What is Internet Computer? A guide to the popular new crypto

The cryptocurrency Internet Computer burst onto the scene in May 2021, and it quickly vaulted into the top 10 most valuable cryptocurrencies, behind such well-known names as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin. While its ranking has slipped, it remains among the top 40 most valuable crypto coins.

With literally thousands of cryptocurrencies already in existence, it seems like the world doesn’t need another. But Internet Computer has a different goal than many crypto coins. Here’s how Internet Computer works and why it stands apart from much of the cryptocurrency pack.

What is Internet Computer crypto?

Internet Computer (ICP) is a cryptocurrency or digital token that allows users to create apps, websites and other web-based services. The cryptocurrency was created by the Dfinity Foundation, and it’s backed by well-regarded venture capital firms Andreesen Horowitz and Polychain Capital.

The premise of the cryptocurrency is that it can be used as a way to re-create the web but in an even more decentralized form. Think of it as a decentralized computer network that could run a new or different version of apps on the web. For this reason, the project’s founder says it has the capacity to challenge internet titans such as Google, Meta Platforms and Amazon Web Services.

Other opportunities include apps for decentralized finance – called DeFi in the sector. Such DeFi apps could use cryptocurrency to replicate (or replace) typical financial processes.

And given its highly decentralized network, Internet Computer can scale its capacity with increases in demand, says Dfinity.

So it might be more useful to think of Internet Computer less as cryptocurrency (in the typical sense of currency) and more as a network that uses blockchain technology to power apps.

How did Internet Computer become so popular?

The popularity of Internet Computer can be traced to at least three things:

• Its immense potential: The cryptocurrency’s founder has made big claims about the potential of the cryptocurrency to displace, or at least nudge, internet behemoths from their lofty positions. These claims include the speed of the cryptocurrency, its ability to scale quickly and its ability to drastically reduce computing costs.
• Backed by big name investors: Andreesen Horowitz is a big-name venture capital firm, while another key investor (Polychain Capital) specializes in venture capital for crypto. The backing of well-regarded investors brings others to the party.
• Promotion: Some market analysts came out early on with price targets for the new crypto coin, and have projected huge price increases over the coming years. Understandably, that hasn’t dampened investors’ enthusiasm one bit.

Of course, part of the early price rise in Internet Computer also had to do with the bullish climate for cryptocurrencies generally. The year 2021 was a great time to capture the public’s imagination with big stories and raise big money to continue a cryptocurrency project.

How Internet Computer differs from other cryptocurrencies

One of the biggest questions about any cryptocurrency is how it differs from any other crypto. Here are three ways that Internet Computer stands out from other players:

• It allows anyone to create software on the internet. The technology allows anyone to use its blockchain technology to create apps and lets them do an end-run around the big tech companies.
• It runs on a decentralized network, not the cloud. In contrast to many other blockchains that run on the cloud, Internet Computer runs on a dedicated hardware set up by independent parties, according to Dominic Williams, founder of Dfinity.
• It’s fast. While completing transactions using some cryptocurrencies may take 30 minutes or more, Dfinity boasts that its crypto operates at web speed.

Again, it may be useful to think of Internet Computer as something different from currency in the sense that the term is generally used.

Where can you trade Internet Computer crypto?

Despite its popularity, you may not be able to trade Internet Computer crypto at just any broker or exchange. But at least two of the largest exchanges do offer it. Coinbase, which conducted its IPO in 2021, allows users to buy, sell, convert, transfer or store the crypto, and Binance also offers the ability to trade the coin. Meanwhile, you can also trade Internet Computer on the somewhat-smaller exchange Gate.io as well as a number of other small exchanges.

Bottom line

Internet Computer promises some huge benefits, but those trading the cryptocurrency would be wise to understand what exactly they’re buying. That’s all part of risk management when dealing with cryptocurrencies, which exhibit volatile price swings and can easily shake out less experienced traders. So it can be easy for individuals to become caught up and make emotional decisions without considering their long-term objectives.

Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.