Decentralized Content Distribution Network

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a decentralized content distribution network using Cardano, enabling secure, censorship-resistant sharing, transparent royalty payments, and fair compensation for content creators.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The Project will be made available under the MIT License, providing full transparency and allowing developers the freedom to utilize, alter, and share the code without limitations. This code will be hosted on GitHub, offering a clear and open platform for collaboration and engaging the community.

[METADATA] Horizons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The Decentralized Content Distribution Network (DCDN) addresses the limitations of centralized content distribution platforms by leveraging Cardano’s blockchain for transparent access control, automated royalty payments, and a fair compensation system. Centralized platforms currently impose high fees, control visibility, and are susceptible to censorship. This reduces creator freedom and limits their earning potential. Our solution aims to empower content creators and provide a better experience for consumers.

How We Perceive the Problem: Centralized content distribution platforms control the entire lifecycle of content, from storage and distribution to monetization and audience reach. This concentration of power results in:

• High fees that reduce the earnings of content creators.
• Restricted control over how content is monetized and shared.
• Vulnerability to censorship and data manipulation.

Reasons for Our Approach: We believe that by decentralizing key aspects of content distribution, we can give creators full ownership and control over their work while ensuring that transactions are transparent and fair. Using Cardano’s smart contracts, we can build a foundation where payments, royalties, and access control are automated, enabling creators to focus on creating valuable content without worrying about intermediaries taking a significant portion of their revenue.

Who Will the Project Engage? Our project will engage three key groups:

1. Content Creators: Artists, writers, video producers, and other creators who want a transparent and equitable way to monetize their work.
2. Content Consumers: Individuals who seek access to diverse, high-quality content without being restricted by regional or platform-based censorship.
3. Community Participants: Developers, validators, and curators who will contribute to the ecosystem through development, content validation, and engagement.

Impact Demonstration and Proof: The success of this project will be measured through:

1. Successful MVP Launch: Development and deployment of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that showcases key functionalities like content upload, access, and royalty distribution through smart contracts.
2. Community Feedback and Iteration: We will gather feedback from the Cardano community and iterate based on their input to refine the platform.
3. On-Chain Transactions: The number of transactions related to content access and payments will indicate active use and adoption of the platform.

What Makes Our Solution Unique? The DCDN differentiates itself by focusing on the integration of automated smart contract mechanisms for payments and royalties, rather than solely on content storage. This approach ensures that creators are compensated fairly and instantly, and all interactions are transparent and secure. Additionally, the use of Cardano's blockchain provides a robust foundation for future scalability and interoperability with other blockchain-based solutions.

Who Will Benefit and Why This is Important to Cardano: The primary beneficiaries will be content creators who are currently disadvantaged by centralized platforms. By providing them with tools for ownership, transparent payments, and direct audience engagement, we enable a fairer ecosystem. This project is important to Cardano as it demonstrates the potential of blockchain to disrupt traditional industries, attract new users, and showcase the power of smart contracts for real-world applications.

The DCDN will serve as a showcase for how blockchain can be used to create fairer systems and will contribute to the overall growth and adoption of Cardano by highlighting its capabilities in decentralized application development and content distribution.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The Decentralized Content Distribution Network (DCDN) will have a transformative impact on the Cardano community by demonstrating a new use case for blockchain technology and driving on-chain transactions through content-related interactions. This project will provide content creators and users within the community with a new way to engage, share, and monetize content in a transparent, fair, and censorship-resistant manner.

Impact on the Cardano Community:

1. Increased Adoption and On-Chain Activity:

• The DCDN will encourage more users and creators to join the Cardano ecosystem, creating new on-chain transactions related to content uploads, payments, and interactions.
• Increased adoption of Cardano’s smart contracts for real-world applications will validate its utility beyond traditional financial use cases.

1. Showcasing Cardano’s Capabilities:

• The DCDN will demonstrate the versatility of Cardano’s blockchain in facilitating content distribution and payment automation.
• Successful implementation of this project will serve as a reference for other developers and innovators looking to build dApps on Cardano, highlighting the platform’s capabilities and scalability.

1. New Opportunities for Community Members:

• The project will create opportunities for community members to participate as validators, curators, and reviewers within the content distribution network.
• Community developers can contribute by extending the platform, creating new features, or integrating other decentralized technologies.

Measuring Impact:

The impact of the DCDN will be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of On-Chain Transactions: Track the number of transactions generated by content uploads, access requests, and automated royalty distributions.
• User Adoption Rate: Measure the number of active users and creators joining and interacting with the platform.
• Revenue Generated for Creators: Assess the amount of revenue earned by content creators through the DCDN platform, compared to traditional platforms.
• Number of Smart Contract Interactions: Count the number of interactions with smart contracts for access control and royalty distribution.

1. Qualitative Metrics:

• User Feedback and Satisfaction: Gather feedback from content creators and consumers regarding their experience using the DCDN.
• Community Engagement: Measure the level of engagement in community discussions, feature requests, and contributions to the project.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

The outputs and opportunities resulting from this project will be shared with the wider Cardano community through various channels:

1. Open Community Updates:

• Regular updates will be shared on Cardano forums, Catalyst updates, and social media platforms to inform the community of progress, milestones, and opportunities for engagement.

1. Open Invitation for Collaboration:

• Community developers and Cardano enthusiasts will be invited to contribute to the project, either through development, testing, or providing ideas for future improvements.

1. Final Project Report and Open Knowledge Sharing:

• At the end of the project, we will publish a comprehensive report detailing the development process, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
• Key learnings and findings will be shared through documentation, tutorials, and articles to provide a resource for future projects within the Cardano community.

The DCDN project aims to enrich the Cardano ecosystem by driving adoption, creating real-world utility, and fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and growth.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has a strong background in blockchain development, content distribution, and project management, making us well-equipped to execute the Decentralized Content Distribution Network (DCDN) project successfully. We have a track record of delivering blockchain-based projects, and we adhere to high standards of transparency, accountability, and community engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Team Experience and Expertise:

• Blockchain Development Expertise: Our team includes experienced blockchain developers with proficiency in smart contract development on Cardano and other blockchain platforms. We have successfully developed and deployed smart contracts that manage automated payments, access control, and governance mechanisms.
• Content Distribution and System Architecture: Our team members have backgrounds in building scalable content distribution platforms, both in traditional and decentralized setups, ensuring we can deliver a robust and efficient system.
• Project Management and Fund Handling: We have previously managed project budgets and ensured proper allocation and utilization of funds through clear financial planning, reporting, and milestone-based fund release.

Steps to Validate Project Feasibility:

1. Technical Feasibility Study:

• Conduct a thorough feasibility study to define the technical requirements for integrating Cardano’s smart contracts with our content distribution architecture.
• Evaluate existing decentralized storage solutions and determine the most suitable integration approach.

1. Proof of Concept (PoC) Development:

• Develop a PoC to validate core functionalities such as smart contract-based royalty distribution and automated access control.
• Test the PoC with a small group of users to gather initial feedback and identify potential technical challenges.

1. Community Engagement and Feedback:

• Engage with the Cardano community through forums and workshops to gather input and validate our approach.
• Incorporate community feedback into the design and development process to ensure alignment with the needs of the ecosystem.

1. Partnership and Collaboration:

• Establish partnerships with experienced developers and content creators to validate the technical design and ensure the platform meets industry standards.
• Leverage existing resources and expertise within the Cardano community to strengthen the project’s feasibility.

Trust and Accountability Measures:

1. Transparent Financial Management:

• Detailed financial reports will be provided to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

1. Regular Project Updates:

• We will maintain regular communication with the Cardano community and Catalyst participants through monthly updates on the progress, challenges, and next steps of the project.
• We will share demo videos, technical documentation, and user guides to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.

1. Open Source Code and Audits:

• While the project is not required to be fully open source, we will consider open sourcing key components of the DCDN for transparency and community contributions.

1. Community Testing and Feedback:

• The MVP will be released for community testing to gather feedback and refine the platform based on user input.
• We will engage early adopters and key community members to validate the platform and ensure it meets expectations.

Conclusion:

Our team’s experience, combined with a clear strategy for feasibility validation, financial management, and community engagement, makes us well-positioned to deliver the DCDN project with high levels of trust and accountability. We are committed to transparency, regular updates, and active collaboration with the Cardano community to ensure the success and impact of this project on the ecosystem.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

UI Design & Architecture Planning:

Description: In this initial phase, we will focus on designing the user interface (UI) and planning the technical architecture of the Decentralized Content Distribution Network (DCDN). This involves creating wireframes, mockups, and defining the overall system architecture, including smart contract interactions and frontend-backend integrations.

UI/UX designs completed for core functionalities

System architecture and workflow diagrams outlining smart contract interactions and decentralized storage.

Frontend Development:

Description: Implement the frontend based on the finalized UI/UX designs. Develop the user interface for content creators and consumers to interact with the platform.

Functional frontend application that allows users to register, upload content, and view content.

 Backend and Smart Contract Development:

Description: Develop the backend infrastructure and smart contracts necessary for content access control, royalty distribution, and transaction management. This includes coding and testing Cardano smart contracts for payments and implementing backend services to support the frontend interactions.

Backend services.

Smart contracts.

Integration of backend and frontend components.

MVP Development and Documentation:

Finalize the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) by refining frontend-backend integration and ensuring smooth interaction with smart contracts. Prepare comprehensive documentation and tutorials for users, including guides for creators and developers. Conduct thorough testing and finalize the MVP for public release.

functional MVP that allows users to upload, access, and content.

documentation.

Project close out video and report

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

1: Yosef Daniel: Software Engineer | Technical Lead

• Experienced in programming languages such as Plutus, Haskell, Lucid, Mesh and Marlowe to build and deploy smart contracts.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)
• Experience: Proficient in server-side programming languages, database management, and API integration.
• Responsible for backend development and platform integration.

Responsibilities:

• Linkedin Profilel: Linkedin
• Responsible for smart contracts and blockchain related technology's.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experienced in database management and API integration.

2: Naod Ararsa: Full-stake developer

• Programming Language: JavaScript, C, C++, Typescript, python, and haskell
• Library’s and Frameworks: Plutus, Node js, Fastify, Express js, hardhat, React Js, Flask
• Databases: Mongodb and MySQL
• ORM and ODM: mongoose, Drizzle and sequelize
• Linkedin
• Github

3: Meheret B.: Project Manager/Technical Lead

• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)
• Email: anulomeheret@gmail.com
• Role: Oversees project execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.

Our team has actively participated in numerous projects closely related to this endeavor. Each team member is fully committed to executing this idea, drawing from our collective experience in implementing similar projects to a high standard of excellence

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

UI Design & Architecture Planning: 25,000 ADA

UI/UX designs completed for core functionalities

System architecture and workflow diagrams outlining smart contract interactions and decentralized storage.

Frontend Development: 30,000 ADA

Implement the frontend based on the finalized UI/UX designs. Develop the user interface for content creators and consumers to interact with the platform.

Functional frontend application that allows users to register, upload content, and view content.

 Backend and Smart Contract Development: 40,000 ADA

Backend services.

Smart contracts.

Integration of backend and frontend components.

MVP Development and Documentation: 35,000 ADA

functional MVP that allows users to upload, access, and content.

documentation.

Total: 130,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the Decentralized Content Distribution Network (DCDN) project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by efficiently utilizing resources to deliver a unique use case that promotes adoption and drives on-chain activity.

Our budget allocation is structured to prioritize key areas of development that have a direct impact on the ecosystem, such as smart contract integration, automated royalty distribution, and secure access control. The project will bring value by showcasing how Cardano’s blockchain technology can be applied to real-world scenarios, attracting more developers, content creators, and users to the platform.

We are focused on creating an MVP that demonstrates Cardano’s potential without over-investing in high-cost development activities. By focusing on early-stage design, research, and prototyping, we ensure that each milestone contributes to the overall viability and feasibility of the project, allowing for a scalable solution with minimal risk.

The cost of the project is aligned with industry standards and the level of expertise required, ensuring that funds are used responsibly to build a high-quality solution. By leveraging smart contracts to automate processes such as payments and access control, the project minimizes the need for ongoing operational costs, delivering long-term value to the Cardano ecosystem beyond the initial development phase.

Ultimately, this project is an investment in the growth and expansion of Cardano’s utility and real-world adoption, serving as a model for future decentralized applications and bringing innovative use cases to the forefront of the blockchain industry.