RainMaker - DeFi to GSM

Challenge****Overall Goal: To Bring Millions of Telecommunication Users of Non-Smartphones (Feature Phones) to the Cardano Smart Contracts Eco System.

Safety in Numbers Proposal

Introduction

RainMaker is integration between:-

Chainlink Decentralized Oracle and USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM - Global System for Mobile Communication) protocol that is used to send text messages, USSD is similar to Short Message Service (SMS). 

USSD uses codes made up of the characters that are available on a mobile phone. 

For Example, **Tom,**wants to send 10 ADA to Jon, **Tom,**will type in his Phone:-

*222*5421*10*055695475#

and Press Send

Where

222: send ADA command

5421: Tom Wallet Pin Code

10: Amount of ADA

055695475: Jon Phone Number = Wallet Address

(RainMaker will translate the phone number to Wallet Shelley Address By a naming solution like ADA Handle)

Chainlink

Is a decentralized blockchain oracle network built on Ethereum? The network is intended to be used to facilitate the transfer of tamper-proof data from off-chain sources to on-chain smart contracts.

Why USSD?

• Because it's well known and Simple to use by users.
• Ultra-Low Bandwidth required, it works even if you have one bar of signal.
• Built-in all Mobile Networks since 2G, no need to invest for resources.
• Works in both Feature Phones or Non-Smartphones and Smart Phones.

Why Chainlink?

• Chainlink decentralized oracle networks provide tamper-proof inputs, outputs, and computations to support advanced smart contracts on any blockchain.

• The Chainlink Network helps secure tens of billions of dollars within the DeFi ecosystem by connecting hybrid smart contracts with high-quality data and off-chain computation, Leading projects across DeFi choose Chainlink.

• New DApps and Smart Contracts using Chainlink every day.

• Cardano partnered with Chainlink to accelerate the development of its DeFi ecosystem, it will be fully working by early 2022.

RainMaker System Topology

If you see the Figure above

RainMakeractually is the Chainlink Node Server in the DMZ or demilitarized zone (in Network Security DMZ means the Computer Network that is exposed to the internet) the benefit is to keep all your servers and data hidden from the internet in the backend network, but only connected to the DMZ.

Chainlink Node is built and designed to be the building block of the Chainlink Blockchain, just like a living cell in the body, and Smart Contracts will communicate with the Node through its External Adapters using Link Crypto Currency for fees and security, also there is more security keys and measures securing Chainlink and make it the first choice for DApps developers.

OpenCode USSD Center As a pioneer in USSD technology, Opencode Systems has been involved in the world of mobile network systems for the past 20 years. As of 2020, Opencode USSD Gateway is used by more than 50 mobile operators worldwide, which is the best indication of its success.

Business Model 

RainMaker is Chainlink Node but combined with OpenCode USSD it is also a Telecom Service Provider, so First you need to get the required licenses and comply with government regulations, Second you need to partner with a Mobile Network Operator, all Telecom companies had a Value Added Service (VAS) Department responsible for making such deals.

Market selection is key, the initial market should meet these criteria:-

• Mobile Network Operator using OpenCode USSD technology.
• Mobile Network Operators must comply with Digital Financial Services Security Assurance Framework, issued by the ITU-T Focus Group Digital Financial Services.
• Good environments for foreign investment.
• A large population in underdeveloped countries.

++KENYA++meet all the above.

Work Models Potentials

• There is a Market for Chainlink Nodes (https://market.link/) where developers of DApps could authenticate to use any Node and pay fees with Link currency.
• Building partnership with DApps developers and Mobile Network Operators to become the middle man in the technical side and the business side.
• Building our own DApps with our own Crypto Token for example StableCoin wallet.
• Providing Blockchain and Smart Contract access for Mobile Network Operators.
• Users' activity MetaData is Gold.

We could encourage governments to adopt Cryptocurrency by:-

• A lot of charity organizations are looking for cheap and easy ways to transfer money directly to beneficiaries' pockets, and RainMaker will achieve that.

• StableCoin wallet will Save the wealth value of money and protect users from high inflation rates.

• Promise to invest some portion of the income in the same country's market to add value for raw materials exports by building processing and packaging establishments and creating jobs.

Proposal Goal: To Create Prof Of Concept Model:-

We want to send Crypto Tokens from one Feature Phone to another using USSD and Decentralized Oracle.

Key Performance Indicator KPI and Definition of Success

• Installing and Running the Oracle. 
• Installing and Running the USSD Server.
• Making History by Sending Crypto from one Non-Smartphone to another.

Budget

• 10000$ well paid to the Team members for their time and efforts, we are looking for Developers                     and Oracle operators.
• 5000$   will be spent as credit in AWS. 
• 10000$ will cover the license cost for the Small factor USSD Server.

Definition Of Success for the Next 3 month

1. January   2022 Installing and Running the Oracle.
2. February 2022 Installing and Running the USSD Server.
3. March      2022 Making History by Sending Crypto from one Non-Smartphone to another.

Proposed Proof of Concept Test Date Monday,28 February 2022

Highlighted Comment

Hi Tareq,

Nice proposal. Some points/questions.

• - What are current providers asking for fees? By going to the length of using a blockchain? Your solution is a centralized custodial of funds (no need for a blockchain?). 

How does this project differ from other similar service providers that use this model (a telephone communication-based transaction builder)?

• - Why would you want your own token/wallet? Is it for governance? And why a wallet? I would encourage you not to reinvent the wheel. For an initial project, focus on the core. Of course, these things are possible in the future but the funds that you are asking for can only get you so far. Make a clear line between what needs to be done and what is nice to have.
• - You write: User metadata is gold. What are your intentions with this statement? Personally I am not a fan of using this data 1) without permission of user (users have the choice to opt out of it) 2) Users a compensated if they provide metadata.
• - I am still missing a bit of info on security. You will be a custodial of the funds of the users, how do you to intend to be a secure holder of these funds? Do you use smart contract that restrict certain payments?
• - You state that 5000 of the requested funds will be used to 'pay' the team. I think that is fair but also I would like to question, do you have any other funds behind the project? If you need multiple developers they won't work for that budget.... How is your organization future proof in that sense? You gave options for a business model but the income for that is in the future.

Looking forward to your reply!

Comment by Fermat

Replay

Dear fermat Thanks very much for your comment.

I want to clarify that we are not responsible or holders of any crypto assets.

• We are building a Link between Smart Contracts like DeFi StableCoin wallets and non-smartphone users.
• We want to Provide Blockchain developers with a technical way to communicate with non-smartphone users through existing telecom networks, it is a big Users Pool Especially in Africa and the Under Developed countries.
• In order to do so, the DevOps will additionally be required a business agreement with Mobile Network Operator MNO and also required legal agreement with governments to license the Service.

From our experience, we must be partnered with Smart Contract developers to provide one full application for a government license and business agreement with MNO.

For this Proposal, we will build a Proof Of Concept only, because the License for a Full USSD server is more than 100K dollars, so we are using a very simple USSD server connected to a Chainlink Oracle, the Oracle will communicate with a Decentralized Wallet in the Test net.

I hope we could use Ardana or any other Wallet As A Service solution, it's very difficult to build our own.

We are now considering using Charli3 Oracle its Native Cardano Oracle, instead of Etherum Based Chainlink.

Since the project will be highly regulated, access to users' Meta Data will be subject to government regulation for Privacy and Data Governance.

We are looking for team members, people that want to participate in creating new solutions and provide their time and knowledge with almost nothing in return, at least in these Proof Of Concept Project.

**Proposal Video:**https://youtu.be/fGrHUKwFb34