Filament raises $5M to bring the blockchain to the Internet of things

http://fortune.com/2015/08/18/filament-blockchain-iot/

by bertm • 11 years ago

17 8 11 years ago

bertm2• 11 years ago

"To build its technology, Filament is using a series of protocols that include the blockchain transaction database behind Bitcoin; BitTorrent, the popular peer-to-peer file sharing software; Jose, a contract management protocol that is also used in the OAuth authentication service that lets people use their Facebook ID to log in and manage permissions to other sites around the web; TMesh, a long-range mesh networking technology and Telehash for private messaging."

mtgx• 11 years ago

IBM and Samsung are also working on a similar project using Ethereum, Bittorrent and Telehash:

http://www.coindesk.com/ibm-reveals-proof-concept-blockchain...

https://www.theprotocol.tv/adept-demo-ibm-samsung/

I wonder why they don't just use IPFS, too.

epnk• 11 years ago

IPFS is a cool tech, for sure. But it looks like IPFS is focused on "high throughput content-addressed block storage model, with content-addressed hyperlinks".

The file-transfer needs of DIST is simply for a decentralized method of firmware updates--as outlined in the IBM ADEPT paper.

jfolkins• 11 years ago

As someone who needs sensor data for their product, this looks pretty cool. I'd love to see the API docs.

shilpik• 11 years ago

Docs will be available soon. Shoot us an note: hello@filament.com

bizzleDawg• 11 years ago

Filiment looks like a really robust system with what amounts to "eventual consistency" for IoT data, which is great for data which doesn't need to be acted on in near real time.

1. I'd be interested to see a bit more about how they will handle systems with actuators as well as sensors - i.e. controlling things like windows and sprinklers. I think IoT gets really interesting when it's not just about sensors.

2. It will be even more interesting to see if people are wiling to allow their nodes to be used to help a neighbour get their data through the mesh. Clearly your node will use more power if it's relaying more data, so I wonder how willing people (for example farmers) will be willing to share resources like that.

temas• 11 years ago

Hey, I'm working with Filament and wanted to give you some info.

1) Our basic Tap has USB and a few analog/digital pins exposed externally for this type of control. We expect USB to be one of the larger factors down the road and are looking at ways to simplify that path.

2) You sir, are thinking well ahead and in the right places.

Feel free to email us with any direct questions! hello@filament.com

bertm2• 11 years ago

Another article on the same topic: http://www.computerworld.com/article/2969396/internet-of-thi...

"Filament looks really interesting. It would be possible to dismiss this fledgling business as a hodgepodge of buzzwords, but the credibility of its investor pool, the novel approach it seems to be taking to the problem, and the very real opportunity that exists for IoT networks all combine to make this an interesting play."

edit: a better written version: http://www.coindesk.com/filament-nets-5-million-for-blockcha...

Filament raises $5M to bring the blockchain to the Internet of things

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