The IOST Network utilizes a proof of believability consensus algorithm to solve the issue of Scalability Dilemma. The PoB consensus ensures that the blockchain offers high transaction throughput without compromising the level of decentralization or security within its ecosystem. IOST's underlying blockchain technology achieves high scalability and high transaction throughput through efficient distributed sharding (EDS), a sharding technique that allows the network to process transactions in parallel.

The user-friendly blockchain also ensures gas-free transactions on its network, making it a far more attractive platform to use than current blockchain technologies such as Ethereum, which suffer from concerns related to high gas fees. Its design makes the decentralized technology accessible and capable of ensuring mass adoption by lowering entry barriers for decentralizing online services.

Developers can code dApps for the IOST Network using JavaScript, one of the most widely used and preferred programming languages. This eliminates the need to learn a new programming language, further supporting the blockchains accessibility.

Since its mainnet launch in 2019, the IOST Network has experienced zero downtime since September 2022. This makes it far more robust and reliable than several more established blockchain networks operating in the cryptocurrency market.

The Internet of Services proprietary blockchains public testnet was launched on 30 June 2018. Its team of developers successfully launched the IOST Network mainnet in February 2019, six months ahead of schedule.

The IOS Foundation, the organization responsible for developing and maintaining the blockchain, was founded in 2018 in Singapore. Notable Internet of Services project investors include AlphaCoin Fund, ChainFunder, Consensus Capital, BitBlock Capital, Continue Capital, Fund, Sequoia Capital, Matrix Partners, and more.

The initial funding for the project was raised through a private sale held in January 2018. Twenty-one million IOST tokens were allocated as per the initial supply during this fundraising round, of which 40% were assigned to investors, and 60% of the total token supply was assigned to the project and its founders. The team raised $35 million worth of ETH in this round to start work on the underlying architecture for a decentralized economy.

The unique features of its blockchain technology have made the Internet of Services grow to serve over 500,000 users globally. Supported by more than 400 nodes operating across 20 countries as of September 2022, the IOST Network is well on its way to achieving its goal of becoming the preferred infrastructure for decentralized internet services.

Investing in IOST could be a good option as it is the native cryptocurrency of a blockchain network that promises high speed, scalability, and security. Adding tokens like IOST is a great way to diversify your portfolio, especially if you wish to invest in assets with high value. The Internet of Services project drives mass adoption of decentralized technologies, which could make IOST more valuable. With the rising adoption of its technology by dApp developers and consumers, the IOST price could increase, making it a crypto asset worth investing in. Additionally, an improvement in the overall market sentiment towards cryptocurrencies could also drive up the IOST price, supported by higher buyer interest.

It is impossible to make an accurate IOST price prediction over any duration. However, based on its past performance, the Internet of Services price and market cap could experience volatility. Factors such as the adoption of its ecosystem by dApps and users, changes in $IOST staking, and market sentiment can influence the price. As of September 2022, the IOST price remains well below its all-time high. Supporting fundamentals and investor sentiment could see the price of Internet of Services token reclaim its highest price level and possibly reach new highs.

The IOST token has several uses within the ultra-fast Internet of Services ecosystem:

• Staking: Community members can stake IOST on the Internet of Services blockchain to contribute towards securing the network. Staking is done through voting, where $IOST token holders can vote for existing nodes and lock their holdings in exchange for rewards in IOST crypto.
• Buy and Trade: The IOST coin is a popular cryptocurrency for trading and investing. It can be bought or sold against other cryptocurrencies, and its long-term potential makes it an attractive investment option.
• Earn Passive Income on BYDFi: BYDFi offers two options to grow your IOST holdings. You can lend liquidity for IOST through crypto lending or stake IOST via BYDFi Earn to generate a stream of passive income.

The IOST Network achieves high throughput through several mechanisms:

• PoB Consensus Algorithm: Nodes in the network are classified into believable and normal categories. Believable nodes process transactions quickly, while normal nodes validate and verify transactions.
• Efficient Distributed Sharding (EDS) with Distributed Random Protocol (DRP): EDS and DRP enable horizontal scalability by using non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs and publicly verifiable secret sharing.
• TransEpoch Node-to-Shard Transition Assignment Protocol: Allows new nodes to join the network without disrupting existing nodes' operations.
• Micro State Blocks (MSBs): Enable pruning of the blockchain's storage for higher efficiency and throughput.

Staking $IOST on the IOST Network involves the following steps:

1. Install the iWallet app browser extension and set up an account.
2. Fund your iWallet with IOST tokens purchased from BYDFi.
3. Visit the IOST Network's producers page to vote for Servi or partner nodes.
4. Select the node you wish to vote for and enter the number of $IOST you want to stake.
5. Confirm the transaction and start earning passive income from staking $IOST.

An alternative way to stake $IOST is through BYDFi Earn, where you can stake IOST and earn rewards conveniently.