1.4.3 Technology Roadmap

The development of the DGT platform began in 2017 as a fork of the Hyperledger Sawtooth blockchain. It emerged as a response to the requirements posed by various application tasks, such as the creation of a distributed marketplace, necessitating the development of a modular blockchain platform with iterative functionality. During the development process, several fundamental technological solutions were adopted, which significantly transformed the composition of the platform's software, altered key parameters, and resulted in the creation of an independent product:

Transition to a Hierarchical Structure. The platform moved away from the peer-to-peer network architecture and transitioned to a hierarchical structure, aligning more effectively with the ecosystem approach of the digital economy.
Adoption of F-BFT Consensus. The platform implemented the F-BFT Consensus, enabling faster transaction processing and incorporating the classic Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) approach in a dynamic network setting.
Graph-Oriented DAG Storage. The storage of the ledger underwent changes, transitioning to a graph-oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) storage model. This approach offers efficient data organization and retrieval within the platform.
Enhanced Authorization and Data Management. To meet the requirements of Enterprise IT, the platform introduced changes in the authorization mechanisms and data management, ensuring compliance with enterprise-grade standards and security protocols.
Tokenization and Minting Mechanism. A tokenization and minting mechanism was implemented to support the platform's economy. This mechanism enables the creation, issuance, and management of tokens within the network, facilitating value exchange and incentivizing participation.
Refactored Cryptography Layer and Decentralized Identification. The platform underwent a refactoring of the cryptography layer, strengthening the security and privacy aspects. Additionally, support for decentralized identification was incorporated, ensuring reliable and verifiable identification of participants within the network.

The DGT Platform is driven by several key technological priorities that guide its development and functionality:

Integrated Security System. The platform places a strong emphasis on security, leveraging modern cryptography in combination with an end-to-end consensus mechanism. This ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and immutability of data stored and exchanged within the network, protecting against unauthorized access and tampering.
Unified Economic Model. The DGT Platform operates within the Internet-of-Value paradigm, embracing tokenization as a fundamental aspect of its economic model. This enables the representation and exchange of value within the network, fostering a dynamic and efficient ecosystem where participants can engage in token-based transactions.
Open Technical Implementation. The platform prioritizes openness in its technical implementation, facilitating the dynamic evolution and development of the system. By embracing open standards and protocols, the DGT Platform can integrate with various technologies and adapt to emerging trends, ensuring its longevity and compatibility with evolving industry standards.
Combination of Breakthrough Technologies and Classic IT Architecture. The DGT Platform strikes a balance between utilizing innovative and disruptive technologies while adhering to proven and reliable IT architecture principles. By incorporating breakthrough technologies alongside established best practices, the platform ensures a robust and stable foundation for secure and efficient data processing.
Confidential Data Exchange and Secure Multiparty Computation (SMPC). The DGT Platform recognizes the importance of confidential data exchange over the blockchain. To address this, it adopts secure multiparty computation (SMPC) techniques, which allow for collaborative computations on encrypted data without exposing the underlying sensitive information. This ensures the privacy and confidentiality of data shared within the network, opening possibilities for sensitive applications and use cases.

The DGT Platform has undergone iterative development, with each iteration enhancing the functionality of the previous version. The platform is founded by a Canadian-based company, which is reflected in the naming convention of DGT versions. The names of DGT versions draw inspiration from Canadian toponyms and utilize the language of North American Native peoples, such as Cree, Algonquins, and more. This naming approach pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the region and adds a unique touch to the evolution of the platform.