establish the validity of the statement.
  • Non-Interactive Proofs: The prover generates a proof that the verifier can check without further interaction.

• Common ZKPs -
  • zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge): Used in certain blockchain protocols, zk-SNARKs enable the verification of transactions without revealing transaction details.
  • Bulletproofs: Used for efficient range proofs in confidential transactions.
  • ZKPs for Graph Isomorphism: Applied in authentication and access control systems.

ZKPs have a crucial role to play in the enhancement of privacy and security within various cryptographic applications, and this system is what allows the Tectum Blockchain to make transactions without the node validator ascertaining the balance in the issuers or receivers wallets. All that is included is the necessary information to inform someone that you sent them a specific cryptocurrency token, such as BTC or ETH. Thus, the T12 protocol can be considered a true definition of anonymity.

SoftNote Bills

Now that we have a clearer understanding of the fastest blockchain, what else makes Tectum a must-use besides its proprietary algorithm? Well the flagship product of Tectum of course. Known as SoftNote, this product works as the very first transactionless payment system. It gives instant payment capabilities along with a zero-fee policy for the end user. When stating transactionless they really mean transactionless, as no transaction actually takes place on native network.

This is done through the use of SoftNote, which replaces the transactions with handovers, and ensures anonymity for users to transfer Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. This is done via purchasing the SoftNote Bills through Tectum’s web wallet and mobile app, and this is turn allows Tectum to make Bitcoin into a scalable global cash system.

SoftNote is a FinTech product which facilitates a frictionless transport of value. The SoftNote Bills are a physical item which carry the value within them, and in doing so the Softnotes deal with digital values, managing fees and transaction records. These therefore become a technological rather than a logistical task as the the blockchain becomes the focal point of trust between intermediaries. The SoftNote can only be minted through the Tectum Softnote platform and it makes use of Tectum’s in-built Bitcoin node to ensure the system automatically assign and lock liquidity into a Softnote’s underlying Bitcoin address.

The process to make use of the SoftNote Bill is quite a simple and user friendly one, with the key steps in the process being:

• Crypto Wallet Creation - This is when the system creates an empty Bitcoin / Cryptocurrency Wallet through the use of the Tectum BTC node . This is done in preparation for Softnote minting and filing.

• Minting of SoftNote Bill - The process requires both a Minter (Mt) which will spend their $TET to mint a pack of 100 SoftNote bills. Each of these bills is assigned an individual serial number and the Bitcoin / Crypto amount is transferred to a Pack dedicated address. The licences for this are then applied to the Mt’s account.

• Liquidity Provision - The liquidity provider (LP) then transfers Bitcoin / Crypto to the Bitcoin / Crypto wallets of the SoftNote Bills which they want to have filled with tokens. The LP licences for these SoftNotes are assigned to the users specific Tectum account.

• Release into Circulation - The Mt then distributes their SoftNotes however they choose. This can be done is a variety of ways which will depend on the system in place. However, this can be done through direct transactions, sales, exchanges, or through a network of distributors or agents. The movement of the SoftNotes from one holder to another constitutes their active circulation an facilitates trade and exchange similar to any other currency.

• Revenue Generation - The end user spends the SoftNote and can potentially do so for retail purposes. This can lead to the retailer being charged a capped fee of 1%, which is then broken down into 20% each for the Mt and LP license holders.

SoftNote Benefits

The case for making use of the Tectum SoftNote Bills is as strong as the case for making use of the Tectum Blockchain. Among the many benefits included in the SoftNote system are:

• Anonymity - SoftNote offer much more anonymity than traditional Bitcoin wallets. This is because BTC transaction cannot be traced by a public address meaning the payment is not registered in the native network ledger when the balance is handed over.

• Zero-Commission - The only commissions paid for the handing over of funds is by retailers. This also only applies if the Softnote is received in a 'point of sale' context. The commission is of a nominal value, being approximately half that of credit cards.

• Instant Payment - The payment system works at a speed which is considered as operating at speeds quick as the receiving party able to verify and unlock the SoftNote. The Superconductive Digital Environment makes sure any feeds and delays are eliminated while also pushing towards a zero transaction fee cost. It also ensures for infinite terminal performance (transaction speed).

• Internet Independence - There is no need to rely on an internet connection as the paying party is capable of using the physical format, paper printed SoftNote bill to complete the payment without the need for using an electronic device or internet. This is capable as long as the recipient remains connected to Tectum network.

• 'Handover' NOT 'Transfer' - Users can check their store of value balance easily through checking the network and the BTC explorer. This is all achievable while the handover remains invisible on chain.

• Reversed Transaction Fees - An eticement for users is the lack of fees for senders when making use of SoftNote. Instead the retailers are charged a modest fee under 1% applicable for all incoming transactions.

• Network Independence and Isolation - The Tectum network in tandem with Softnote Bills features technological isolation from traditional banking and crypto systems. The process ensures that all payment handover is done in a mode which ensure all participants are fully protected from native networks’ performance issues. Payments can be made personally in device-to-device mode or sent through any network capable to transfer picture format files. All that's required for the successful transaction via a SoftNote is a “proof of balance”. This is easily be achieved through verifying the SoftNote balance via native (BTC) Explorer.

• Secure and Robust - To ensure security of  a SoftNote a proprietary and copyrighted intellectual property known as Softnote Pin-Codes makes use of cryptography to secure a users Softnote ownership.

• Denominated Bills - Similar to traditional and globally accepted currencies, SoftNote bills are denominated according to the following standards: $1, $5, $10, $20 etc. Just like regular cash, SoftNotes can be printed in a paper format and moved like regular cash in a wallet.

The Tectum team have been busy promoting their blockchain and SoftNotes, with promotions and appearances at major world events such as the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. Engaging with the community is a strong part of their online social media presence, with AMA's and an ongoing '12 pieces of SoftNote' quest to win a SoftNote with a value of 0.05 BTC.

There has also been the announcement of Mainnet T12 staking for the native token $TET. This is the token used to Mint a pack of 100 SoftNote bills. Users can now stake Full Nodes with 20,000 or more $TET with a first 3 month return of 20% APY plus variable additional APY. While the requirement of 20,000 $TET may seem somewhat steep -the token currently trades at around $12.79 - making the cost for operating Full Node Staking $255,800. The potential returns is eyewatering, but for those in a position to take advantage should seriously consider the opportunity to draw in a high level of APY.

At the same time one must also consider the multitude of other projects which have began with a high APY and faltered down the line. Potentially the difference for Tectum is not only its high level transaction speed and secure network performance, but its ability to change the space going forward. With plenty of existing competitions, such as the famed Bitcoin Lightning Network, Tectum is givers users the chance to explore cryptocurrency in a world without the mindless transaction fees. At 1% fee rates for the selling party, Tectum is appealing for those who want to send a nominal amount but are unhappy with the existing costs of concluding transactions. 

SoftNotes could become an integral part of society in a manner of years (if not months) when adoption is considered in a retail setting. With privacy protection such a key issue for so many the thoughts of sending or receiving crypto in an anonymous method with low costs and ease of use is the ideal solution. Factors such as economic incentives could push SoftNotes to the fore and make them not only the 'fastest blockchain' in existence, but also the 'go-to blockchain' for conducting crypto transfers.

I hope you enjoyed my take on Tectum and SoftNotes.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

Referral Links and Follow Me:

Linktree