Node operators

Alpha Vantage has become the first cloud-based financial data API company on the blockchain with an official chainlink node — catapulting the blockchain development scene into a gold-mine of untapped potential.

So what’s the fuss about?

Blockchain technology

The blockchain is an “immutable incorruptible decentralized transparent digital ledger” which means (in English):

No one individual has sole power over the system (decentralized)

It cannot be tampered with (immutable and incorruptible)

Everyone can see every transaction that has happened (transparent digital ledger)

This gives the power to no big government or company. It lets everyone have just as much authority as the next and proves you own something. To quote CryptoManiaks.

Bitcoin and blockchain are sometimes used interchangeably, but it is important to emphasize that Bitcoin is not blockchain, it was just built on the blockchain.

2. Chainlink

Previously, data outside the blockchain could not be integrated into the blockchain. Meaning, if you wanted to build a stock or FX exchange on the blockchain (which would be a public exchange where everyone could see EVERY TRADE, a HUGE jump in the democratization of data), you would be unable to since you it would be impossible to get price data…

Chainlink to the rescue.

Chainlink is consistently selected as one of the top blockchain technologies by leading independent research firms such as Gartner. It is well known for providing highly secure and reliable “oracles” (a chainlink term for those who don’t know) to large enterprises (Google, Oracle, and SWIFT) and leading smart contract development teams.

What’s an oracle? These are what allows external data to be placed on the blockchain.

3. Alpha Vantage

At Alpha Vantage, its vision that data is for everyone. Its quest for all things open-source, the democratization of data, and leveling the playing field.

Integrating with Chainlink allows them to do just that. Their vision, security, and simplicity made it easy for them to integrate on their platform. Now the possibilities for applications are endless.

A truly transparent stock exchange

Immutable historical data forever moving forward

No more “curtain” that shadows the financial world

Or even…. more decentralized synthetic assets… see Synthetix

Secure Data Links as a Chainlink Reviewed Oracle

Secure Data Links became one of the reviewed oracles live on Chainlink Mainnet. Their node infrastructure employs Kubernetes to maintain node uptime guarantees with reliably fast response times.

Secure Data Links Direction

For Secure Data Links, network integration is number one. The Brisbane based team are solution-oriented and specializes in providing secure inputs and outputs for any smart contract needs. They are focused on being a trusted, long-term service provider for the Chainlink network whilst building relationships with other oracles, data providers and smart contract creators.

Behind the scenes, SDL has been developing solutions that will help to build layers of trust and reliability for the entire Chainlink ecosystem. SDL intends to release more on the staking platform when the penalty deposit functionality is further built out by the Chainlink development team.

After recently competing in the Chainlink Virtual Hackathon and submitting its prototype for a LINK Total Return Swap SDL intends to continue to illustrate exciting use-cases for smart contracts powered by Chainlink, in the finance space and elsewhere. A massive congratulations go to the Chainlink team and all other competitors for such a great hackathon.